SKS misfires

[Christina]

I am a little new to the firearms world so if this is basic knowledge, please be patient with me!

I bought my first SKS 7.62 awhile ago. I also bought a crate of ammo for it. I've put at least 500 rounds through it so far. And about every 5 rounds, I experience a misfire. Its highly irritating. Is this because the ammo is cheap or because there is something wrong with the firing pin? And if so, what can i do to fix it?? Or should i not be buying crates?

 

[Canuck223]

First thing, is your SKS a chinese model?

Take the stock off pronto, and inspect the area where the barrel fits into the reciever. Does it look like the barrel may have moved forward, out of the reciever?

If so, or if there is any doubt, stop shooting and get it looked at.

If that area looks fine, take a look at the bolt. Is the firing pin tip OK? It should stick forward when pressed from the rear. If it doesn't move freely, pour some gas into a small jar and soak it overnight.

 

[Christina]

yes it is a chinese model

thanks, i'll inspect it tonight

 

[Kodiak Outpost]

Make sure there is no oil on the firing pin. It should be dry. The pin should rattle in the bolt when you shake the bolt.

 

[Christina]

good call. i found a lot of oil/grease in there. thats likely the issue. thanks!

 

[sixty9santa]

You may also have to give a more rounded profile to the fireing pin using a bench grinder. This has been done by some members for use with Czech surplus.

 

[OC-3]

I had the exact same issue.

Most advise to clean the firing pin, etc (good advice anyway, but not relavent in my case).

The culprit, bad Czech ammo....

Before you go crazy thinking your gun has an issue, try some different ammo.

Another box of S&B Czech (different case / year) = bang.
Crate of Hungarian = bang, bang, bang.

About 600 rounds now and not one failure to fire and extract.

What year is your ammo BTW? Where did you purchase it?

 

[Calum]

All good advice above.
Yah see if you can try diffrent ammo.

I know some of the Czech Ammo is coming up to the end of it's service life...some 'Best by Dates' are 2008.

Never thought this could happen with said ammo, but I'm told Ammo sellers are very aware of the 'best by date'.

Let us know how you do.

 

[buster]

have a look at at the primer on any misfires to see if the fireing pin is getting a good strike on it.if its getting a solid strike [a good indent on the primer]then its more than likly your ammo.if its a very weak strike[light indent] then it could be a gummed up bolt or a headspacing issue[most common anyways]have you confirmed if its a pin on barrel?

 

[Bruiseleee]

For me, the ones that misfired always went bang after I put the round in the magazine the second time.

My firing pin was a little gummy as well.

 

[agit-prop]

I'd suggest using a handheld sharpening stone rather than a bench grinder - it's a tad more controllable.

 

[RUPZUK]

It ain't the ammo .
It could be a barrel issue , make sure it never sheared a pin ( if so equiped )
Or it's the firing pin . ( This was my problem )
just remove the firing pin , wrap it in tape and chuck it in a drill and use a stone to reprofile it .
Over time they get hammered flat and don't work right ( Hit a center punch 500 times and tell me if it still has a tip . )
reassemble it dry like mentioned ealier and all should be well

 

[PrairiePirate]

Trigger was a big one for me, but to remove the problem totally, I had stone a smoother transition on the hammer. It was striking the underside of the bolt.