SKS Bolt Hard to stay open

[IWBR]

I just got a SKS a few weeks ago and it seems to be in good shape. It's a 1951 Hardwood refurb.

When you go to lock the Bolt open you really have to bang her down good for it to lock. Is this a issue or common on these guns? I still have to strip it down to clean everything.

 

[TheCircle]

strip her apart and clean it.

 

[IWBR]

Ok, will do.

 

[Robert Nicholson]

Cleaning an SKS is always a good idea and may fix your problem but usually the bolt holds open without any problem. Check the follower tab.

 

[IWBR]

Ok , thanks. Yes I was planning on taking everything apart and cleaning

 

[Bubba Yugga]

The hold open tab is held down by a light spring.
It should slide up and down very loosely.
With the magazine in place, the follower spring should very easily push the tab up into the path of the bolt to lock it open.

 

[Stripes]

I bet there's a nice glob of cosmoline in there if you haven't cleaned it yet. My SVT and one of my SKS were like that until I cleaned them out.

Make sure to strip the bolt down completely and degrease it too before shooting!

 

[IWBR]

Ok, I will give it a good cleaning. I know many have different ways of cleaning them but I was gonna use mineral spirits and then hot water?

Is that ok?

 

[IWBR]

Ok, what is the hold open tab?

 

[bobdbldr]

Ok, what is the hold open tab?

YouTube is your friend, lots of videos of disassembly/ reassemble the sks and how to clean!

 

[rifleman762]

If you are looking from above, it is a little rectangular block that is in front of the bolt when it is held fully to the rear.

 

[IWBR]

If you are looking from above, it is a little rectangular block that is in front of the bolt when it is held fully to the rear.

Thank you!

 

[TheCircle]

I use simple green and hot AF water to clean off the cosmo.

 

[D-Leach]

Anyone else shot a full auto svt40 its amazing

 

[Hitzy]

Had a few where the dust cover and recoil spring were full of sand out of the crate...

 

[Stripes]

Had a few where the dust cover and recoil spring were full of sand out of the crate...

Same here. I've got one that was full of sand and the trigger group springs are mostly rust. The rifle shoots great!

 

[The Kurgan]

just pour a couple of kettles of boiling water on the parts, including inside the receiver. Once all dry wipe down or spray G96 and you'll be good to go.

 

[Juster]

If something is not as it should be, check everything. Such as the firing pin and trigger group function. And enjoy in good health!

 

[Butcherbill]

Give this sticky a read, it's got real good pic to go along with how to strip and clean cosmoline as well as after shooting.

https://www.canadiangunnutz.com/for...corrosive-ammo-cleaning-lubrication-*updated*