Anyone experience slam-fire with their SKS? Or know of it first-hand?

[bogey1]

Ive experienced it. Shot a hole through the roof of avondale rifle range.
That was years ago.

[WarPig1976]

As stated already, it's an overhyped internet rumbling.
Checking headspace on factory built rifles is another one that's over hyped. The only time a guy NEEDS headspace gauges is if he's building rifles. In reality every true gunsmith knows that it isn't that big of a deal. He will gladly charge you to check though.

[robert slabaugh]

never had it happen. damn thing still spits out cosmoline after repeated cleanings and firings!

[Pittsburgh Pete]

As mentioned, my best guess is this is a mixture of cosmoline inhibiting the movement of the firing pin, the weight of the firing pin vs. commercial ammunition primers etc.

I clean the entire bolt assembly in a sonic cleaner and have never had a problem with it. If you're still a bit worried after cleaning, there are some specialty gunsmiths online that you can check out that have various solutions in terms of lighter firing pins etc.

The MAS 49/56 has the same reputation, I have one of those too and have never had a problem.

If you have one that you have never shot before, or that you are worried about a potential slam fire, shoot it from a bench with some weight on top of the barrel (a couple of sand bags or an assistant gunner exerting some hand pressure on top of the barrel.)

[WarPig1976]

[QUOTE=If you have one that you have never shot before, or that you are worried about a potential slam fire, shoot it from a bench with some weight on top of the barrel (a couple of sand bags or an assistant gunner exerting some hand pressure on top of the barrel.)[/QUOTE]

How will that mitigate slam firing?
Chamber a round with the muzzle pointed down range, at that point if it does slam fire so what.

[dkf]

There is a taper on the end of the firing pin, tapers can hold and stick in place. When my dad was shooting his Yugo we both noticed a "thunk" that sounded like the firing pin stuck. I bought and installed a Murrays full head firing pin after that, no need to chance it. Channel and spin was cleaned spotless.

[nfafan]

The bolt is a PITA to disassemble, but do so anyway and be sure to clean the bolt until you can hear the FP rattling freely inside when you shake it after re-assembly..

[Hodgie]

The bolt is a PITA to disassemble, but do so anyway and be sure to clean the bolt until you can hear the FP rattling freely inside when you shake it after re-assembly..

Put the bolt in a cup boil up a pot of water and pour it in then watch all the liquified cosmoline come bubbleing out.

[WarPig1976]

Put the bolt in a cup boil up a pot of water and pour it in then watch all the liquified cosmoline come bubbleing out.

Amen, the key to cosmoline is heat!!. Works on bayonet scabbards and anything else with nooks and crannies. A heat gun is another friend of a Milsurper.

[joeyj]

Yes, and it will empty a stripper clip so fast you will never have time to get your finger off the trigger.