The Russian Mosin Nagant Forum

Ok, so when I have 5 bullets in the mag and I try to chamber one usually whenever the bolt is almost completely closed it stops and won't move unless I force it closed. It does this for most rounds. When on the last one it seems as if the spring in the mag does not push the bullet up high enough for it either doesn't touch it or catches it then it immediately gets stuck. This is my first mosin so someone please help me.

It sounds as though you answered the question already. It's possible the mag spring is too weak. It's also possible the extractor is too tight on the bolt head, not allowing the rounds to easily seat into the bolt face. It's hard to diagnose properly over the internet, but those are my thoughts.

MarksmanTim wrote:It sounds as though you answered the question already. It's possible the mag spring is too weak. It's also possible the extractor is too tight on the bolt head, not allowing the rounds to easily seat into the bolt face. It's hard to diagnose properly over the internet, but those are my thoughts.

How would I go about fixing these?

You have checked headspace? Have you inspected the chamber walls for any broken shell bit that might be stuck in there?

Or an extremely thorough cleaning of the chamber? Really thorough cleaning.

Reading his description again, it really sounds like an extractor problem. As you feed the round with the bolt, it's not catching the round all the way into the bolt face, so when you get it in the chamber, you have to force the extractor on the rest of the way to get it seat and close on the chamber.

spend $25 on a new bolt head with extractor. Simple way of testing it. Or play with the extractor, or buy a new extractor.

A picture of the bolt head would help.

Sorry for the late reply everyone. Right now I'm at work and I'll be home later. There I'll give yall a step by step of what's going on with it and I will try to get some pictures.

1st step is cleaning the chamber really well. Hardened cosmoline on the chamber is the number one culprit of Mosin bolt problems.

I fixed my M38 feeding problem as it had a heavily worn and grooved extractor. I purchased a bolt head with a new extractor as mentioned and it looks like Finn surplus. Make sure you verify headspace if you change bolt parts. It's as smooth as my Finns now! I can cycle the rifle loaded with one finger, compared to beating it with an open palm before.

Welcome Lane64. I read your comments regarding the Mosin feeding problem and have had some of the same problems you described. I have many differnt model Mosins and various problems over the years. May I suggest you review a book titled The Mosin Nagant Rifle by Terrance Lapin. Along with basic helpful maintenance,the author also includes a history of the various types of Mosins and pictures to aid the newcomer.Other helpful data can also be found in this forum.Good Luck JGC

Clean the chamber well, thorough inspection, check headspace, swap a bolthead from a buddies gun (Check headspace again) to test. To what level did you clean & disassemble the rifle? There could be some goo in the magazine & spring. If the mag spring is sprung I may have a spare.

Good luck!