HPCadm17
Member
- Joined
- Apr 24, 2018
- Messages
- 331
...and still have it operate, somewhat, almost.
When I got my used-but-new-to-me Mini-14 Ranch home the other day, I decided it needed to be field stripped, cleaned & lubed before firing, like I do with all new-to-me guns, whether new or used. I had watched a few YouTube videos about disassembly, cleaning & lubrication, and reassembly. Really, it's a very simple weapon to maintain, even an idiot could do it.
Apparently, I'm not as smart as an idiot.
When I first got the thing back together I noticed the op rod wasn't operating very smoothly. It seemed loose on the bolt "roller" and would seem to stick a bit. Then after cycling it a few times, it became stuck forward. I didn't want to force it, so I decided to disassemble it again to see what I did wrong. Before I did that, however, I suddenly noticed the bolt was still open and to the rear; the op rod had become disengaged from the bolt! WTH? I asked myself. I was sure I had the rod engaged properly in the track, and I tested the operation, but apparently it became disengaged before I got everything back together.
So, I disassembled it, re-lubed, and reassembled, making sure the rod remained engaged and in the track properly. Now it's smooth as butter. But man, I was afraid I either broke it or bought a defective gun. I was quite relieved to learn it was just my own stupidity. Now I know to be more careful and check things.
Eager to bring this thing to the range and see if I can find the target.
When I got my used-but-new-to-me Mini-14 Ranch home the other day, I decided it needed to be field stripped, cleaned & lubed before firing, like I do with all new-to-me guns, whether new or used. I had watched a few YouTube videos about disassembly, cleaning & lubrication, and reassembly. Really, it's a very simple weapon to maintain, even an idiot could do it.
Apparently, I'm not as smart as an idiot.
When I first got the thing back together I noticed the op rod wasn't operating very smoothly. It seemed loose on the bolt "roller" and would seem to stick a bit. Then after cycling it a few times, it became stuck forward. I didn't want to force it, so I decided to disassemble it again to see what I did wrong. Before I did that, however, I suddenly noticed the bolt was still open and to the rear; the op rod had become disengaged from the bolt! WTH? I asked myself. I was sure I had the rod engaged properly in the track, and I tested the operation, but apparently it became disengaged before I got everything back together.
So, I disassembled it, re-lubed, and reassembled, making sure the rod remained engaged and in the track properly. Now it's smooth as butter. But man, I was afraid I either broke it or bought a defective gun. I was quite relieved to learn it was just my own stupidity. Now I know to be more careful and check things.
Eager to bring this thing to the range and see if I can find the target.