WASR-10 firing pin problem

[Sicilian]

I purchased a WASR-10 last year that has given me some problems. I was hoping someone in here could help me out.

The rifle develops a problem with misfires after a few rounds. I believe this is happening because I found primer pieces inside of the bolt. Apparently the firing pin is grabbing the metal coating of the primer and pulling it back inside of the bolt. Every time I disassemble the bolt there are several pieces of metal inside of the bolt. These metal pieces are stopping the firing pin from traveling forward enough to strike the primers hard enough to fire.

If anyone has experienced this issue please let me know how to correct it.

I have only used Ulyanovsk 7.62x39. This ammo has good reviews with other WASR users, so I am hoping it is not an ammo issue only.

Thanks for the help!

[TacticalPlinker]

My guess from my limited AK experience with my own WASR...

#1. The primers on the ammo are bad. Example, a bad batch of ammo, especially if you bought it all at the same time in the same box sort of thing. Try different ammo and see if it happens. Suggest a different brand.

#2. Is the end of the firing pin round, sort of like a ball? If it's too "sharp", my guess is the pin is actually piercing the primers and pulling back material into and onto the bolt. The pin just needs to hit the primer, not puncture through it. This could be fixed by replacing the pin with a new one. It's possible it was also installed incorrectly when you put the bolt back together allowing the pin to travel too far forward.

[NorCalK9.com]

Id try dif ammo wolf or tula see what happens. Good luck bud.

[Archie B.]

Maybe the firing pin needs to be de-burred?

[smattenson]

Pictures might help with figuring it out if you can take any.

[chead]

My guess from my limited AK experience with my own WASR...
#2. Is the end of the firing pin round, sort of like a ball? If it's too "sharp", my guess is the pin is actually piercing the primers and pulling back material into and onto the bolt. The pin just needs to hit the primer, not puncture through it. This could be fixed by replacing the pin with a new one. It's possible it was also installed incorrectly when you put the bolt back together allowing the pin to travel too far forward.

Check the pin, it should be recessed. If it's flush it's probably too far forward. And it definitely should not be pointy.

[Sicilian]

I will have to wait until I get to the range to get some pics of what is happening. It does happen every time I go to the range, so it shouldn't be a problem.

The firing pin may have some burs but it is not pointed or round. It is basically flat. The pin travels freely inside of the bolt, and does not protrude excessively. I will try to put some fine sandpaper to the firing pin, and see if that fixes the issue. It would be nice if it were that simple. Other than switching ammo (I still have about 200 rounds of the stuff!)