SKS Bolt Question - Help Please

[bronco94]

Hey all,

I took my SKS out today for the first time and i was having some troubles with the firing pin. The pin would not strike the round deep enough to fire on the first shot. Sometimes it worked and sometimes it didn't, so I'm wondering if this is correct:

This is a picture of the bolt, with the firing pin slid as far back as it will go. I didn't force it back or anything, this is just its natural position.

I know the pin is supposed to be free floating, but I don't think it should slide this far back. (though I'm not positive, that's why I ask)

The pin slides freely in the bolt so it's not getting hung up on any grime but I'm wondering if the pin is messed up because it slides so far back.

Thanks for the help everyone,

Dan

 

[Half-cocked]

Absolutely NOT!!!! DO NOT try to fire that sucker again....

The firing pin should only protrude about 1/4" from the back of the bolt. It is inserted into the bolt incorrectly, with the wrong side (the correct side is the one with the ridge on one flat) facing the retaining pin.

 

[Half-cocked]

Try this:

http://www.surplusrifle.com/sks/boltdisassemble/hs.asp

...and this:

http://www.surplusrifle.com/videowmv/sks100.wmv]

(edit: actually, the above video doesn't show bolt disassembly/reassembly...
try this instead: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9B7X4IItVoI )

 

[bronco94]

Thank you,

I couldn't tell at first from the pictures how it was supposed to be, but once I took it apart it was clearly wrong.

Thanks again.

 

[Half-cocked]

Let us know how it goes. Also - remember that the SKS firing pin & firing pin channel should be assembled "dry" - I just give mine a shot of CLP, then wipe off with a rag, leaving just a molecule-thick protective layer. I clean the FP channel out with Q-tips and CLP and dry, likewise.

Otherwise, oil/grease in the FP channel can attract dirt and powder residue, and eventually gum up the firing pin, possibly leading to a "slamfire" - a bad thing.

One last thing, make sure the firing pin rattles loosely, and never sticks in the protruded position. A certain small percentage of them do, and this can cause slamfires. If it does, try meticulous cleaning again, if that doesn't help, try a new firing pin - or even better, a replacement spring-loaded firing pin from Murray's: http://www.murraysguns.com/sksown.htm

 

[armed ferret]

See, I never did understand why people felt the need to buy aftermarket spring-loaded firing pin assemblies, when you can just buy an SKS that came with it from the factory.

 

[Half-cocked]

See, I never did understand why people felt the need to buy aftermarket spring-loaded firing pin assemblies, when you can just buy an SKS that came with it from the factory.

Nice, but where's the rest of it?

 

[armed ferret]

*sigh*

someone's never satisfied...

early 1950 tula. eventually it'll be going to texas to take a piggy. not sure when though.

 

[Adams74Chevy]

*sigh*

someone's never satisfied...

early 1950 tula. eventually it'll be going to texas to take a piggy. not sure when though.

That's some purdy furniture on there.

 

[Half-cocked]

+1... Tradeja my Yugo for it, you never know when that grenade launcher will come in handy!

 

[armed ferret]

Thanks guys, have a yugo.