I took the Remington Sportsman 58 for a spin, wanting to see what the fuss was about. Well, I’ll tell ya, it’s a pretty impressive firearm, but it’s not without its challenges.
While the Sportsman 58 has its merits, it also has some issues that could use a little attention. During my time with it, I ran into Remington Sportsman 58 Problems like erratic firing, magazine issues, barrel troubles, and a somewhat finicky trigger.
But don’t worry, it’s not all bad news. If you’re experiencing these issues, too, you’re not alone; more importantly, there are ways to fix them.
I’ll review the common issues I’ve encountered and offer some practical solutions to get your Remington Sportsman 58 back in tip-top shape. So, let’s dive in and sort these problems out, shall we?
Overview of Remington Sportsman 58 Problems
| Problems | Solutions |
| Firing Problem | Clean or replace the firing pin. |
| Magazine Issue | Clean the magazine or replace its spring. |
| Barrel Issue | Deep clean or re-crown the barrel. |
| Trigger Issue | Clean the trigger assembly or replace worn parts. |
| Ejector Problem | Clean the ejector or replace its spring. |
Top 5 Remington Sportsman 58 Problems & Solutions
1. Firing Problem
So, let’s talk about the first issue: the firing pin. During my time in the field, I noticed that the gun didn’t always go off when I pulled the trigger.
Kind of defeats the purpose, doesn’t it? This didn’t happen every single time, but often enough to make it a concern.
This inconsistent firing can be alarming, especially when you’re relying on the firearm for sport or safety. Trust me, it’s frustrating, and nobody wants a firing pin that acts up when it’s showtime.
Solution
Alright, onto the solution part. The first thing you want to do is make sure your firearm is unloaded. Safety comes first, always. Then, you can disassemble the bolt to get to the firing pin.
In most cases, a good cleaning can make a world of difference. Use a solvent to remove dirt, and lightly oil the pin before returning it.
However, if cleaning doesn’t help, you might have a worn or damaged pin, in which case a replacement is the way to go. I tried both methods and let me tell you, a fresh, clean pin brings back that reliable firing we all look for. So, give it a try.
2. Issue with the Magazine
Next up on the list is the magazine issue. You can imagine my frustration when I loaded the magazine and got into position.
It just wouldn’t feed the shells correctly. At times, it was as if the magazine had a mind of its own, either jamming up or failing to push the next round into the chamber.
This kind of unpredictability can ruin your day, especially if you’re out hunting or at a shooting range trying to enjoy some quality time.
Solution
Okay, so what’s the fix? The first thing I did was make sure that the magazine was clean. Sometimes, a bit of grit or residue can wreak havoc.
So, get in there with some cleaning solution and scrub it well.
Trust me, if you’re having this problem, a good cleaning can often sort things out. Give it a shot; you might just find it works wonders for you, too.
3. Barrel Issue
Moving on, let’s get into the barrel issue. While I was out in the field, I noticed that my shots weren’t as accurate as they should have been.
At first, I thought it might be a scope problem or maybe even me having an off day. But the issue persisted.
Upon closer inspection, I found that the barrel had some imperfections. Even minor defects in the barrel can lead to inaccuracy and can be really frustrating, especially when you’re aiming for precision.
Solution
So, how do we fix this? Firstly, a deep cleaning of the barrel can sometimes sort things out. I used a proper barrel cleaner to remove any gunk or deposits. If your barrel is dirty, you’d be surprised how much a deep clean can improve things.
However, if you find that cleaning doesn’t do the trick, you may have to consider re-crowning the barrel or, in worst-case scenarios, replacing it. I opted to have my barrel re-crowned, and the difference in accuracy was night and day.
So, if you’re experiencing barrel issues, don’t ignore them; take the necessary steps to address the problem. Trust me, it’s worth it.
4. Trigger Issue
Last but certainly not least, let’s tackle the trigger issue. This one’s a big deal because the trigger is your main interface with the firearm.
During my outings, I found the trigger pull to be inconsistent. One moment, it was smooth; the next, it was like pulling through mud.
An unpredictable trigger can make your shooting experience less enjoyable and can even be a safety concern. No one wants to deal with that, right?
Solution
So, how do we get that trigger back to its responsive self? First, ensure your firearm is unloaded—I can’t stress this enough. Then, you can get to work on the trigger assembly.
Just like with the firing pin and magazine, sometimes all it takes is a good cleaning. Use a solvent designed for triggers and follow up with a light application of oil.
If that doesn’t do it, you may be dealing with a worn spring or sear, which would mean replacement parts are in order.
5. Problem with the Ejector
Alright, one more issue to sort out—the ejector problem. While out and about with my Remington Sportsman 58, I had a few instances where the ejector didn’t quite do its job.
I pulled the trigger, and the shot went off, but the spent shell just stayed put, refusing to leave the chamber. Let me tell you, having to manually remove the shell each time is far from ideal.
You’re losing valuable time, and let’s be honest, it kind of defeats the purpose of having a semi-automatic.
Solution
So, how do we resolve this? The first step is, you guessed it, unload the firearm for safety. Once that’s done, you’ll want to inspect the ejector.
Sometimes, a simple cleaning can free it up to work as intended. Use a cleaning solvent on the ejector and give it a thorough scrubbing. If that doesn’t do the trick, the ejector spring might be the problem.
Replacing this spring isn’t too complicated and did wonders for me. Suddenly, every spent shell was ejecting just like it should, making my shooting experience a lot smoother.
Final Verdict
The Remington Sportsman 58 is an intriguing piece of machinery with much to offer. Its construction feels solid, and it’s a joy to use when it works as intended. However, it’s far from perfect.
From erratic firing to magazine glitches and barrel imperfections to a temperamental trigger, I faced several issues in the field.
But here’s the silver lining: Most problems have straightforward solutions. A deep clean, a spring replacement, or, in more severe cases, part replacements can quickly turn your frustrating experiences into smooth shooting sessions.
So, while it’s not without its drawbacks, a little bit of maintenance and know-how can make the Sportsman 58 a reliable partner for all your shooting or hunting adventures.
FAQs
What is the difference between Remington 58 and 878?
The Model 878 has a “self-adjusting” gas system, unlike the Model 58.
When was the Remington Sportsman 58 made?
It was manufactured from 1956 to 1963.
When was the Remington Sportsman made?
It was introduced in 1905.
How much does a Remington 58 weigh?
It weighs around 6.8 pounds.
