Mosin extractor problem

[Interloper]

Hang on guys. The Mosin action is push feed, not controlled round feed. The extractor is supposed to be forced over the rim.
Maybe it's a headspace problem though I doubt it. I've yet to read about a legitimate headspace issue on a Mosin. I'll bet the answer to this problem, just like most milsurp issues, is dried cosmoline.

[swifty]

You're correct Interloper. The rim of the case needs to end up under the extractor before the bolt can close all the way, regardless of push feed or CRF. By slipping the rim of the case under the extractor, you might be able to dismiss a faulty extractor, at no cost and 30 seconds of the OP's time.

I too doubt that it is a headspace issue, but the possibility does exist that a too long bolt and/or bolt-head has been swapped for the original.

[safewaysecurity]

Is there such a thing as a "new" Nagant? The last production model was late 1960's wasn't it?

Yea... I thought they were all military surplus from back in the day but I'm not as familiar with it as some are. Don't know if there are "unfired" or reproductions out there. Could be that it wasn't ever really fired but idk.

[rojocorsa]

Sometimes I find that moving the bolt a little slow and making sure that the rim catches the extractor before its too far forward really helps. I honestly wish that Mosins did not have this perk, however.

I know exactly what the OP is talking about. If there is a way to fix it other than being careful, I'd also like to know.

[Sgt Seahorse]

Slip a cartridge onto the bolt face and under the extractor, Will the bolt close?

If yes, you have an issue with the extractor.

i cant get the round to sit flush on the bolt face with everything in the chamber. I cant get the extractor to move unless its completely out of the rifle. Been trying to do this for the last half hour.

I'm pretty sure we need a new bolt head w/ extractor.

oh ya .. Happy thanksgiving!

[Sgt Seahorse]

You're correct Interloper. The rim of the case needs to end up under the extractor before the bolt can close all the way, regardless of push feed or CRF. By slipping the rim of the case under the extractor, you might be able to dismiss a faulty extractor, at no cost and 30 seconds of the OP's time.

I too doubt that it is a headspace issue, but the possibility does exist that a too long bolt and/or bolt-head has been swapped for the original.

just checked the ser #'s and everything on the rifle matches.

[swifty]

Take the bolt head off of the bolt body and see if the cartridge will fit the bolt face flush.

[Sgt Seahorse]

Take the bolt head off of the bolt body and see if the cartridge will fit the bolt face flush.

it does when the bolt's out of the rifle. I can leverage it in with my fingers when its out, but not when inserted in the rifle.

[MongooseV8]

Just to double check, is this a surplus/factory cartridge you are trying to load or a home reload?

Also, I can move my extractor a smidgen with my finger while the bolt is in the action. Its not easy but it moves, just as its designed to.

[Sgt Seahorse]

these are milsurp rounds. and no the extractor wont move at all when in the action, esp if I only use my finger.

[MongooseV8]

And the bolt is stamped with the same number as the rest of the rifle parts? Sometimes importers will restamp the parts that weapons ship in with, even though they dont actually match. Even so, I would bet against a headspace issue.

Its not a bad idea to check any mil surplus rifle for correct headspace before firing it. I think I got my last gauge from Midway for like $20. It kinda sucks buying something like that for a cheap rifle that you only need to use once. But my face is worth a bit more than $20

I dont know if its possible, but maybe you can remove the extractor from the bolt, then try to close the bolt on a spent casing, or a live round if you must. That will tell you if the problem is the extractor, and maybe point to headspace.

[bob7122]

i have had the same problem with my carbine lube reduced the problem then after firing 120rounds through it and lubeing real well it was almost completely gone.

have you lubed the boldt and bolt carrier and the rest of the stuff?

[Sgt Seahorse]

yes everything is lubed. I've been trying to take out the extractor, but it seems that thing is really in there. Might just need to buy a new bolt head and/or extractor.

EDIT: just had a thought. Anyone in the bayarea willing to swap bolts just to check if that's our prob? that would help.

[MongooseV8]

i have had the same problem with my carbine lube reduced the problem then after firing 120rounds through it

Uh you should not be shooting a rifle with a bolt that only partially closes

I just did a quick search and found this video to help removing the extractor. I think thats going to be your best bet. I will be in Walnut Creek this weekend if you want to meet up and try my bolt though.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DQEGxpuyPyo

[Interloper]

Don't bother removing the extractor. It's not designed to be removed for maintenance.
If you are really into Mosins, you might consider dropping $25 on an Okie Field Gauge. Like I said, I've yet to read any reports of bad headspace but what the heck. It's a fast easy way to rule that out.
The other thing to try, is get a bronze 20 gauge cleaning brush and go to town on the chamber. Also get some of those plastic dental picks they sell at Walmart and try digging around the chamber where the bolt lugs fit in. Could be a bunch of dried cosmo in there.