Ruger Mini-14 bolt problem

[damon_23]

My buddy brought a mini-14 over yesterday and asked me to take a look at it. He just got it in trade and is afraid to fire it.

Please bear in mind that this is all with the rifle UN-loaded.

With the rifle tilted forward (barrel down), the bolt LOCKS forward if you rack the action a few times. No amount of tugging will loosen it.

Here's where it gets strange.

All you have to do to get it to release is tilt it back level (or higher) and rack the bolt again. Dry-firing it seems to "unlock" the bolt as well.

Judging by the finish wear, this rifle has been around the block a few times.


What type of problem am I dealing with??? I have almost no experience with mini's.

Thoughts?

 

[rcmodel]

Almost has to be a firing pin problem.

The firing pin has an L-shaped leg on the back that prevents out-of-battery firing. Sounds like the FP might be broken or battered and the L-leg is getting caught in the receiver cut-out it's supposed to slide through.

Take the barreled action out of the stock and look at it.
You should be able to see what is causing it if you look.


rcmodel

 

[damon_23]

Thanks.

I'll give it a look tonight and report my findings.

D

 

[damon_23]

You were spot on. There was a small burr on the "foot" of the firing pin. It was catching against the edge of the receiver and causing the bolt to lock up. I hit it with a file a few times and the issue went away.


Thanks again,

D

 

[rcmodel]

Just glad to be here!

Happy I could help!


rcmodel