Local help w/my SKS?

[OldSkaterDan]

Hi all.

I'm looking for someone local to the York area who has experience with the SKS's. Specifically, mine's a Yugo, and I'm having trouble with FTF/FTE.

I've cleaned it twice since I got it, and it still jams, The last time I shot it I had to hit the bolt on the bench to dislodge the case. As far as I can tell it's an original Yugo 59/66.

First time out, no jams, just FTE's. Only after thorough cleaning did I have the major jams.

I did the paper clip gas tube fix, but it didn't help. Being a noob to milsurp rifles, I'd like to find a shop where I can just drop it off and say "get it working".

Thanks,
Dan

[jbg23]

Does it FTE after it gets warm or cold? My old SKS did that when hot. The cosmoline would start to melt and make the casings stick in the chamber. I had to heat it up, and when the cosmoline would start to melt clean the heck out of the chamber with hoppes. That fixed it.

[RLS]

I strongly suspect that you have the gas valve in the wrong position. Make sure the gas valve is forward and to the right. Most likely you have it set for the grenade launching.





Rick

[TJB63]

Hey OSDan,

Not sure what the PaperClip Fix is but, Have you completely disassembled the Gas tube, Piston and all that good stuff? As Mentioned If the Divertor Valve isn't in the correct position that will cause problems also. Every Yugo SKS I Have or Had, Required a Complete Gas System Cleaning. Pretty Easy to do.

Not sure where your'e at in York, But I'm in the Southern end.

Good Luck
TJB

[Pector55]

Dan,

What are you up to tomorrow? I get out of work at noon and I could look at it, then we could test it up at the range on Rt74. I wouldn't mind trying out my new CZ-52 while I'm there. I would love to try out my new golf ball launcher but I don't think they would appreciate it there. LOL

Or, if you want, you could drop it off tomorrow and I could take it apart, put it back together, and test it out when I take the kids shooting on Saturday.

[wizzegun]

I didn't think you could make an SKS not work! I'm sure it's something small. I have seen people fight with a Yugo for an hour to get it to work. When they asked for our help, we flipped the gas valve open for them. I have also seen people grease the op rod and that caused malfunctions. These should be run dry (in case you didn't know.)

Did you strip it completely? Here's a link. http://www.surplusrifle.com/sks/carbine/index.asp

[nijwnfi]

Without looking at the rifle, sounds like chamber needs cleaned out. Get some automotive brake parts cleaner and soak the chamber. That dissolves cosmoline like crazy. Are you shooting lacquer coated steel case ammo? In a tight chamber this can cause sticking also. Brake Cleaner will work for both. Oil lightly afterwards. I also use this to clean the gas piston and tube. Oil very lightly afterwards, then wipe it down well, gas system parts should be dry. That's the easiest cheapest thing to try at this point.

[Pector55]

I didn't think you could make an SKS not work! I'm sure it's something small. I have seen people fight with a Yugo for an hour to get it to work. When they asked for our help, we flipped the gas valve open for them. I have also seen people grease the op rod and that caused malfunctions. These should be run dry (in case you didn't know.)

Did you strip it completely? Here's a link. http://www.surplusrifle.com/sks/carbine/index.asp

Mine would hang up on me before and I found that I just had to take it apart again and use a Qtip to get some stuff out of behind the gas valve. Also,when I added the receiver cover scope mount, I had to file it down a little or the bolt would stick. Other than that, mine has been perfect. I like my SKS better than my AKs or AR.

[weaselchew]

Without looking at the rifle, sounds like chamber needs cleaned out. Get some automotive brake parts cleaner and soak the chamber. That dissolves cosmoline like crazy. Are you shooting lacquer coated steel case ammo? In a tight chamber this can cause sticking also. Brake Cleaner will work for both. Oil lightly afterwards. I also use this to clean the gas piston and tube. Oil very lightly afterwards, then wipe it down well, gas system parts should be dry. That's the easiest cheapest thing to try at this point.

What he said... If you have to smack the bolt open, I'd suspect a dirty chamber is causing at least part of your issue(s). Also, if it's not cycling properly, make sure nothing is clogging the gas system anywhere, especially near the valve.

[OldSkaterDan]

Wow, thanks for the replies, everyone!

I forgot to mention that after the last time out, I cleaned the chamber and bolt again. I also freed the stuck (open) gas valve and cleaned the gas port.

So my plea for help may have been premature. *Note to self: No posting after consuming more than 3 beers!

I've been hesitant to go to the SGL range with hunting season coming, figured it'd be really busy. I'll try to shoot it this weekend and post the results.

Pector, thanks for the offer. I'll be in touch if it still acts up.

I love this site!