SKS problem

[Cabin Fever]

So I have this Chinese SKS that I just put together after it had been disassembled for years (trigger group removed and gas piston & spring were missing so I had to buy replacements). All the major parts match the receiver.

I tried it out recently, and the first 10 shots went fine. After that, it began having an odd problem. I would pull the trigger and nothing would happen. I was using cheap russian ammo, so i waited in case it was a hangfire, then I went to cycle the bolt and clear the round. When I *touched* the bolt handle, the rifle fired. (It was pointed down range at the berm -- always keep it pointed in a safe direction!!!)

Odd...

I tried out a few more rounds. After 2 or 3 normal shots, the above problem happened again. Does anyone have any suggestions to fix this? Since I don't know how to describe it, my online searches have been unable to find anyone with a similar problem.

 

[noxin]

Firing pin okay?

 

[SKS Ray]

Coiled spring end in the bolt carrier?

 

[Cabin Fever]

I recleaned the firing pin... it was a little dirty but not too bad.

Not sure what you mean Ray when you mention the coiled spring (I know the spring just not what might be wrong).

 

[SKS Ray]

Your recoil spring. Make sure the end that is coiled/curled is inside the bolt carrier facing towards the barrel and the straight end is seated properly in the receiver cover.

 

[ColdDayInHell]

Your recoil spring. Make sure the end that is coiled/curled is inside the bolt carrier facing towards the barrel and the straight end is seated properly in the receiver cover.

Yeah, this sounds like it for sure. Must have scared the shit out of the OP.

 

[Cabin Fever]

Alright so I have done a thorough cleaning of the bolt/carrier and have reassembled per the recommended directions. I will update after my next range trip.

Thank you everyone

 

[mac1911]

Was it a hang fire? Or did the hammer fall while fidgiting with the bolt. ?

 

[Cabin Fever]

Was it a hang fire? Or did the hammer fall while fidgiting with the bolt. ?

Not a hang fire... fired when I touched the bolt.

 

[mac1911]

Not a hang fire... fired when I touched the bolt.

I ask as I had a beater sks long time ago that would randomly fire a round without touching trigger. It took several trips and disassembly/ cleanings. We never quite figured it out. We did learn how ever the safety does not prevent the sear/ hammer from working. In the end the firearms was used for parts to complete another project. I don't know what ever came of that malfunction. My dad traded the barreld action and bolt to a gun Smith for a scope.