MAS 49/59 problem, weak strike

[geofry666]

I recently purchased a MAS 49/56, 7.5 French version from 1960, not a .308 Century version. I took it to the range and it failed to fire every time. The firing pin is barely hitting the primer, and the hammer sounds weak. Would this be the hammer spring? I had a gunsmith take a look, the spacing of the pin is fine. If it is the hammer spring, where do I get one? I found a MAS 1949 hammer spring, but I'm not sure if that'll fit. Or does anyone have any other input on the problem.

thanks,
Geoff

[smle-man]

Are you sure the rounds are completely chambering? If the bolt isn't fully locked into the position the hammer will fall and drive the bolt to the final locked position but the firing pin will not strike the primer. What you may be seeing is the normal dimpling of the primer from the roofing nail-like firing pin as the bolt pushes the round into the chamber.

[CEDaytonaRydr]

There were some problems with the .308 conversions but I don't know if that's the problem.

Here's one thing you might want to look into: If there is a firing pin spring inside the bolt, that spring might be interfering with the firing pin's ability to strike the primer. Those rifles didn't originally have firing pin springs but some people added them for insurance against slam-firing. This isn't usually a problem if you use military ammo but if you use ammo with soft primers, it could slam fire. If there is a spring around the firing pin, remove it and see what happens...

[C&Rtrader]

fwiw.. I have had that problem with several other surplus guns. 95% of the time a new hammer spring fixed it.