Which part of a lever action firearm commonly causes issues if it is dirty, worn, or broken?

The loading arm is a crucial component of a lever action firearm that plays a significant role in the cycling of the action. When the lever is operated, the loading arm facilitates the movement of cartridges from the magazine and positions them for chambering. If the loading arm is dirty, worn, or broken, it can lead to several malfunctions, such as failure to feed ammunition properly into the chamber, leading to jams or misfires. This component must move smoothly for the rifle to function effectively, and any impediments can severely impact the overall reliability of the firearm.

In contrast, while other parts like the lever, ejector, and firing pin are also essential, issues with them typically do not manifest in the same way as problems with the loading arm. The lever itself is primarily an operating handle, and while wear may affect its engagement, it doesn’t directly impact loading in the same way. The ejector is responsible for removing the spent cartridge from the chamber and can cause ejection issues, but it does not interfere with loading fresh cartridges. The firing pin initiates the cartridge discharge and can cause failure to fire if malfunctioning, but it is not directly involved in the loading process. Therefore, the loading arm's condition is directly tied to the