sks firing pin retaining bolt falls out easily

[huntinguy]

so, i was cleaning my sks after a bit of shootin today, and i set the firing pin assembly aside, and i went back to pick it up and the pin fell out, the retaining pin just fell out and out comes the firing pin. when its in the bolt assembly, it seems fine because the pin is held in place by the bolt carrier mechanism. but it seemed strange. any ideas? should i be worried?

 

[JimboJones]

Holy Carp!

I have to beat mine near death to get it out with a punch and mallet. I would have to see the actual retainer pin to confirm but it sounds like yours might have a mixed n' matched bolt assembly. The good news is the parts don't cost much.

 

[Wulf45]

so, i was cleaning my sks after a bit of shootin today, and i set the firing pin assembly aside, and i went back to pick it up and the pin fell out, the retaining pin just fell out and out comes the firing pin. when its in the bolt assembly, it seems fine because the pin is held in place by the bolt carrier mechanism. but it seemed strange. any ideas? should i be worried?

That is Strange, I have two Norinco Chinese SKS's and when i clean the bolt's i have to tap quite hard with a hammer and punch to remove the retaining pin in order to get the Firing Pin out.It sounds like maybe your retaining pin may be worn

 

[huntinguy]

damn, thats upsetting

 

[Wulf45]

Like JimboJones has stated parts are really cheap, Marstar may have them.

 

[huntinguy]

do i need the whole assembly or just the pin that holds it in place?

 

[bobdbldr]

Didn'y you just buy that sks lately? If so I would contact the seller for a new assembly!

 

[huntinguy]

yea i did, just last week.

 

[7mmlefty]

Firing pin retainer falling out is no big issue when cleaning it.
Used to happen all the time till the firing pin blew out.
It seems to make everything tighter when you bash the firing pin back into the block after a blowout.

 

[huntinguy]

yea it goes in, and seems to operate normally, but will fall out, can i continue using it?

 

[huntinguy]

so proper terminology, the firing pin retaining bolt falls out, after that falls out, then the firing pin will come out.

 

[RobSmith]

That's why it's a bad idea to remove the retaining pin unless you need to tinker with the firing pin itself (there's a reason why soldiers were not taught how to do it). Every time you remove it it gets a tiny bit worn/looser.

 

[huntinguy]

agreed. i never tried to remove it myself.

 

[bobdbldr]

yea i did, just last week.

Ok you need to get hold of the seller ,I think I know who you bought it from and they will make it right ,I am sure,you shouldn;t have to spend any money,and if it is one of the sponsors on this site they will send you another bolt assy.

 

[huntinguy]

it wasnt a sponsor unfortunately, but i shot them an email.

 

[emmab]

I disagree with the statement of not taking the bolt apart. I know its a pain in the ass sometimes but the f/p channel should get a cleaning once in a while. Not only does it fill up with bits of primer and other crap but mine started to stain or rust where the pin is inside of the bolt body. Maybe a little peening on the f/p retainer will stop it sliding around(just don't interfere with the firing pin travel area). Lever arms in Vancouver lists SKS parts but will probably not sell just the retainer and you will have to buy a new bolt ps... levers parts are chinese and not russian which in some cases are different from each other and not interchangeable