AK FTE Problem

[rattlesnake]

Hello,
This is my first time posting a thread so bear with me a little. I have an AK built on a Nodak NDS-3 receiver. The parts kit that was used says 1979 and appears to be unissued or lightly used milsup. That's all I know about it. The problem is when I shoot the spent case gets caught inside the action. Sometimes it's stove pipe and other times the spent case stays in the action and prevents the proper loading of the next round. This doesn't always happen, probably 35% of the time. I have tried different mags (including tapco), different ammo (including premium grade), and cleaning and lub. I suspect that it's the ejector. I am not familiar with the AK enough to start filing or anything. Any suggestions you have would be appreciated. Also, should I go to a smith?
Thanks,

[Sky_DiveR]

There should be enough people on this board to be able to help ya that you shouldn't need a 'Smith.
First of all, you didn't specify if it was an original barrel build or a US barrel build.
How many rounds have you shot thru the gun so far?
How does it feel when you manually cycle it? Does it feel like it's dragging?
Does it FTE on a full mag or whenever?

[4thSBCT]

can you take some pics of the ejector and also the extractor? was it a numbers matching kit?

[Shady]

clean and oil it

[tujungatoes]

clean and oil it

op said he did

BTW snake was this rifle a pro build or did you build it yourself?

[KaliS12]

Pictures of the ejector and extractor would definitely help. I concur with Sky_DiveR. Check the ejector. Is it chipped? Does the bolt bind on the ejector when cycling? Does the bolt carrier bind when cycling? Extractor worn or chipped? As Sky_DiveR inquired, U.S. made barrel may possibly be a cause failure to extract from the barrel chamber due to variances in the chamber dimensions from original specs. If so, you can try brass cartridges to check. (If the chamber is a little tight, the "softer" brass cartridge should extract with no problem or significantly less FTE.) Lastly, does the FTE happen when using different mags?

[JamesY]

I had this same problem recently with a NDS-2. The extractor was too short. You'll need to either lengthen the extractor (use a punch and hammer) or squeeze your receiver together until the bolt and extractor have the proper spacing. Take a pic of your bolt engaging the extractor. Now push your bolt/carrier to the right of the receiver. There shouldn't be much space between the bolt and extractor.

I wonder why so many people are having problems with this. Maybe NDS is using a different rail or something because I never heard of this issue until about a month ago...

[4thSBCT]

I had this same problem recently with a NDS-2. The extractor was too short. You'll need to either lengthen the extractor (use a punch and hammer) or squeeze your receiver together until the bolt and extractor have the proper spacing. Take a pic of your bolt engaging the extractor. Now push your bolt/carrier to the right of the receiver. There shouldn't be much space between the bolt and extractor.

I wonder why so many people are having problems with this. Maybe NDS is using a different rail or something because I never heard of this issue until about a month ago...

I think you mean the ejector not the extractor. Also, these measures sound a little drastic. If you can make it to a build party someone should be able to add some weld material and reshape the ejector.

[tujungatoes]

I think you mean the ejector not the extractor. Also, these measures sound a little drastic. If you can make it to a build party someone should be able to add some weld material and reshape the ejector.

Amen to that.

No need to smash it. If the ejector is the prob it's a simple matter to add some material, reshape, and re heat treat.

[JamesY]

You're right, I meant ejector. Here's a thread on theakforums about an easy fix. Welding a little bit of extra material on is probably better, but taking a punch, hammer, and bucking bar takes a few minutes.

[FeuerFrei]

Try shooting it with the top cover removed and see if empties clear the receiver.
I do suspect an ejector angle is off a tad.
(empty gun) Remove the recoil spring and see if the BCG slides forward and back without any hitch in the movement.
Strip the bolt and make sure the extractor is free from debris too.

[SVT-40]

Before you do any cutting remove the EXTRACTOR and clean it's recess as well as the associated parts. replace and try again. If you are getting true stovepipe jams the case is not leaving the chamber.

If the case is not leaving the chamber it cant contact the ejector.

It's probably crud under the extractor which causes the extractor to not get a good grip on the case.

Also check to be sure the extractor is not worn or damaged.

If the above does not fix the issue it's probably the ejector.

[rattlesnake]

Thanks for all the feed back. There are a lot of question and some I answered in the origional post. I have cleaned everything very well, I have tried various mags, and have tried many types of ammo (including premium brass). When I cycle by hand everything works fine. The carrier DOES feel stiff when cycling. I read up on the ejector and mine appears to be in the right spot in relation to the bolt (Also, the ejector is factory new). I will post pics later today as I am very interested in your thoughts.

One last thing, It appears that my AK is a Romainian G mil surp parts kit. I believe it is a complete kite and an origional military barrel. Also, the gun was built by a machinist and was a home build. It seems to me like he did a great job. Again, if its a Nodak and there are many Nodaks with this same problem, sounds like the ejector is in the wrong location. I will post pics today. Thanks, guys!

[nicoroshi]

Distance from chamber to face of ejector should be 2.2".

I agree with the above assessments. Be sure the extractor can be moved with thumb pressure on the face of the bolt (could be gunk in the spring below it also causing an issue with it's function). Then my guess is the ejector is too short.
Also agree with Toes, and 4th. Bring it to a welder, and have him add a little onto it. shape with a file, and re-heat treat.
Bending your receiver in could (and probably will) cause issues with the cycle of the carrier. i.e. Not the correct way to cure the issue IMHO.

[rattlesnake]

AK FTE

As promised here are the pics.