Issue resolved - Experience of buying sks from store

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Jack13579

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Hello everyone, it was my first time buying a surplus gun https://www.solelyoutdoors.com/sks-soviet-sks-semi-c762x39.html.

When I got it, the bolt will not hold open (empty magazine ofc). I took it back to the store, the clerk told me I just need to clean it. After cleaning off the cosmoline by soaking it in a mineral spirit and brushing, it still does not hold open.
I took it back to the store again, they tried to troubleshoot but cannot fix it on the spot. They did recommend things such as cleaning again, trying to smooth the bolt catch, or removing some spring tension.
They said it's a final sale and cannot help me with it (no exchange etc) besides providing some recommendations.

Just thought what's everyone's experience with this, is this a normal thing with surplus guns (basically a mystery box and may get some non-functional stuff)?


edit - https://imgur.com/a/PJXyrpO a couple of pics I took.

Edit 2 - Thanks solely for reaching out to me and offering an exchange! Appreciate the store manager for his time and understanding.
 
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Most surplus SKS rifles are pretty good.

Some of them do have issues and most stores will replace them if they're defective. NOT ALL.

Were you talking to a counter jockey or the owner???

When dealing with a store that has counter jockeys with little to no experience, you need to be knowledgeable, but even if you are, things can and will be impossible to pick up on or see.

Those cosmo packed Russian SKS rifles are usually FTRed to as new condition and usually, after being cleaned will not have any issues.

The odd one will have issues, but it's not the norm.

Look for a mentor, close by where you live. Just ask in this thread and someone will direct you or jump in to help you, if you can't figure out the issue.

If you don't know what you're doing, don't play with anything.

Usually such things are a quick fix.
 
Sometimes all that is needed is adjusting the rear of the floorplate so it comes in contact with the hold open latch.
 
I have seen a couple that when blocked to 5 rd the follower would not catch, you have to understand how it works to fix it.
Is there a pin or plate welded on or a stop on the bottom of the housing?
A picture would help.
Surplus guns don't come with warranty's, but if the store had lots in stock, most ( good) would just give you a different one.
If you are screwing around with aftermarket mags, most of those will not hold the bolt open on the last shot, But if new surplus should be original mag pined to shot.
PS, looked at the link, that's the factory mag , I remember those at way different price point. should have saved a case.
 
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Thanks for the feedback!

https://imgur.com/a/PJXyrpO

The third photo is the bolt hold open thing - with an empty magazine inserted it will not extend out properly to block the bolt. It can be pushed if I poke it with a screwdriver. Not sure how to remove it as it is not part of the cleaning instruction I followed on youtube. I was told that it is too rough/tight.

Photo 1 - the magazine holder spring was terribly rusted, and not functioning properly. The store clerk basically told me I have to get a new spring from eBay. Any link to places to get this would be appreciated!
Photo 2 - the spring for the bolt is badly pitted - is that normal?
 
kamlooky said:
Did you read the fine print?
Firearms are non refundable.

Did you pay by Visa?
There are options there.
Click to expand...

As I said first time buying this type of gun, I do not know what to expect. The ad did say no rust & functional, but also I see what you mean by non-refundable. Again, not sure what to expect, just want to get some ideas.
 
That's a good example of poor customer service.

If the counter yokels don't have the necessary knowledge, they shouldn't be allowed to sell these guns.
 
Jack13579 said:
Thanks for the feedback!

https://imgur.com/a/PJXyrpO

The third photo is the bolt hold open thing - with an empty magazine inserted it will not extend out properly to block the bolt. It can be pushed if I poke it with a screwdriver. Not sure how to remove it as it is not part of the cleaning instruction I followed on youtube. I was told that it is too rough/tight.

Photo 1 - the magazine holder spring was terribly rusted, and not functioning properly. The store clerk basically told me I have to get a new spring from eBay. Any link to places to get this would be appreciated!
Photo 2 - the spring for the bolt is badly pitted - is that normal?
Click to expand...

Ouch! That is a pretty sorry looking SKS for "hand selected grade" at $749. I would have gone with the Chinese one. I also would not have given a penny to those scum bag gougers at Solely after their BS during the panic.

Your rifle is not "in nice shape" and is not "functional" as described in the ad. If I were you I would stop dicking around with the rifle and look at what recourse options you have to get your money back. As Kamlooky said, if you paid by Visa, that is your option for recourse.
 
Clean it again. Watch acouple youtube videos on removing cosmolene from the SKS.

My first range trip with my old sks had me experience a slam fire that nearly broke my finger... and sent a round safely down range and well away from any targets.

My fault . I did not remove all the cosmo from around the firing pin.

Geesh. Glad no one seen that.

Edit. Add.

Few things are louder than things that go bang when they should go clang
 
When SKS were $169, I’d accept doing some tweaking. At $749, that thing better be running. Demand an exchange OR file a credit card dispute as they sold you a faulty product that was not as advertised.
 
Any business that would sell a supposedly " hand picked " SKS for 740 bucks plus tax that wouldn't even fire should be ashamed of themselves . Hopefully you paid by Credit Card so that you can do a charge back . To me , when a Dealer states " handpicked " , then there should be some type of implied warranty , especially given the price .
 
I would say that your "bolt hold open thing" is corroded and not sliding easily. If you are forced to keep the rifle, I would suggest getting a good lubricant, strip the rifle down so it is easy to get at latch. Spray and then work latch until it moves freely. Put rifle back together and see if the follower will lift the latch to keep bolt open. Good luck.
 
I wouldn't expect any store to exchange an sks because the bolt hold open needs a new spring or to be actually taken apart and cleaned. Theyre surplus guns, you can't possibly expect brand new condition unless theyre advertised that way. Also if i was a dealer id be concerned about taking back a gun from anyone based on some of the heinous #### people try to "fix" guns when they dont know whats wrong...whether they admit to it or not lol. The good news is you'll probably figure it out and learn alot in the process. To me it just comes with owning milsurp guns and is part of the fun.
 
^the ad says hand select no rust. Every spring shown is rusted up. I wonder what the barrel and gas system looks like

What I see is a $250 dollar gun
 
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