is this normal (Mosin)

timandkimandshea

timandkimandshea

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My fairly recent acquisition, a Mosin carbine from Trade Ex. I have fired maybe a dozen shots out of it, no issues. My question is, its pretty hard to lock the bolt down with a round chambered. I had heard that headspace issues are not typically an issue with these rifles. It is a 1944 M38 with all the metal matching, not sure of the stock. I don't have a headspace gauge. I could take it a a gunsmith if I thought it was a danger. What do you guys think??
Thanks
Tim
pic is out in the woods yesterday, still lots of snow
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Yes and no, and it depends on how you define "hard" ...

Mosins are known for being a bit stiff, but it varies a lot between rifles. My 91/30 is pretty slick, "for a Mosin" - a good friend of mine takes a rubber mallet with him to the range on Mosin day, just in case (and the mallet usually gets used by the end of the day, especially when we're at the "too tired to keep shooting but still don't want to leave yet" part of the day). He gives me an evil eye when I keep racking the bolt fairly easily while he really has to work his like he means it, even at the begining of the day before it heats up.
 
If it's only with a round that the bolt sticks I would try a different brand of ammo. I know some of the MFS I have tried in the past has been very inconsistent. A bolt that doesn't lock very well on a mosin can be a death sentence.
 
I bought two M38s with the idea that I would analyze each during range time and find out which had the better bolt, accuracy and trigger.
I haven't fired them yet, but I will see which is the keeper, and either sell the other or hold onto it for parts.

I suggest cleaning the action completely, and dousing the bolt and its parts with brake cleaner.
Then lightly oil the outside of the bolt with white lithium grease.
 
That is definitely not "normal".

My 1934 Tula 91/30 opens and closes like a charm... it never develops the dreaded "can't get the bolt open after several shots" problem.

As for yours not closing properly, that is worrisome. Start by doing a complete dismantle and cleaning of the bolt. There are several tutorials on youTube and such that will be very handy for this.

I also suggest you visit 7.62x54r.net as this site has TONS of info on MNs !!

Good luck and stay safe.
 
Relax folks, the rims on some milsurp ammo is a little thicker than normal. Because the mosin headspaces on the rim, that can lead to some resistance when the bolt is closed. I have never seen a mosin with loose headspace but there are plenty of them on the tight side.
 
If there is a bunch of cosmoline and dirt in the extractor cut out it can also prove to be difficult to close.

By chance does it do the same thing with an empty case or an empty chamber?
 
The bolt/action appears clean, but I have not disassembled the bolt. I will do that, and also try to cycle it with an empty casing. I got the ammo not in. Spam can, but in a cardboard box of 20 - 20rd boxes, white cardboard with a white plastic divider inside. I will have a look at the head stamp. I am. Pretty sure it is surplus.
Thanks guys.
 
timandkimandshea said:
The bolt/action appears clean, but I have not disassembled the bolt. I will do that, and also try to cycle it with an empty casing. I got the ammo not in. Spam can, but in a cardboard box of 20 - 20rd boxes, white cardboard with a white plastic divider inside. I will have a look at the head stamp. I am. Pretty sure it is surplus.
Thanks guys.
Click to expand...
Copper washed? If so, could be either PRC Chinese or S&B Czech.
 
Caleb314 said:
This might help
Click to expand...

You know, as much as some people like to rag on IV8888 for some of his "silly" videos, or teh milsurp "tested to destruction videos" (man, people can really freak out when they see a guy like this trash an Arisaka or Mosin)... Videos like this one are why I stay subscribed to his channel. He really does know his sh!t when it comes to milsurps and firearms in general.
 
timandkimandshea said:
I got the ammo not in. Spam can, but in a cardboard box of 20 - 20rd boxes, white cardboard with a white plastic divider inside. I will have a look at the head stamp. I am. Pretty sure it is surplus.
Thanks guys.
Click to expand...

Does it look like this?

This is Chinese surplus I got from SFRC - $99 for a box of 400. I find it fits and shoots well in my MN and my SVT-40.





 
Hi guys
The ammo is indeed the same, see attached pic. after watching Iraqvets video, I thought that would be it, but as shown in the pic the bolt face is not peened or deformed. A cartridge fits nicely in the recess. Maye it will loosen up, it doesn't look like its had a lot of use. the bolt was clean upon disassembly.
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