Yugo M48 bolt problem

[KJUN]

I've got an M48 Mauser, mismatched serial numbers,that is a REAL pain to work the bolt on. I've never had this much of a problem before, so I don't know what the "best" solution would be. I've been told a few things to do/try, but always by someone that "has heard" and never "has done" or "has known to be done succesfully." Some of what I've been told to try has sounded reasonable, but other suggestions sound like a worse idea than drinking a case of beer and playing on a highway in a dark suit at "closing time."

What suggestions do any of you have for improving the bolt issue? For the record, it isn't a "sticky bolt" problem when fired. The bolt is not a pleasure to operate with or without a round in it at all (openning and/or closing). Just feels like the bolt is too big or something. (I mean that as a descripter only, of course.)

KJ

[RIKA]

Try cleaning the area inside the receiver where the bolt lugs seat. For clarity, the recesses that the lugs lock into when you turn the bolt shut. A lot of times you can have hardened cosmoline or other gunk in there from years past. You may even have to use a dental pick or other tool.

Also did you disassemble and clean the bolt itself thoroughly inside? That may help too.

Luck

RIKA

[KJUN]

Thanks. I cleaned it, but not with a dental pick around the bolt lugs. Hopefully I'll get time this weekend to do that. Works or not, I'll post the results of my effort.

KJ

[neolithic hunter]

check the wear patterns on the bolt lugs. it is possible that you have a action that is at max tolerance and a bolt that is at mininum tolerance. i had a mismatched k-98 that had a problem similar to what you are describing. i had to finally replace the bolt and re-headspace the rifle. it solved the problem, i used the short bolt in the action that i took the replacement out of and had no problems with either. also check for wear on the third lug it could be out of spec location wise also. the 48a yugo's are some fine actions for building rifles on the shorter than 30.06 rounds. i heard of a couple of guy's that have had them chambered for 30.06. but you would have to do a action mod for it, like you do to the standard length action for the 375 h&h class of round. LOL and have fun with the 98 mauser. :cool:

i have a 24 yugo that is the same length, i've put a 308 santa barbra barrel on. now i'm trying to figure out if i want to drill and tap it for a scope, or put a lyman peep site on it. the problem i am having is finding a suitable post front site for it, i may have to have one made i guess. it seems that i can't find a .062 or .070 blade post for williams or marble front site bases. if you know a sorce please let me know. :headbang: :cool:

[Terry G]

I don't want to give you bad advice here, so before anything else I would definitely check for hardened cosmoline in every nook and cranny as RIKA suggested. I bought five M48A's and everyone had soft and hard cosmoline everywhere. The stuff the Yugoslavians used turned dark grey and black over time. I worked on one piece for day's and under fire some more goo would seep out that I had missed. One of mine was sticky when working the bolt and I finally dismantled the bolt and boiled it for ten minutes or so. The problem went away after re-lubing with Mili-tech grease. I have to admit the mis-matched parts would cause me concern. Switching bolt's on anything is not a real good idea.