Czech VZ 52 57 Rifle - Siezed recoil piston

[TheOldSarge]

Request help for former Military compadre!
He has the above Rifle, which has fired in the "Single Shot Mode' currently, after having fired proper Semi-Auto. He stripped and examined it, found that the Gas Recoil Piston "Ring" that surrounds the barrel is seized right up. So far, he has tried Varsol, WD-40, in attempt to loosen it up. Any other suggestions out there?
Thanks in advance, folks.

 

[TheOldSarge]

I just noticed the "Sticky" on this Rifle. Shall have my friend read to see if the answer may be there.

 

[WaffenMitUns]

I had the same problem!

If I was at home, I would post a picture or video of how I fixed it... In the meantime I will just try to describe it.

What you need to do is get some kind of flat chisel type thing onto the edge of that "gas recoil piston ring" which I imagine has seized up right under that big barrel nut. Then you just give it a couple taps with a hammer and it should start to move down and eventually breaking free.

At that point you should probably clean the hell out of that gas port and sleeve...

 

[Grizzly Adams]

Mine came with a special cleaning tool to look after that chore.

Grizz

 

[TheOldSarge]

Thanks for the info! Have passed it on to my friend.
I suspect the piston seized up due to firing CCA (Corrosive Commie Ammo). While he was at my place, with the barrel assembly, an old friend, who was my RSM years ago, dropped by the house. He is a Tool and Die Maker by trade. He suggested keep both sides of the barrel cool, ie with freezer packs, to prevent expansion; then apply torch to the piston. Hopefully, will expand the metal just enough to start some movement. Will keep all posted!

 

[TheOldSarge]

Thanks Grizz. My friend bought it used from another fellow; unknown if he got any tools with it. Shall have him check his kit, just in case.

 

[DaveGP]

The piston and barrel is a pretty tight fit - to unseize one of my Vz.52's, I used a crescent wrench - close the jaws on the piston and tap with a hammer on the side of the wrench. Then break out the fine emery cloth and polish the barrel up. It likely won't be the last time the piston will lock in place....

 

[DaveGP]

And the piston scraper tool came with the cleaning kit, which is a fairly scarce find.

 

[TheOldSarge]

Thanks for the replies, and thought I would sum up.
My friend took his rifle to a local Gunsmith, who will do whatever to repair.
Again, thanks.

 

[Speckfire]

I suspect the piston seized up due to firing CCA (Corrosive Commie Ammo)

Bingo, an identical problem occurred with a friends CZ-52/57

 

[DaveGP]

Bingo, an identical problem occurred with a friends CZ-52/57

Very common, as all Cz ammo is corrosive...