7.62 x 39 Dud or Malfunction?

[ShotgunNut]

So I've had a small hand full of failure to fires. I'm using the BragGear brand. The gun goes click but no fire, the primer has a ding from the firing pin. If I load them back in and try again, they fire. Am I dealing with ####ty ammo or a weak hammer strike? I welcome your gunsmithing advice. Thanx.

Note: My trigger group springs were pretty rusted up when I brought it home. I cleaned them up a bit but didn't disassemble the group at all.

 

[SparkOfLight]

What type of rifle are you shooting your x39 in? If it is an SKS, or a VZ 58 was the bolt properly cleaned after every outing and before it was originally fired?

Most likely light hammer strikes, but a thorough cleaning of your trigger assembly is also a fantastic idea given the rust you've mentioned.

 

[ShotgunNut]

Oh yeah, pretty important info I left out there. It's an SKS. I'll search the trigger job on youtube. I hope its simple because it looks a lot more simple than most trigger groups I've seen. Yeah the bolt has been disassembled and cleaned through. I do it every time.

 

[Leviathan024]

You strip the bolt and remove the firing pin every time? What brand of ammo and is there any cosmo in the trigger group?

 

[Pete-aarr]

I have had this happen. Notice any additional rattle when firing? I have had two firing pins break. Causes random FTF. reload old shells and BANG. If equipped remove the firing pin retaining pin and inspect. I gave mine good cleaning while in there. I used autosol giving a light polish and it helps keep it clean. Reinstalled with Murray's firing pin with spring. Bang bang bang bang bang..bang. Yes + 1 in the chamber.

 

[marc_j]

Depends what a "handful" is. With 7.62X54 (factory 10, 1970) I get about 1/200 that don't fire on the first strike; all so far have fired on the second. About the same with 1969 Chinese 7.62X39. This ammunition is "surplus" because it is beyond its useful life and FTFs are expected.
All soldiers get IA training (immediate actions) as part of basic training. Even using new ammunition, FTF is not all that uncommon.
Maybe the right answer is do nothing. Keeping your firearms clean and in good working condition doesn't hurt either.

 

[ShotgunNut]

A hand full is one in 5 every other clip or so. I've put only 200 rounds through it so far. I was thinking about trying some carb cleaner to clean my trigger group springs and inside the bolt. I did notice that when I first cleaned the bolt there was some build up on the inside around the face with the firing pin hole. I'm pretty sure I got it out but its a possibility that could keep the pin from protruding fully if that was the case. The trigger group springs were red with caked up rust. I'm sure that is impeding their strength. I scrubbed em with gun cleaner a little bit but was half assed about it because I haven't torn down the SKS trigger assembly before. What do you guys think about the carb cleaner idea or is there a better way to remove rust that you know of?

I appreciate the help so far by the way. Thanks.

 

[ljones]

I would get a new set of Wolff springs or see if you can locate a new set of SKS springs. I believe the springs have been compromised by the rust.

 

[ShotgunNut]

I would get a new set of Wolff springs or see if you can locate a new set of SKS springs. I believe the springs have been compromised by the rust.

That was going to be my next question. Where do you get new trigger group springs?

 

[ShotgunNut]

That was going to be my next question. Where do you get new trigger group springs?

I found some online but $60 is insanely expensive for a couple of springs. Don't think I wanna pay that. I'll try de-rusting the ones I got and see if that does it.

 

[ljones]

This is a whole trigger group. The separate springs are sold out: h ttp://www.marstar.ca/dynamic/product.jsp?productid=85083

Another trigger assembly. Phone them they may just have the parts you need: h ttp://www.leverarms.com/sks-parts-accessories/sks-trigger-assembly.html

 

[ShotgunNut]

This is a whole trigger group. The separate springs are sold out: h ttp://www.marstar.ca/dynamic/product.jsp?productid=85083

Another trigger assembly. Phone them they may just have the parts you need: h ttp://www.leverarms.com/sks-parts-accessories/sks-trigger-assembly.html

Thanks a lot man thats a big help. That one trigger group is 15 - 20 less than the 2 springs I found initially. Definitely worth getting a whole assembly. I'd sooner buy another sks than pay 60 buck for 2 little springs.

 

[ShotgunNut]

Well I soaked my springs in WD40 for 2 days and periodically scrubbed them with a tooth brush. Got all the restricting crud off. After reinstallation the hammer snaps forward nice and strong. I'll get the gun back together and see how she does. Thanks everyone for the helpful info. Even if I don't use it now I'll surely use it later.