Is this bolt resistance normal?

[Lerxst]

Please advise if this resistance on the bolt/op rod action for my 'new' M305 is normal.

I just took delivery from a dealer that claimed for it as almost new and never fired. Solvent-soaked patches came out of the barrel black which has gotten me a bit skittish about this rifle. The trigger group was also tough to pull out after moving the guard to the correct position while field stripping.

In the 17 second video I pull back the op rod with predictable resistance. When I dry-fire the rifle, note that the bolt rotates clockwise a little further. I then try to cycle the action and pull on the op rod with a lot of resistance. When I REALLY pull on the op rod, the action cycles and the resistance drops back to normal.

http://youtu.be/SWPMgPuEVCM

Really appreciate any insight. Feel bad it's only my second post, but look forward to contributing as I become more experienced..

Joe

 

[Stevo]

Looks fine to me for a rifle that appears to be dry as a bone. Grease it properly.

You have to overcome the recoil spring and #### the hammer when you run the bolt after firing. It takes some effort.

 

[Lerxst]

Thanks Stevo. That makes sense. My only reference is the other gun that I just bought (1954 SKS), which is much easier to cycle. Will research proper lubing and go shoot the thing.

 

[Stevo]

Thanks Stevo. That makes sense. My only reference is the other gun that I just bought (1954 SKS), which is much easier to cycle. Will research proper lubing and go shoot the thing.

The SKS will require much less effort to run the bolt, I can see why the difference stood out for you. Make sure you use grease, that's what they're designed to run on.

 

[thump_rrr]

I have seen this on my friends M305. Remove the rifle from the stock and look at the OP rod guide.
The OP rod guide may not be centered allowing the OP rod to drag along the bottom of the barrel near the chamber.
You can take a plastic hammer and tap the OP rod guide slightly to one side or the other to center it.
If the rifle then cycles properly you can remove the roll pin holding the OP rod guide, slip off the OP rod guide, peen the surface where the OP rod guide sits and re install it.