mosin-nagant fires when bolt closes

[Macchina]

I just got a Mosin-Nagant in great condition from my Father-in-law, but every now and then when I close the bolt, the firing pin releases. I have not shot it yet, is there any fix for this. I work in a machine shop, and I've got the time and tools to fix this if there is a fix. Plus, would it be worth it to chuck this barrel up in a lathe and counter-sink the muzzle?
Thank you,
Michaelmcgo

 

[rustymaggot]

try a different bolt. see if that fixes the issue.

 

[Cosmoline]

I doubt the problem is the bolt. It's more likely you have a failing bolt stop spring or a screw that's loose. You should take it apart and check this. Do not load it until the problem is tracked down.

 

[Macchina]

I don't plan on bringing it to the range until it is safe for 100/100 tries.

 

[Cosmoline]

Let us know what you find.

 

[Gun Smith]

It has more than likley peirced the primer and a small peice of primer is wedged in the bolt. Another problem could be a loose or broken sear. These are both common causes for your problem. Good Shooting

 

[zoom6zoom]

I'd strip down and clean the bolt first. As was mentioned, there's probably something crudding it up and preventing the firing pin from retracting properly.

 

[Macchina]

Well, I finally got around to disassembling that mosin nagant bolt. Wow, is that thing complicated, but it obviously works through thick and thin (for the design to last 100 years). I cleaned the heck out of it, oiled it, reassembled it, and not one slam fire out of over 50 bolt cycles! Problem solved, thanks guys. Now for that case of ammo my father-in-law said was in the mail...

 

[Cosmoline]

Did you check the bolt stop/sear screw and the receiver screws for tightness? If not, you should do so. This is a basic check for any Mosin before you shoot it.