Thanks to 3-D and Pecheneg!
Why did that bolt get destroyed? Poor quality or was the rifle using Yugo mags? I don't see why hitting the mag follower would be any different from hitting the T-81 bolt hold open parts.
Hi Norwegian, well if BHO effect is due to magazine follower, then on the last round the bolt hits hard magazine follower again and again, and, provided we have stupid 5 rounds limit, this happens really 4-6 times more often than in normal jurisdictions without this stupid limitation. This leads at best to a magazine wear and at worst to the bolt damage. So I strongly recommend not using BHO-magazines unless you shoot 20-30 round magazines and even then, BHO due to magazine follower is very unhealthy for the bolt. The problem is not only a bolt wear, but also forced angle of the bolt, so there is not only force along the barrel that acts on the bolt, but also an angle force.... not good, imho. Best is when BHO is integrated into the firearm: VZ58, T81. Bad when it is removed: SKS-KD. Worst, when BHO is effectuated via magazine construction: stupid M10x, presumably modern rifle, decide to use 1950 mechanism of no BHO from AK, and reliance on BHO from magazine... crazy piece of sh.t. The only reason why I prefer SKS-KD over T81 and VZ58 for survival purposes: milled receiver AND acceptance of most AKM/AK47 mags with NO any mods. I still like my VZ58 and T81 for other reasons.
As this is T81 mods branch, I will mention what I like re: T81: fire switch-better design than in SKS, very very reliable-I have not experienced a single fail after 2000 rounds, buttstock and pistol grip and forend feel like AK47AKM. Internals remind me AK, which I really miss, I like open sights of T81, stamped steel of the receiver is beefy enough to mount AK style side mount with some minimal mods, T81 accepts VZ58 forend lower furniture with almost no mods=room for tacticoolists, installation of the side rail/mount is really easy and easier than for SKS (which is beefy milled), it is pretty accurate in my hands, not as accurate as my specific SKS (this is a beauty of milled) with #1 on the front sight, but fine for the storm rifle, tolerates dirt and abuse... etc. I understand all this smoke about it being overpriced etc, but... if you are deprived from AK, and provided that some SKS cost already 700-900$, 1000$ for a new T81 it is OK. Buy two folder and non-folder while you can.
Meanwhile, in Albuquerque and Innisfail, AB..... that's why buy ASAP: anything: SKS or T81, refrain from M10x