Loose action in mini 14....

[RDCL]

Is it normal?

I have a mini 14 that I recently inherited.
The action on this gun seems kinda loose to me....much too loose for my liking with the bolt closed. The slide handle locks up nice and tight as far as forward movement is concerned, but the handle can be wiggled up & down........... when the handle is locked OPEN....it is much tighter.
Also, is'nt the bolt itself supposed to be rock-solid when closed? The bolt in this gun can be wiggled a bit both forward and sideways. Does not seem right to me. I'll have a smith look it over when I get the time....but meanwhile I thought a fellow mini owner can advise if HIS gun does the same.

Russ

 

[rcmodel]

Made that way.

It's loose like an AK-47 on purpose to work when it's full of dirt & sand.

Fugedaboutit!

rc

 

[RDCL]

Made that way

Ah, ok thanks rc. So that fact (maybe)...would account for the much talked about reliability of the mini. I actually thought I might have a problem here and was afraid to shoot the gun until I had it looked at.


....still, a bit TOO loose for my liking.

Russ

 

[wayne in boca]

The only time it tightens up is when it's loaded,and the bolt is locked forward in firing position.Normal to be loose when unloaded.

 

[wayne in boca]

The only time it tightens up is when it's loaded,and the bolt is locked forward in firing position.Normal to be loose when unloaded.The action is based on the M1 Garand/M14 action and the same rule applies there.

 

[RDCL]

More useful info.....thanks guys. I had'nt ever loaded the gun yet to find that out.

So, maybe no need to visit a smith after all.

Russ

 

[jim in Anchorage]

I bought mine brand new and it is the same way.

 

[Titan6]

I actually worked the bolt out of mine part way once. They are super loose. But they almost never jam.