First outing with an AK

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MMcfpd

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Just got it this week, and it's a new gun. I've fired 7.62 in an SKS, and I've fired "short" rifles (i.e., NOT assault rifles, but they kinda look like'em).

But I've never fired an AK. So, what to expect? Anything to look out for? FWIW, it's a Lancaster AKM.
 
Welcome to the club! Buy up plenty of mags and ammo and have fun. And yes, they do indeed sling the brass.
 
Well, I'm back, and yes, it does sling the brass... when it's willing to fire.

For some reason that escapes this AK newbie, it failed on about every 4th or 5th round. It wasn't a failure to feed, as there was always a fresh round chambered - it was a failure to cock the weapon. My first guess is that something is preventing the gas system from completing its job.

It does kick more than my other 7.62 x 39 rifle, an SKS. And the shots I got off (50 yard range) were better placed than I had expected.

Any ideas on the jamming, folks?
 
It probably has something to do with metal burrs somewhere in the receiver. My advice is take it to a smith who knows about AKs and have them look at it. I have the same problem with my new AK-74. It chambered the first round ok, then the bolt would never return fully to chamber the second round. Pisses me off frankly, but I assure you don't let this manufacturer's fault sully your perspective on the AK.
 
Good idea. As it was a brand new gun, I only gave it a superficial cleaning before I took it out. It'll get a thorough going over this evening.
 
Did you clean ALL the cosmoline inside, and out? Once that is done lube the rails and bolt then cycle the op rod to the rear for a bit. This usually does it.
 
The "buffer" being a problem is a rumor. I have a buffer in my Maadi. It doesn't affect cycling one way or the other. All it does is prevent the bolt from slamming metal against metal.
 
I've had buffers in a couple of AK's, and its no rumor, they caused a number of malfunctions until removed.

The buffer is not at all necessary. I have a number of AK's and not one shows any sign of the carrier battering or even impacting the receiver.

If there is a rumor, its that they are necessary at all. ;)
 
It does have a factory installed recoil buffer, but as that is standard equipment for this model it seems unlikely that it's the source of the problem. The warranty as I understand it would not allow for removing it. I will, however, pursue that angle if clearing everything else doesn't take care of the problem.

It's a new build, so cosmoline was not present. I am going to give it an intense cleaning tonight.

The trigger is a Tapco G2.

At this point I'm still suspecting the gas system but, eventually, we shall see.

Thanks for the replies.
 
I'd be willing to bet thats your problem. That appears to be a "Buffer Technologies" buffer, and is exactly the ones I had troubles with. What happens is, they cause the rifle to short stroke, which can cause the rifle to have feeding problems and the hammer not to catch.

Try a mag without the buffer, and see if the problem doesnt go away.
 
I still don't think it's the gas system. You'd be amazed at the amount of gunk you can have in the gas tube and still get flawless function.

I agree with AK103K. Lose the buffer. I'd never guess a manufacturer would waste their money installing one.
 
Oh, I didn't say the rifle "needed" one, I just put one in because it kicks less with one. Incidentally, my AK-74 has a similar problem to the one he describes and it has no buffer installed.
 
I have an Armory USA AK that absolutely HATES buffers. Without one, the gun cycles flawlessly and is 100% reliable. I've tried both versions of buffer that BlackJack sells and one by BufferTech and neither one works. I however, do not experience the condition that MMcfpd is describing. The buffers in my gun tend to shorten the cycle time and old brass can't get out of the way fast enough for the new brass (well, it's not really brass but you know what I mean) and everything gets smashed by the bolt. MMcfpd's complaint is that the round is chambered but the bolt hasn't cycled the hammer back. I'd start with disassembly, thorough cleaning, including gas tube, rod, and port, and lube the crap out of everything. Having a little 600-grit sandpaper around for any rough spots in the receiver may not be a bad idea. Try that, and if still doesn't work, then pull the buffer out. They may be nice to have...but there are tens of millions of AK's out there without them.
 
What I meant was, I'm having the same problem he's having in my 74, but it doesn't have the buffer. I think the sandpaper idea is the best yet. That's essentially what the gunsmith said that they were going to do with my AK (after I'd given it to them, of course, and over the phone). I'm also having them check for a bent piston. The thing is, with the loose tolerances of an AK, a little thing like dirt shouldn't matter. Metal malformation, however, can be a very bad thing.

Edit: looking at the picture of the recoil buffer that was posted. I think some people disconnect the spring from the (don't know the technical term) little metal thing that keeps the receiver cover on. I just spiraled my buffer OVER the spring, to the back, so the spring is not prematurely compressed. The effect is similar and there is a reduction in recoil, but I haven't observed any FTE or FTFs. I think I may have installed my buffer "incorrectly", but the way I installed it, it still functions.
 
I've never understood how the buffer was supposed to lessen recoil. If anything, when the carrier impacts the buffer, its taking that force directly to the gun. Without it, the spring absorbs the force and uses it to return the carrier as its supposed to, and the receiver is usually not ever impacted.

The AK wasnt designed to use a buffer, if it was, it would be a standard part of the rifle, which it isnt. I've never seen a "real" AK that had one, and any of the AK's I've peeked into that didnt have a buffer, ever showed signs of the carrier battering the receiver.

As a matter of fact, I dont remember seeing a buffer for the AK's at all much before the late 90's. Thats right around the time the bat wing mag release, and the notched and modified selector levers, and some of the other "dubious" add ons started showing up. You dont suppose its all a marketing ploy, do you? :rolleyes:
 
Man are those things FUN! :what: One of the best feelings in the world is the feeling of the AK's recoil pushing against your shoulder (you'll know what i'm talking about when you fire it). Never could hit anything with them though, but that could be cured with more practice.
 
The problem you have of it stopping ever few rounds might just be a break in period. My wasr 10 took about 50 rounds before itd want to cycle all the time and from then till now never had a problem again 3,000 rounds later. Also dont listen to people about never cleaning it and packing it full of mud. A cleaning right away should also help with the problems, but I think after some more rounds and some cleaning you should have no problems. a bullet proof design. certainly fun to shoot, be sure to stock up on plenty of mags and lots of ammo before the demonazis try to ban them.
 
The Bad News: Your rifle is obviously not a real Kalashnikov, as we all know they never, ever, ever jam.

The Good News: If this were a real AK, it would make you go out and kill people, so be glad it's not the real thing.
 
That's good to know.

I am going to try a thorough servicing and deburring first, along with a little more break-in time. If the problem does not abate, I'll then turn to experimenting with the buffer.

I'll report back. Thanks for all the input.
 
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