Jammed SVT40

schmidt64

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Alright, I recently purchased a 1941 SVT40 from a fellow CGN'er and went to try her out today and, after about 7 shots of Czech surplus, the rifle jammed. The round did fire but the bolt will not slide back more than a 1/4" now. I am able to take the top cover off but that is it. Any ideas?
 
Stand the rifle up, put the instep of your boot on the bolt handle, and give it sharp tap. I've had it happen at the range and used one of the range roof posts to push against, as well.

Then clean the chamber out well and check your regulator to make sure it's getting enough gas. If it's short-stroking, it can ram that expanded steel case back into the chamber hard enough to cause it to still real tight.
 
Alright I tried this and was able to rest my entire weight on the bolt (200+ pounds) and had got no results. Should I stomp on it or would that cause damage?
 
Alright I tried this and was able to rest my entire weight on the bolt (200+ pounds) and had got no results. Should I stomp on it or would that cause damage?

It'll probably take a sharp impulse to break it loose.

Do you have a workbench with a square edge? Or a wooden post somewhere? Bring the rifle alongside the corner and drive the bolt-handle into the edge with a sharp smack. That's always worked for me.
 
It either needs more gas (larger number visible on the top of the regulator) or it's got dirt or a burr in the chamber. Is the empty you removed scored like from a burr in the chamber scratching it?

Was it a copper washed, brass, or lacquered steel case that got stuck? I'd give the chamber a real good cleaning with a bronze brush and bore cleaner. The lacquer can gunk the chamber. I'd also turn the gas up one setting.
 
I assume it is a laquered steel case because it has green paint on it. I cant see any burrs or anything besides a wear spot where the bolt was gripping the round. I'll give it a good cleaning and see how it works next time, thanks again!
 
I assume it is a laquered steel case because it has green paint on it. I cant see any burrs or anything besides a wear spot where the bolt was gripping the round. I'll give it a good cleaning and see how it works next time, thanks again!

You're welcome. Do you have a wrench to adjust the regulator to increase the gas flow? If not you can adjust it by:
-take off the handguard,
-remove the piston,
-loosen the piston cup with a wrench and back it off a bit,
-turn the regulator to the new position with your fingers,
-tighten the piston cup up while making sure the regulator doesn't turn,
-reassemble.
 
yep, you need more gas, mine does this with the czech ammo set at 1.3, but at 1.5 there is no problem.
 
yep, you need more gas, mine does this with the czech ammo set at 1.3, but at 1.5 there is no problem.

Yes i found 1.5 setting work great too. I have tried it with my old stock of chinese ammo as well czech ammo and no problems, even in winter at -30c*!

Gun list:

SVT 40 1941
russian sks 1955?/56?
russian sks unissued 1953
chinese norinco sks
cz858-2
M1 Garand Beretta
US rifle model 1917 by Winchester
Spanish Mauser fr-7
k98 russian capture 1942
Swedish Mauser m1896
Swedish AG42b 1943
Hahim 1965
russian mosin-nagant m1891 1915 dated
russian m 91/30 1928
finnish m91/30 1943
polish mosin m44 dated 1955 unissued
ross m1910
lee enfield no1 mk III* lithgow 1941
lee enfield no4 mk I
lee enfield no4 mkII 1954
 
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