When diagnosing feeding issues, which assembly should first be inspected in a lever action firearm?

In diagnosing feeding issues in a lever action firearm, the feeding assembly is the most critical component to inspect first. The feeding assembly is responsible for the proper movement and positioning of ammunition from the magazine tube into the chamber as the lever is operated. If there is a malfunction in this assembly, it can result in failure to feed, misalignment, or jamming, all of which directly affect the firearm's ability to cycle new cartridges successfully.

By starting with the feeding assembly, you can identify common problems such as insufficient spring tension, obstructions, or misaligned parts that might prevent smooth operation. Addressing these issues promptly can help restore functionality before moving on to inspect other assemblies, such as the ejector, loading, or action assemblies, which may also contribute to feeding problems but are not the primary cause in many cases.