Magnetized SKS small parts = BAD?

[kentucky_Dave]

I was cleaning my Norinko SKS this weekend and as I broke everything down I placed the small parts in my magnetized parts bowl.
Thought nothing of it.

During final inspection and reassembly I noticed that the firing pin and the firing pin retaining pin are magnetized.
The extractor and the bolt body do not seem to be magnetized.
:banghead:

Should I be concerned here?

Searching THR resulted in several statements that the process of firing will demagnetize the parts, but that was not confirmed; nor, have I found any external info confirming that claim.

Will the FP being magnetized result in increased wear between the body and pin?
Will the retaining pin wear on the FP?
Is there potential for malfunction due to this?

(The firing pin is not a return spring type.)

That said, should I NOT use the magnet / bowl combo on other firearms (1911's etc) or does it really matter?

Thanks in advance

Dave

 

[rcmodel]

I don't know, but I sure don't like magnetized anything except magnets, and possibly screw-drivers.

The reason is, they collect all the little metal dust & bits that otherwise would just fall out during normal operation.

How much there would be to worry about in a properly maintained SKS shooting steel-case ammo I don't know.

rcmodel

 

[stevemis]

Demagnetize them or have it done. I'd imagine any TV repair shop would have the right stuff, as would a watchmaker. Just bring the magnetized parts in and ask them to hit it with a degausser. The process takes all of 10 seconds.

I think a "bulk" tape eraser would also work, like those used for reel-to-reel "way back then".

You could also whack them really hard with a hammer, or even heat the snot out of them... neither are recommended.

ETA: To answer your question.. no expert here. My lay opinion is that I wouldn't trust my life to a firearm with magnetized moving parts. I'm not sure if it affects reliability or wear, but I am sure that if it was smart to have a magnetic firing pin, someone would already be doing it.

That being said, it's entirely possible that a few rounds downrange or even a couple of dry-fires will knock the magnetism out. To be certain, give it a try and then check using a compass.

Steve

 

[Gordon]

A RedHerring for sure. Rapid fire beats and heats them anyway right? Now if they were brass magnets I could see the firing pin possibly having problems.

 

[kentucky_Dave]

The tv shop is a great idea...never thought of that one...THANKS!

Looks like I'll just leave the magnet bowl for the Tundra bolts and such.

Thanks for your input guys, I appreciate the perspective.

 

[Claymore1500]

To be certain, give it a try and then check using a compass

A compass IS a magnet, If you hold it near a steel door knob it will point to it.

 

[Jim Watson]

Won't it suck those steel jacketed bullets right back into the gun?

 

[Claymore1500]

All of your "wolf" ammo cases would be stuck all over the side of the reciever too.

 

[Claymore1500]

Honestly, the parts will not stay magnetized very long, (They are not permenant magnets) and you will most likely never notice (or for that matter , have any problems )while they are, I wouldn't worry about it.

 

[wolf_from_wv]

You could also try moving them back the other way across the magnet...