Action on an AK-47 Locking Open

[Sharpie1]

I posted a thread yesterday about an AK-47, and forgot to ask this question --

I was looking at an SAR-1 Romanian, and I noticed the action would not lock open on the gun.

If you pulled the action all the way back, then slowly took your grip off of it, it would stay back - I think - but if you even tapped it, it would fly back.

Is this gun designed to not lock back after the last round has been fired? It seems that a friend of mine mentioned that this was the case on an AK he has seen.

Thanks,

Travis

 

[amprecon]

tadyson,
That is correct, the action of the AK does not have a bolt hold-open device installed. Where you retract the bolt then slowly let it forward and it holds is where the hammer face rubs on the bottom of the carrier. There is just enough friction there to hold it open, but under normal use the friction is not enough to hold it.

 

[Dave Markowitz]

amprecon is correct, AKs do not have bolt hold-open devices. However, you can get replacement safety levers with anotch cut into the top edge that allows you to hook it over the bolt handle when retracted, to hold the bolt open.

Even if you find an AK that you can get the bolt to stay open as you describe, don't count on it retaining this ability. As the rifle wears it is very possible that you will no longer be able to get this to work.

 

[Dr.Rob]

RPB used to sell a sheet metal extention for the safety lever that would act as a bolt hold open device. Haven't seen one installed though.

 

[yzguy]

I cut out my safety lever to hold the bolt open. This is useful for running a bore snake through without breaking it down any....

 

[SteelyDan]

Isn't there some little trick that does hold the bolt open??? I remember reading about it a year or so ago, but that part of my brain seems to be on vacation...

 

[spin180]

Isn't there some little trick that does hold the bolt open???

On my Romanian SAR-1, I can pull the bolt carrier back, and while holding it in the rearmost position, pull the trigger and hold it while letting the bolt carrier go forward. The bolt / bolt carrier then 'catches' and remains in an open position.

 

[max popenker]

I cut out my safety lever to hold the bolt open. This is useful for running a bore snake through without breaking it down any....

well, the "breaking down" for such cleaning will require to remove exaqctly 3 parts: receiver cover, return spring and bolt carrier/bolt gropup, and will take about 15 seconds. And the cleaning will be much more comfortable.

IIRC, the military standard time for complete field-stripping of AK-47 was 35 seconds.

 

[Badger Arms]

Holding the bolt open is a range trick. Many ranges desire that the action is locked open when you go downrange. There are many other ways to more reliably lock the action open. I prefer the 'stuff something in the action' trick so there's something sticking out. The end of a small mallet works for me. The mallet sticks up over the bench so I can make sure at a glance it's open.

 

[Chipperman]

I usually use an empty shotgun shell. Find a red one, and the bright color is easy to see. This tends to make people who are not used to evil rifles feel safe that the gun's action is open.

 

[BevrFevr]

spin180 has it right

The problem with sticking something in the action is that it can fall or be knocked out.

It is far wiser imo to use the method spin 180 mentions. It provides postive bolt retension. Not only that but all you have to do is pull the bolt fully rearward and release and violla you are ready to go.

The problem with the shotgun shell or the hammer is that you may not always have one with you or may lose it or drop it in the mud whatever.

-bevr

Aks rule!

 

[yzguy]

well, the "breaking down" for such cleaning will require to remove exaqctly 3 parts: receiver cover, return spring and bolt carrier/bolt gropup, and will take about 15 seconds. And the cleaning will be much more comfortable.

yes, but when you have no where clean to set the parts, just locking it open is easier and quicker....