Jamming problem???

[delcoman]

I bought a Norinco pre-ban underfolder a few months back and have only had it out shooting one time. That time almost every other casing failed to be fully extracted, thus requiring the use of the forward assist to clear it. I doubt the ammo was the problem it was Wolf and I've never had any problems with it in my SKS. The rifle was/is clean, and I can only think that either the main recoil spring needs replaced? or something's wrong with the extractor?

How do I test either of them to see if they need replaced? Any help appreciated.

Thanks,

Delcoman

[Jhansen]

Delcoman, You didn't give any details of exactly how your rifle doesn't extract. When I get a semi-auto gun in with a customer complaint of extraction failure, I first shoot it myself and try to duplicate the problem. Does it stove pipe, or leave the case in the chamber entirely? Then I look closely at a fired case. Is it smooth or does it have a rough appearance? Are there long scratches running the length of the case? (Ignore that last one on HK's. They have fluted chambers that leave marks normally.) Is there a large nick or tear in the case rim?

Next, I strip the gun and examine the extractor and ejector. Is the extractor hook sharp and long enough to grasp the case rim? Slide a fired case under it and see how it holds. Is the ejector present and has it been damaged? Next, take a look at the gas piston. Is it smooth and shiny or does it have burrs?

A rough or badly scratched case indicates a rough chamber that needs to be polished. A nick or tear in the case rim may also indicate a rough chamber but can also mean the extractor needs work or replacement. If the extractor appears to not hold, it needs to be replaced or reshaped. The ejector, if missing or damaged, needs replacing. Burrs on the gas piston can be gently stoned away for a smooth sliding fit. The recoil spring is hardly ever the culprit.

Underpowered ammo can cause extraction failures but you said you have used the same ammo with good results in an SKS so I doubt that one. There is also the long shot possibility that the gas port might be partially blocked by fouling or even a small metal burr.

Hope this helps.

[CHAINSAW]

One thing to remember on the semi-auto copies of the select fire AK's is that that chambers aren't cut the same. I f you'll notice, go look at a parts kit from an actual military rifle and look at the way the chamber is cut. Then go look at your semi-auto, you'll notice that they're cut differently.I've heard of problems like you have. You may either want to have the chambers finished out to their true form, like on the select fires. Another thing you may want to do is replace your extractor claw and the spring assembly itself. A weak extractor spring or worn claw may be your problem. I would probably check the primer pocket on your spent cases to see if the firing pin mark is centerd or not. Hope I helped somewhat. ;)

[negative1x]

CHAINSAW:

The same issue applies to AR15s and M16s, here generally the commercial bbls are cut for target use and usually are problematic for full auto. In the realm of AKs and M16s if the chamber and bore are chromed they most likely are full auto military cut chambers.

[Jahbroni1]

"That time almost every other casing failed to be fully extracted, thus requiring the use of the forward assist to clear it"


Since when do AK's have a forward assist?

[Independence Arms]

Forward assist on an AK is like forward assist on a Garand or MIA.

You push on the cocking handle on the bolt versus pull to chamber a round.

Randy

[delcoman]

Thanks to all who have replied, but shortly after I posted this problem the ak-47 site went down, so I posted a similar question on the gunsnet site, got some answers and tried some things.

Here is the update,

the failure is not an extraction issue, I messed up in my original wording on my first post. The actual problem is the failure to chamber the second round, the bolt carrier never comes back up to the chamber after it extracts the 1st case. I have decided that it is either the recoil spring (too weak) or I need a buffer in the back of the receiver to keep the carrier from getting jammed back so far and sticking.

I've not received my buffer yet, and the next time a local gun show comes to town I'll hunt for some recoil springs....

..delcoman