AK FTE Problem

[Sky_DiveR]

Start with the hammer first to loosen it up. It may work fine after you do that and you may not have to touch your mags. As a matter of fact, you may want to try sticking the original surplus hammer back in, if ya still have those parts, and see if you get less drag. You'll have one less US part if it works but you won't have to worry about filing/polishing. Just buying another US part like a pistol grip or flash hider.

If that doesn't work, only you will know how much to file off. Probably best to do it at the range. That way you only take off as much as needed to function correctly. File... shoot... repeat if you still have problems.

Otherwise, file off enough where the carrier would barely hang onto the hammer when you ease the carrier forward but still lock into the disconnector. You can always file down the hammer where the disconnector catches if you file away too much but why make more work for yourself. Try to keep the surface as flat as possible so it will fully contact the firing pin when you pull the trigger. Remember go slow and ya won't have to buy another hammer to try again.

At least that's what I would do.... You can always check the mags later.

[Alex$]

Sorry if it is a repeat, but what you are describing I just had to troubleshoot.

Did you do the basic troubleshooting of the disconnector? I had the same symptoms, disassembled the trigger group and reset the disconnector spring and all is well.

[rattlesnake]

Alex$, Was your ak failing to eject the spent round fully before the carier came foreword? If so, How did you reset the disconector?

[rattlesnake]

Sky diver, thanks for your help. I think filing the hammer down won't be too much trouble. If I can't find another solution, I'll start there.

[AIMSMALL]

Rattlesnake, I'm in San Marcos, if you're willing to come to me I can definately help you fix this problem. PM me if you want some help.

[Alex$]

Alex$, Was your ak failing to eject the spent round fully before the carier came foreword? If so, How did you reset the disconector?

Sorry, I was posting in a hurry. Saw your intentions of filing on the hammer or bolt to keep it from sticking...

Do a basic function check:

Remove top cover. (ensure weapon is unloaded)
With hammer NOT cocked, pull trigger and hold.
Charge the bolt, pay attention to the hammer as you slide bolt forward. The disconnector should be holding the hammer.
Release the trigger, hammer should get released by disconnector and the hook should hold it back.

If that is not happening you have an issue with the trigger group.

Far as the FTE, I defer to the others who have been advising you.

[rattlesnake]

Alex$, I have done as you said and it passes the test.

Skydiver, I noticed something tonight as I was trying something another calgunner suggested. With the dust cover is off, I can't get the carrier to stay in the rearward position by resting on the hammer. With the dust cover on, it will stay open by resting on the hammer. Could a tight dust cover be causing this problem?

[cmace22]

Is it possible the drag is causing short stroking?

[kingmoochr]

Look on the inside of the dust cover and see if anything is hitting/rubbing. It shouldnt

[AIMSMALL]

Rattlesnake, you should be working on this with the dust cover off and no mag in it, when you cycle it look through the mag well and you can see the extractor as it slides through the cut in the bolt, it should be really really close to touching the bolt (inside the groove) but not touch. If it touches (don't think it will) you'll see the bolt get pushed over as it passes the extractor.

On sunday we'll check headspace as well as a few other things to figure out your problem.

[rattlesnake]

Aimsmall, That is the case with mine. The ejector protrudes into the bolt with a slight gap (maybe 1/16") between them. I have plenty of ejector sticking into the bolt. Also, I don't beleive they are rubbing together and I'm sure the ejector is not pushing the bolt over.

Update. I found a guy in my area who is confident he can help with my AK. I guess there are some solid people around here after all. Who thunk it? I will update this thread when I find the soilution.

[rattlesnake]

Pics of ak

Backstrap, here are the pics you requested. It's the best I could do. It's hard to get a pic from the back with the carrier in. Let me know if you need something else.

[rattlesnake]

Aimsmall, The bolt and ejector seem to be functioning properly according to what people have said on here. However, the dust cover is very tight and is rubbing the top of the charging handle. Maybe we can look at this on Sunday.

[10shot]

From the pictures above it seems like your ejector tip looks to be too smooth more rounded out. It may be hitting the brass differently every time. It sometimes causes the shell to eject at a 90 degree angle which will cause the shell to flip upwards hitting the carrier then the bolt will push it forward causing the stovepipe. I suggest adding a little to the ejector then filing it at a more sharp or flat edge for a better bite.

[AIMSMALL]

From the pictures above it seems like your ejector tip looks to be too smooth more rounded out. It may be hitting the brass differently every time. It sometimes causes the shell to eject at a 90 degree angle which will cause the shell to flip upwards hitting the carrier then the bolt will push it forward causing the stovepipe. I suggest adding a little to the ejector then filing it at a more sharp or flat edge for a better bite.

I agree, rounded is bad, it should be more pointy and squared off at the tip. It even looks like it's been filed and smoothed out like that on pupose too.