Dragunov 308 problem

[hawaii43]

The rifle is not firing every time. It will fire 3-4 shots flawless and then stop for no reason. I pull the bolt back and it ejects the last case but no damage to the primer. Then I try again and again...It makes the click of the trigger....but then nothing...and as mysterious as it starts...the rifle shoots again. I tried 7.62x51 loads from 3 companies and even some 308 just to see and still no avail. Any ideas?

[dragunov]

Sounds like a firing pin problem. These .308 versions have a floating pin instead of the spring loaded type. Maybe you have damaged it somehow? I've heard there are some complications that can occur when you handload for the rifle. The manual states only copper cased ammo and I would assume military primers are preferred as well. Try pushing on the firing pin to see if there is anything keeping it from moving freely and make sure it protrudes far enough out of the bolt to be effective.

[Tread Head]

You might want to disassemble the bolt head and check for debri or such that could be periodicaly causing the malfunction.

[hawaii43]

Has anyone else had similar problems...especially with ammo?
I cleaned the bolt head completely and put some 7.62X51 made in Israel through it and it did fine...Thanks

[saleen]

Hawaii,
How long have you owned this gun, and are you the original owner? How many rounds have been fired through it? I agree with the post above which suggests a dirty firing pin. These rifles are shipped with alot of cosmoline that gets everywhere, including the interior of the bolt. With use, dirt can accumulate around the firing pin causing it to jam. Try cleaning it out with some Gun Scrubber spray by Birchwood Casey. It should knock any dirt and grease which may have accumulated in the area around the firing pin. Remember, the warrantee is good for one year from the original purchase by the original purchaser. You can contact Brolin Arms for warrantee work if you fall into this catagory.
A word of warning if you already disassembled the bolt. Make sure the pin is installed correctly, and still able to move freely. I have been warned that it is possible to install 180 degrees wrong, and potentially cause a slamfire. I don't know if this is right, as I haven't had the need to disassemble my bolt.
As to the ammo situation, I only use Black Hills 168 grain moly coated match loads. They give me the accuracy of handloads with absolute reliability. I try to stay away from the surplus stuff, as it will not perform with the level of accuracy that this rifle was built to deliver.


Saleen

[China Sports]

Here's another idea.

The sound you hear isn't the hammer dropping. Its the hammer being released from the sear and caught by the disconnector. Strip the rifle. lay your first finger on the trigger, no pressure. Pull the trigger. If the disconnector catches it you might have a problem. The carrier could be putting downward pressure on the hammer, causing it to be caught by the disconnector instead of dropping. I've seen this problem with AKs before, so its only a thought.

~CS

[This message has been edited by China Sports (edited September 04, 1999).]

[hawaii43]

I am the initial owner and first to shoot it. maybe the tracers and ball loads I used gunked up the gas system...