Polish M44 Loose Bayonet

[lejarretnoir]

Have a '52 Polish M44 and find the bayonet flopping around when folded. I don't see any wear and I think it's always been that way.
For now I have a rubber band holding it tight against the stock. Anyone else have this problem with their M44 and how did you correct it?

 

[mlehtovaara]

It might be on backwards.

Take it off, and turn it 180 degree's and see if that helps.

It is the angles of the bayonet that contact the lug that should hold it against the barrel bands.

 

[lejarretnoir]

No, can't turn the lugs 180 and the blade part makes no difference either way turned.

 

[mlehtovaara]

Why can't you turn it?

Not the bayonet, but the sleeve assembly that locks it in place.

 

[lejarretnoir]

Like I said the blade part or sleeve assembly makes no difference.

 

[mlehtovaara]

Pics might help.

I have mine sitting here in front of me and can't understand how it would be all that loose.

Mine moves when folded but not alot, and I can't say it rattles.

 

[mlehtovaara]

Mine moves almost more up and down then side to side.

If it isn't worn the only other thing I can imagine is the spring is wrong, or not strong enough.

Possibly taken apart and lost the original spring?

 

[mlehtovaara]

h t t p://forums.gunboards.com/archive/index.php/t-34056.html

Last suggestion might help.

 

[Eric_911]

My suggestion: pull up your skirt and tighten that screw that has been peened into place.

 

[lejarretnoir]

h t t p://forums.gunboards.com/archive/index.php/t-34056.html

Last suggestion might help.

Yea it moves more than an inch.
Thanks, I'll give that a try.
I remember doing something similar to an SKS that worked like a charm.

 

[lejarretnoir]

After milling off the lugs a little to tighten it I got it so only 1/4" flops around, then used a brass hammer to lightly peen the lug edges a little on the sight/bayonet mount. All nice and tight again.
I can see that the lugs from the front sight/bayonet mount are not very hard and with use will wear causing the slop.

Now comes the Sweets 7.62 solvent and the copper mine in the bore.