SKS Firing Problem

[McCoolium]

So I get out to the range yesterday after months upon months of not shooting anything. I was really excited because I was taking one of my buddies out who has never fired a gun before and he wanted to try the SKS. I loaded it up and handed it to him, he pulls the trigger... *click. I wait a minute, cycle the action, he pulls the trigger again... *click.

The firing pin falls, but it is barely making a dent on the primer. you can vaguely see where the pin struck it but obviously it isn't enough to set off the charge. I've taken the thing apart and everything looks in good shape, there is no part that seems excesively worn. To date I think I've only put about 150 rounds through her and she has never given me any problems.

Any ideas on how I can track down the problem?

 

[VanIsle]

pretty simple question, but does the firing pin have lots of free float? Does it move around freely? If not clean it like no tomorrow and it should be good as new.

 

[McCoolium]

actually right after I posted I realized that the pin was protruding off of the pin block by about 1mm and it is stuck there. I can't free it up and the retaining pin won't budge. I think I'm going to soak it in some WD30. Anyone have a reccomendation as to how I might make this thing work?

 

[Ceska]

Take you bolt apart and clean it properly.

 

[VanIsle]

It is possible you've installed the firing pin backwards... we've all done it so don't be ashamed

 

[gunasauras]

Throw said SKS away and get another.......they are expendable.....

 

[McCoolium]

lol I hear you gunasauras. The thought is crossing my mind, but why get rid of a rifle that just needs a few hours of work?

The pin is in correctly I assure you. Aside of course from the fact that it is jammed (reminicent of slam fire). As for taking it apart, that is the problem Ceska; I can't. The retaining pin won't come out, I bashed that SOB with a hammer and punch and she wouldn't let go.

Ideas?

 

[gunasauras]

New Bolt Time?

 

[PerversPépère]

Dunk that bolt assembly in some penetrating solvent such as Kroil and let it soak at least 24 hours then try again with punch and hammer but fashion a hardwood block to support it (with a hole to place the retaining pin over).
Good luck!
PP.

 

[Ceska]

Dunk that bolt assembly in some penetrating solvent such as Kroil and let it soak at least 24 hours then try again with punch and hammer but fashion a hardwood block to support it (with a hole to place the retaining pin over).
Good luck!
PP.

PP has the right idea, use the heaviest hammer you can wield as well.

You CAN get that pin out.

 

[McCoolium]

Alright I've got the retaining pin out, but the firing pin won't budge, I can't pull it out of the pin block to save my life. I've tried latching onto it with vice grips too. she just doesn't want to come out... Ideas?

 

[BEARMAN]

A new firing pin from Marstar is listed at $7. Order one and when it arrives remove your stuck one by any means even if it gets damaged.

 

[ckid]

Try using a small punch thru the firing pin hole(bolt face). I suspect your pin may be broken and piled up causing it to be stuck.

 

[McCoolium]

oh yeah, I just got her out. She was in rough shape. There was a lot of gunk in there so I polished her up and let the block sit in some oil over night but she is right as rain now.

Thanks for the help.

 

[david doyle]

I love a thread with a happy ending!

 

[seba]

sks problem

I had a friend with a firing problem (small dent like yours in primer) after close inspection you could see that the barrel was coming out and the bolt face could not reach the cartidge.