MIM Bolt Breaks M305 2016

[joe n]

Probably a dozen posts on this already, or similar, just wanted to share my experience. Firing a 2016 M305 Norinco with 147 grain South African Berdan primed surplus. Bolt came with the rifle, serial to the receiver. Not more than 80 rounds through the pipe. Broken piece flew past my face, never made contact with my big head. Re enforced eye protection of course. Now need to find another non MIM bolt.
Can't think it was anything I did, unless anyone can think of something, other than the bolt being poor quality. Headspace is so important, but I believed since it was the original bolt, I took it for granted it was acceptable.
What really was upsetting, was that this was a rifle my boy was just starting to shoot with. Glad he wasn't behind the wheel. Thanks for listening, will enjoy learning from your expertise and input, gentlemen.
Joe

pics are horrible, will post better sorry

 

[Bracketman]

These need a recall.

 

[joe n]

better pics posted

 

[machman]

These need a recall.

These need a class action lawsuit!

 

[Mumbles Marble Mouth]

It might be because the bolt is dirty, but I can’t see the casting circles on the bolt. I think I can see one near the bolt roller.

 

[Hutchy]

How do you tell if a bolt is MIM? Also does anyone have a way to date when a the rifle was made?

 

[joe n]

Bolt is dirty because it flew past me into the dirt when it hit the ground

QUOTE=Mumbles Marble Mouth;15162767]It might be because the bolt is dirty, but I can’t see the casting circles on the bolt. I think I can see one near the bolt roller.[/QUOTE]

 

[yomomma]

How do you tell if a bolt is MIM? Also does anyone have a way to date when a the rifle was made?

Search function is your friend

https://www.canadiangunnutz.com/for...cent-import-M-14-pattern-rifles?highlight=Mim

 

[Mumbles Marble Mouth]

How do you tell if a bolt is MIM? Also does anyone have a way to date when a the rifle was made?

Casting circles. There will be a bunch of little circles which is where they poured the metal in during casting.

 

[supernova]

Someone needs to collect all these pics and stories to email to the importer and a good firearms lawyer. The shoddy craftsmanship of old pales in comparison to these time bombs.

 

[joe n]

As I sit tonight reflecting on this specific event, I think about how lucky I was that it was not one of my kids shooting today with me. All are family members of our club and shoot frequently, including these rifles. As I read more I get pretty pissed learning it’s a well known issue that’s not being taken seriously by anyone other than us.

QUOTE=supernova;15163670]Someone needs to collect all these pics and stories to email to the importer and a good firearms lawyer. The shoddy craftsmanship of old pales in comparison to these time bombs.[/QUOTE]

 

[Kayser Sose]

I do believe the circular impressions are artifacts of where the mold's ejector pins sit while the casting cools to an ejectable state.

 

[m14medic.ca]

I am really glad you were unharmed.

John

 

[joe n]

Thanks John

I am really glad you were unharmed.

John

 

[Apple tree]

yep,that sucks. Glad you weren't harmed.

You need to return this rifle to the importer and ask for a steel bolt.

When this happened to me they sent me a new rifle...

 

[Desert_Fox]

Glad you’re ok Joe.

I bet you never had a K98k do that to you...

I’ve got 4x M305, but all of them are 2003-2007, except for the shorty, which I think is 2009. Older is usually better. Those MIM parts are totally lame.

 

[Bracketman]

yep,that sucks. Glad you weren't harmed.

You need to return this rifle to the importer and ask for a steel bolt.

When this happened to me they sent me a new rifle...

Is this North Sylva, since I'm thinking about asking them for a new bolt (or rifle) too. Haven't fired this one, too scared - and not going to pawn it off on someone else!

 

[Apple tree]

yes mine was from north sylva (through SFRC)

 

[joe n]

Thanks buddy. Ive got a few of these, this one in particular was the newest for sure, and the only with MiM parts.. I would love to have NS provide a new bolt. Not sure if this is even an option. I was going to try and source one myself, but I see they re pretty hard to find.
I will tell my tale, speak my mind and get the word out as best as I can. Not sure what good it will do me though, except maybe prevent this from happening to someone else.. I love the platform, its been a lot of fun. Like I have said, if it was one of my kids shooting this would be far from the end of it.

Glad you’re ok Joe.

I bet you never had a K98k do that to you...

I’ve got 4x M305, but all of them are 2003-2007, except for the shorty, which I think is 2009. Older is usually better. Those MIM parts are totally lame.

 

[jbmauser]

Wow! Glad you're ok Joe! When I was looking for a M305 I made sure I got an older one with zero chance of it having a MIM bolt in it. So many have failed. Pretty scary stuff.