M 91 ISSUE

[The_Hessian]

Was at my club tonight firing a Russian Mosin Nagant; I fired a round and tried to eject the empty but the bolt will not open? Anyone have an idea?

[chauncey]

case probably split. (hopefully) empty casing still jammed in the chamber.

steel-cased ammo? most likely.

don't worry, your Mosin will be fine...

[The_Hessian]

case probably split. (hopefully) empty casing still jammed in the chamber.

steel-cased ammo? most likely.

don't worry, your Mosin will be fine...

How do I get the bolt open to remove it?

[PA Rifleman]

Was at my club tonight firing a Russian Mosin Nagant; I fired a round and tried to eject the empty but the bolt will not open? Anyone have an idea?

If the bolt handle is stuck down, you can either wrap the handle in an old towel and tap it, or get a plastic or rawhide mallet and tap it open. I recommend pulling the barrel & receiver out of the stock to protect the stock. If you find it necessary to clamp the receiver & barrel ass'y, use a soft-jaw vise or wrap the clamped area with an old tower or rag to protect the finish.

High bolt opening force is a common complaint with some Mosins, it can be caused by:

• Foreign matter in the chamber
• Defective ammunition
• Rough chamber finish (machining marks)
• Undersize chamber

[Pukindog]

Many Mosins suffer from the "Sticky Bolt Syndrone". This happens after the rifle sits for many years in grease/oil/crude. It hardens in the chamber and is very difficult to remove with ordinary cleaning. A solution ( no pun intended) to the problem is to remove the bolt. Take a short cleaning rod and a 20 or 12 gauge brush. Attach the brush to the end of the rod. Attach the rod into a drill. Apply a good solvent to the brush; insert into the chamber; turn on the drill. Move the drill in and out of the chamber. Keep plenty of solvent on the brush. Clean up with clean patches and solvent when finished. Test fire and see if bolt still sticks, if not, mission accomplished. If bolt still sticks, repeat process. If the sticking is really bad try using toothpaste mixed with the solvent.

Good luck, Jeff

[The_Hessian]

If the bolt handle is stuck down, you can either wrap the handle in an old towel and tap it, or get a plastic or rawhide mallet and tap it open. I recommend pulling the barrel & receiver out of the stock to protect the stock. If you find it necessary to clamp the receiver & barrel ass'y, use a soft-jaw vise or wrap the clamped area with an old tower or rag to protect the finish.

High bolt opening force is a common complaint with some Mosins, it can be caused by:

• Foreign matter in the chamber
• Defective ammunition
• Rough chamber finish (machining marks)
• Undersize chamber

So, just tap the bolt w a rubber mallet and this will not hurt rifle? Thanks for info...never messed w bolt action rifles before.

[PA Rifleman]

So, just tap the bolt w a rubber mallet and this will not hurt rifle? Thanks for info...never messed w bolt action rifles before.

Bolt handle, upward, in the same direction that you'd pull the bolt handle with your hand. The "malleable" composition of the mallet reduces the impact shock of the blow, preserving the bolt & bolt body.

A rubber or leather mallet won't hurt the metal parts of the rifle, maybe scuff the stock if you miss. That's why I recommend pulling the stock off.

[The_Hessian]

Bolt handle, upward, in the same direction that you'd pull the bolt handle with your hand. The "malleable" composition of the mallet reduces the impact shock of the blow, preserving the bolt & bolt body.

A rubber or leather mallet won't hurt the metal parts of the rifle, maybe scuff the stock if you miss. That's why I recommend pulling the stock off.

Thanks for the info, will try this afternoon when I get a mallet.