Cured my sticky bolt....

[EJTHor]

So I bought an M44 from AIM a few weeks ago. When I received it, I was pleasantly surprised. It was in extremely nice shape. Headspace was great. The bore was about perfect. Nice sharp lands, and the muzzle looks brand new. I cleaned it up well and lubricated it. I was excited to shoot it.

I took it out a week ago, and fired the first test shot. Everything went fine, until I tried to open the bolt. I could open it about half way, and then it would bind. I had to whack the bolt handle against the bench to move the bolt handle vertical. Even then, I could not extract the round. I could pull on the bolt as hard as I wanted, but it wouldn't budge. Finally, I had to smack the bolt handle rearward by hitting it on the bench. The round ejected. I tried another shot. Same result. Third time, I took a good look at the spent casing. I could see scrape marks extending from the case head about half way down the cartridge. I took a look in the chamber, and could see where the very edge of the chamber mouth had been peened over at the bottom of the chamber.

I took the rifle home, and disassembled it. Using a small rat tail file, I carefully knocked the peened section down so that it was flush with the rest of the chamber. It took some doing, but I got it to where I thought it needed to be.

Took it to the range today, and it functioned flawlessly. It's amazing how something as stupid as a tiny little peened over section of the chamber mouth can render a firearm all but useless.

[jonnyboy091373]

that may be why the rifle is in such great shape. Its previous owner was only able to get off one shot...

[desdem12]

[EJTHor]

that may be why the rifle is in such great shape. Its previous owner was only able to get off one shot...

You know, it's funny........but that exact thought crossed my mind.

[EJTHor]

Many times people sell things because they can't be bothered solving a minor problem. Hey .. Just noticed I got a 'promotion' for talking too much Why did I just think of the mrs ?

That's very true. Fortunately, I'm very good with my hands, and have a ton of mechanical skill, tools, and equipment. I've been an auto technician since 1995, and have been making knives since about 1988. Even not so minor problems won't discourage me. Very rarely do I run into a problem on something mechanical that I can't fix myself.

[SA1911a1]

Many times people sell things because they can't be bothered solving a minor problem. Hey .. Just noticed I got a 'promotion' for talking too much Why did I just think of the mrs ?

So, now it is official, you are a Major Motor Mouth! Congrats on the promotion!

[Junk Yard Dog]

Glad you got it squared away

[Slow Ride]

Good news that you solved the problem. I've got a 1930 Tula that has a rough spot on the chamber, and it is hard to cycle too. I might give the file a try. Thanks for sharing.