short sks cycling problems

[ghettofab]

Hello all,
I've got a '60 romanian sks with a bbl. shortened to 16". It won't cycle wolf of any kind, but it will cycle brown bear, which is heavier and loaded nuclear hot compared to wolf. At least thats what I my shoulder and ears tell me. I've taken a few coils off the operating rod spring, which seemed to help some, but I just can't get reliable ejection out of this thing. So, should I open the gas port a few thousanths, or keep cutting coils off the spring?

 

[WNTFW]

Does it have an adjustable gas port?
I would not keep cutting the spring. Did you get it new or has someone modified it? Is the gas system clogged, dirty or binding?
Later,
WMTFW

 

[DnPRK]

Now you know why SKSs have a 20 inch barrel. Those extra 4 inches keep enough pressure in the system to cycle the action.

Clipping coils off a spring is will ruin the spring but will not fix the problem. To reduce spring weight, you have to reduce wire diameter not shorten the spring.

I recommend you obtain a series of number drills slightly larger than the existing gas port. Drill one size larger at a time and re-test for function, then drill the next size larger and re-test. Repeat the process until you get reliable function. This process is expensive due to the quantity of drills needed, but is the best way to assure proper function. Do not go to the hardware store and buy a big fraction drill thinking it will be "good enough". If the gas port is too big, the bolt carrier will cycle too violently. Remember, it's your face behind that cycling bolt carrier. Emergency room visits are no fun.

 

[Caimlas]

I cut my barrel down on my Yugo SKS to right in front of the front sight post fixture (about 18" I figure); I've never shot Wolf in it, just Brown Bear, and I've only had a handful of short cycles/caught shells (not enough force to kick the spent shell out forcefully, so it gets caught in breech, but the new cartridge goes in chamber). Never thought to attribute the barrel shortening to that problem - just thought hte ammo may have gotten hot and/or moist.

I wouldn't think you'd have to bore out too much. That'd have been the first thing I'd attempt, not cutting down springs...