Romanian M1969 Bolt Issues?

[Joshua M. Smith]

Hello,

During cold weather - 30 deg F and below - it seems my bolt gets an imperfect seal and debris sometimes blow back in my face, hitting my shooting glasses - I'm a lefty.

I attribute this to the bolt shrinking away from the chamber, and also the ammunition not providing a consistent seal.

The gas seems to vent at 6'o'clock.

I was going to strip the bolt and insert a very thin washer in between the handle and bolt body to adjust headspace, but I'd like your input first.

Thanks,

Josh <><

[bscman]

In other post(s) you've said your headspace checks out....     

Anyhoo, a washer isn't going to work unless your headspace is WAYYY out of spec. If that were the case, you'd be rupturing cases left and right I would imagine.You'll need to come up with a good material that is only a few thousandths thick.

I'd imagine you *could* theoretically form a shim between the the bolt handle and body...the parts themselves will speak to whether or not they'll accept it. I know many of my rimfires wouldn't have the clearance.

Something along the lines of a steel feeler gauge blade trimmed to fit would likely work. Not sure what type of longevity you would get out of it, though. Definitely not brass!

Personally, I'd be looking at the locking lug(s), the bolt face, and the breech end of the barrel for issues. Get the correct headspace the proper way with new, or correctly fitted parts...rather than shims.

It seems as though you're just "guessing" at what the problem may be...this is rarely an idea that works out well in the end. Get the proper tools or a qualified person to examine the rifle. JMHO.

[Keith L]

Those trainers, including the one I have, led a hard life prior to coming to America in retirement.  I think they were pretty well made to begin with, but by the time we got them the best was out of most of them.  I re-conditioned mine as best I could, and wound up using it primarily for shooting bird shot at bats.

You should have someone look at it that has the tools and knowledge to make it safe.  Something is wrong if it is spitting back at you.  And you most likely will find out that it will cost more to fix it than you paid for it to begin with.  Like so many things, if it seems to good to be true it most likely is.

Good luck to you on this.

[Joshua M. Smith]

Hello,

I have a friend in his 70s who was a gunsmith for 25 years.  I typically don't mention it as he doesn't want notoriety.

The tape method checks out with his gauges so I went ahead with the repair.

This gun is far from worn out.  The problem is that the bolt is mismatched to the rifle - different serial number.  It will shoot one hole groups at 25yds all day long.

Josh <><