chamber won't stay open

[sonny2u2]

This is probably a stupid question, so don't yell at me. Just bought an AK - new, shot the first 100 rounds through it, and is it normal for the bolt not to stay open on an empty clip? I can't find a latch to latch it open? Are they all that way? Am I stupid? Or is my gun not doing what it's supposed to?

[WISCSHOOTER]

From what I've seen it depends on the magazine. I bought a Yugo. It came with two mags, one holds the bolt open after the last round, the other does not. I think the one that holds it open is a Yugo mag.

[ghost_raven]

I wouldn't say it's normal, but from my understanding it's not uncommon either. Mine latches when I manually pull it back, but not when I shoot through a magazine.

[Ding]

absolutely normal to stay closed unless you have a BHO.that is the only way a bolt will stay open,but once ya pull the mag it(bolt)will slam closed.and yes the yugos have the bolt hold open feature.the follower sits higher in the mag,up to the lips which the bolt hits and stops after all rounds are expended,unlike the regulars,which are well below.if your bolt sticks/stops after you manually pull it back,your carrier is being held back by the hammer.you would need to lap the hammer top to remedy that or shoot the heck out of it.you can also hand cycle it about 300-400 times to break it in..

[GlockMeister]

AK mags don't have a bolt stay open feature when magazine is empty. It's all good...There's nothing wrong with it. It's normal...

[mitch_mckee]

Originally Posted by sonny2u2

This is probably a stupid question, so don't yell at me. Just bought an AK - new, shot the first 100 rounds through it, and is it normal for the bolt not to stay open on an empty clip? I can't find a latch to latch it open? Are they all that way? Am I stupid? Or is my gun not doing what it's supposed to?

Very few AKs have a last shot hold open. My Maddi does not.

[Ding]

mitch,no AK's have a BHO,magazines have this feature,I am only aware of one magazine(yugo) that has a BHO,and maybe a chinese mag that "may" have a BHO but I think someone modified it if memory serves me.you can replace the followers with that feature or make your own BHO feature,not hard to do.

[mitch_mckee]

Originally Posted by Ding

mitch,no AK's have a BHO,magazines have this feature,I am only aware of one magazine(yugo) that has a BHO,and maybe a chinese mag that "may" have a BHO but I think someone modified it if memory serves me.you can replace the followers with that feature or make your own BHO feature,not hard to do.

Ok, but that's something you get for the mags. The rifle is not a last shot hold open and that is what the fellow asked about.

[SwedeSteve]

Ding, you are wrong, and Mitch is right! There is a bolt hold open safety that is available for every AK! Go to Blackjack buffers. And look at their S.W.I.F.T. safeties! The best money I ever put into my AK. I think you guys ought to do your homework, as this was discussed a hundred years ago in this forum! Just a recommendation! When in doubt, READ!!!! Thanks to Mitch, the Itch! LOL!!

[sonny2u2]

Originally Posted by SwedeSteve

Ding, you are wrong, and Mitch is right! There is a bolt hold open safety that is available for every AK! Go to Blackjack buffers. And look at their S.W.I.F.T. safeties! The best money I ever put into my AK. I think you guys ought to do your homework, as this was discussed a hundred years ago in this forum! Just a recommendation! When in doubt, READ!!!! Thanks to Mitch, the Itch! LOL!!

Thanks all, for the input. I appreciate it. I went to Blackjack and saw what they have to offer......... How simple is that? I'll either buy theirs for $40 or mill my safety out like they have. And what Ding said about the hammer makes perfect sense; by bolt would sometimes stay open, but a little tap of the buttstock on a table would send the bolt forward, so I knew something wasn't right. Can I "lap" that hammer with a dremel,buffing pad, and some polishing compound?? And am I lapping just the very end of the hammer?
Another question: With the S.W.I.F.T. hold back, can you simply push down on the safety and it will release? or do you have to pull the bolt back slightly (releasing tension) and then snap the safety down?
Thanks again. (I'm anal about closed bolts at the firing range.)

[SwedeSteve]

The SWIFT can be pushed to release the bolt. Yes you can just mod your original. But you won't get the additional feature on the SWIFT. That being able to operate the safety without taking your finger off the trigger.

[just_a_car]

Originally Posted by SwedeSteve

The SWIFT can be pushed to release the bolt. Yes you can just mod your original. But you won't get the additional feature on the SWIFT. That being able to operate the safety without taking your finger off the trigger.

I wish they still offered them as just the safety with the extension and NOT the BHO. I don't need it since mine hangs on the hammer if I let it down lightly and I don't want to have the action open to the elements when the safety is closed.