Is This Dangerous? - WASR 10/63 Jagged Bolt Carrier Rail Slot

JungleSurplus · May 21, 2019

So a couple months ago, I bought a WASR 10. The initial inspection passed with flying colors.
extremely straight sights and gas tube, the rivets are seated correctly, and theres no mag wobble.

However a couple days ago after finally getting this rifle into a mineral spirit bath
to remove all the cosmoline, I noticed the right side of the bolt carrier groove
(where the rails sit/lock in) is extremely jagged and uneven. What the hell is this?

Here is the left side of the bolt carrier for comparison.

Is this dangerous? Is it going to blow a finger off, or start shaving away the receiver rails and getting stuck?

Im thinking of selling this rifle immediately because im sick of fretting and worrying
over this, and I dont want it to become a much larger issue in the future. Does anyone have any insight on this?

rule303 · May 22, 2019

It is certainly not a safety issue, since the bolt head is what locks into the trunnion to contain the pressure of firing. To be honest, I wouldn't consider that to be unusual on a wasr. There isn't any rotational force on that slot or the rail, so as long as there is enough material to make good contact it won't cause a problem. It will probably even smooth out over time.

Tommygunn · May 22, 2019

Your WASR's bolt carrier looks very much like mine, and while I haven't fired mine in awhile, I blasted the bajeezus out of it in the past. It worked fine. I agree with what rule303 said ....it is probable most WASRs are like that.

someguy2800 · May 22, 2019

Although ugly, I cannot fathom any situation where that could be dangerous.

rbernie · May 22, 2019

Welcome to the world of AKs.

They are what they are -specifically- because they do not require precision machining and craftsmanship to be being functional and safe.

Bolt lockup into the trunnion is an example of something that would be a safety issue. Bolt carrier travel (carrier raceways, receiver rails) in the receiver is not. This roughness in the carrier is normal for most, and certainly expected on something like a WASR.

JDGray · May 22, 2019

As long as the carrier stays in the rail while firing, your good to go! It's when you need a buffer in the rear to keep it in, is when you know you have a problem(some rifles come new with a buffer, or should I say "broke" from the factory because of a rail or carrier fitment problem.

brasscollector · May 23, 2019

I thought you might actually have a problem with your AK like the wood fell off or the barrel was bent. Looks fine, carry on.

Mosin Bubba · May 23, 2019

Cock it a couple times. If the bolt locks up and the carrier isn't binding, you're good.

drobs · May 23, 2019

Looks fine to me. Go shoot it.
It's an AK if something doesn't work on it, hit it with a hammer or large rock.

Edited to add:
Here's is an old website on tips and tricks for Romanian AKMs:
http://www.novarata.net/Linx310/index.shtml

uofaengr · May 23, 2019

Rifle is fine.

someguy2800 · May 23, 2019

edwardware · May 23, 2019

The AK is a rifle designed to be:
-manufactured in a Soviet toaster oven factory, by slave labor, in wartime,
-used by underage conscripts who didn't get a slot in the toaster oven factory.

I would say the toaster oven factory did just fine building your rifle.

Is This Dangerous? - WASR 10/63 Jagged Bolt Carrier Rail Slot

JungleSurplus

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rule303

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Tommygunn

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someguy2800

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rbernie

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JDGray

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brasscollector

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Mosin Bubba

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drobs

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uofaengr

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someguy2800

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edwardware

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