I recently posted that I was having problems getting my go gauge to work with my Russian capture. I have spent a lot of time reading and it sounds like one of two things. My bolt may be too long. When I take off the extractor and use only the bolt body I am having a hard time closing it on both the gauge and ammunition. Or there may be cosmoline stuck in there somewhere. I have found that it is most difficult to chamber the round when the bolt is about to close. However, a round will easily drop into the barrel. This is why I think it is one of these two issues. Does anyone think getting a new bolt body will solve this?
Mauser bolt problems
- Thread starter dhahn365
- Start date
Surplus Fan
Well-known member
In your original thread you said a round cambered without problem. Has something changed in how you were chambering rounds before?
I don't think I ever closed the bolt. I just pushed it forward to see if it closed. Either that or I damaged it and now it is having issues. If that's the case it may have been damaged from closing the bolt on the go gauge. I have noticed that closing the bolt causes metal to shave off of the brass. I might just need to scrap the gun sell it for parts.
Rustybore
Active member
Before you go out and buy a new bolt body, do the following;
1) inspect the chamber for burrs, you report that chambering results in brass metal shavings.
Look for a burr at the beginning of the chamber. That burr might be affecting the gage results.
2) thoroughly clean the chamber using your favorite cleaner and a patch wrapped brass brush.
Inspect and repeat as necessary until the chamber is clean.
3) clean the receiver locking lugs.
You might need a plastic pick and an inspection mirror to make sure you get all the dirt out.
4) inspect the chamber throat (where the riffling starts) for debris, case pieces, etc.
5) inspect the back side of the bolt locking lugs for burrs, etc.
6) inspect the bolt face for deposits. burrs, etc.
See if this helps, if not, it might be different bolt body time…..
Rb.
1) inspect the chamber for burrs, you report that chambering results in brass metal shavings.
Look for a burr at the beginning of the chamber. That burr might be affecting the gage results.
2) thoroughly clean the chamber using your favorite cleaner and a patch wrapped brass brush.
Inspect and repeat as necessary until the chamber is clean.
3) clean the receiver locking lugs.
You might need a plastic pick and an inspection mirror to make sure you get all the dirt out.
4) inspect the chamber throat (where the riffling starts) for debris, case pieces, etc.
5) inspect the back side of the bolt locking lugs for burrs, etc.
6) inspect the bolt face for deposits. burrs, etc.
See if this helps, if not, it might be different bolt body time…..
Rb.
Surplus Fan
Well-known member
That's definitely not good. Can you post a picture of the brass?
Here are a few pictures. It looks like it is scratching the brass a little bit when it first enters the chamber. There is a little notch that's scrapping it off. But upon further examination, that doesn't appear to be the thing causing it to have trouble closing. I looked down into the chamber and I cleaned it out thoroughly. It just gets hard to rotate the bolt when the safety is off. If I have the safety in the up position it closes easier than when it is to the left on fire. Also the cocking piece moves back a bit when it closes on fire. Is that normal (see video)?
Rustybore
Active member
It definitely looks like the chamber opening is burred up and is scraping the brass.
You might be able to smooth the burrs using some fine emery cloth wrapped around a wood dowel.
As far as the video, it looks like you are having some issues with your bolt shroud lock. Try pushing forward on the bolt handle as you turn it into battery and see if your problem goes away.
Rb.
You might be able to smooth the burrs using some fine emery cloth wrapped around a wood dowel.
As far as the video, it looks like you are having some issues with your bolt shroud lock. Try pushing forward on the bolt handle as you turn it into battery and see if your problem goes away.
Rb.
Well I just fired the rifle and the brass looks fine other than the neck being slightly more at an angle (barely noticeable). I used my shooting table and rifle holder rigged with a pulley and string. I hid behind a tree. I'm thinking the burr that is scratching the brass is also putting a bit of pressure on the bolt when closing it. I contacted my local gunsmith and he said it is a six week wait to check the gun, so I'm planning on borrowing a different bolt and checking it before then.
Was firing it stupid?
Was firing it stupid?
WilliM1940
Senior Member
Maybe. But did it fix your problem? Seriously, maybe you should do a chamber casting if your internals are smooth and shiny, and you did all the other inspections mentioned before. Also, I've noticed some bolt faces are completely smooth and some are spot faced. With a mismatched bolt your head spacing issues may be solved by facing your bolt. If this is true, no need to buy a new bolt as you have working material with the existing one.