I do not the issues related to the 91/30s so your feedback would help me as well.

Here is the story . . . .

My brother purchased a 91/30 a while back plus ammo. However, I do not know what the vintage of the brass or its origin. At least, it aint steel cased with lacquer.

On the first go around, he had a safety check done on it while the smith fired a few rounds as well. From what I recall, he noted that the smith cleaned the chamber and replaced the locking lugs. So, after he picked it up, we went to the range as this is his first milsurp! Then, the issues came out. First, the sticky bolt showed-up. Had my Leatherman Wave with me so he ended up using that after each shot to cajole the sticky bolt. Oh boy, he was unhappy.

On the second go around, he went back to the smith and relayed his observations from the range.

From what I remember, he said that the smith cleaned the chamber again. So, we went to the range for another test run.

The issues are:

a) Pervasive sticky bolt.

b) After ignition, the extractor slips out of the rim so he has to use a cleaning rod to push the spent brass from the chamber.

c) The bolt, after being unlocked and pulled back to extract spent brass, would just pull out from the action. He told me that the trigger has to be depressed so that the bolt can be pulled or separated from the action. He noted that did not happen on the first go-around, and that is a new ball of wax. I told him that it would be best not to fire the rifle since something just aint right. We left and I bought him lunch.

Considering that he is very busy, many months passed and he really hasn't had the time to bring it back to his smith for a check-up as it relates to the new issues.

About three weeks ago, we went to my smith for an opinion. My smith noted that he better move on since my brother already spent almost 2/3s of the value of the original purchase in trying to get the 91/30 fixed. Needless to say, my bro was very P-off! I bought him lunch so that helped a bit.

Folks, he had a very bad start and I would like to help him out since I really enjoy hanging out with my bro on the range!

I thank you all for the help!

First, how did the smith "replace" the lugs??
The brass ammo is probably Bulgarian heavy ball, Hungarian heavy ball, both which have issues or the horrible EOP Greek ammo. Have you tried other ammo? If the chamber is as clean as you say, I would guess it is an issue with the extractor.
The bolt pulling out may mean the trigger sear/bolt stop is not screwed tight. Inspect for this. Check these first and then PM me.

Sticky bolt may be the result of cosmoline in the bolt itself; read bolt disassembly instructions, follow with care, and clean out bolt interior. I'm not looking forward to that project on my M44, since it's my hunting rifle, and I would like to have a smooth bolt, but don't want to take it apart.

I also have to wonder what the smith did when he replaced the locking lugs since the extractor doesn't work any more. It's quite suspicious. QUITE suspicious.

There's something to be said about confirming that something works before bringing it to the professional. Some are professional cleaners on the side. Invest in sand bags and string.

I'll get back to you on the ammo part since I do not know what he has.

When I saw the extractor it does not look right but I will take pixs and email that you.

I will ask him about the trigger sear / bolt stop.

On a final note, about the lugs, I'll get clarification, just took what my bro told me verbatim.

Bear with me as I am a Mauser guy - I may have to read the 91/30 manual for this.

I'll get back to you, thanks!

Have to ask my bro about the interior of the bolt, if that was cleaned. Will get back with additional data, including the "locking lug" thing.

Just had a chat with my bro, and the the details are:

a) The internals of the bolt and related pieces are clean.

b) The bolt head and extractor were replaced by his smith. Would that affect headspace?

c) The trigger, according to my bro, was tightened by his smith.

d) After that adjustment/change, he noticed that the bolt stop stopped working. For example, if the rifle is held vertically, muzzle up, the bolt will slide off. In other words, the bolt stop offers no resistance - the bolt will drop.

e) The sticky bolt issue happens after 10 rounds or so have been fired. He noted that he is not in any way firing 10 rounds as fast as he can load. It's just around the tenth round or so, the sticky bolt shows up. Would this be an ammo item?

f) The ammo that he is using is Bulgarian, brass-cased.

g) The extractor issue showed-up after the bolt head and extractor were replaced by his smith.

h) Also, after the bolt head and extractor were replaced by his smith, he has experienced feeding problems. Is the extractor the problem?

Comments are appreciated regarding the feeding/extraction and sticky bolt issues.

Thanks in advance.!

yes the bolt head can change the headspace. Did he tell you why the bolt head was replaced? The trigger could be anything such as a worn sear or the smith decided to alter it to lighten the trigger pull. or as easy as the screw for the sear spring is loose

dont take it to a smith to get it "fixed" if its not broke. only the smith should have done is clean the chamber and check the headspace.

Why did the smith replace the bolt head if there were no issues with it when he tested it? It may be that the bolt stop lug on the upper part of the trigger sear is worn down. Pics would help. I don't think it's a headspace issue if some rounds load and others stick. The extractor may be loose in its slot. Pics of the bolt head extractor area would help. Bulgarian ammo has a thick rim that can interfere with the extractor clearance.

Is the extractor bent? I have one that has an issue, and had to replace the extractor. It caused my bolt to be hard to close, and hard to open. The extractor was actually bulged out slightly, where it normally is slightly indented below the side of the bolt head, and lower and less angled at the front of the bolt... Here's pics...good on left, bad on right.

Good pics! and a perfect example. The one on the left shows how it should look. Notice the damage on the tip of the right extractor claw from jamming it in place.

Not to be a wise guy, but it"s a $99 Mosin. How much did that gun smith charge each time???? Buy a new Mosin and use it, the other is spare parts. Or, swith the trigger and bolts from the new second rifle, to the non functioning rifle if it is a special marked exsniper or MO marked specimen. just remember one can never have enought Mosins OR MOSIN parts for that matter.

Yep, those "Mosin repair kits" disguised as a rifle are great! $100 buys you one of every single part required to repair or even rebuild your entire rifle! Most include the tools!

Yep, the top upper right pix that's the one!

Folks,

I thank you all for the help. We actually had a long talk about this matter ("expectations about owning a milsurp and what it entails to have a milsurp") after the consult with my smith. So, everything is on hold as I do not know if he wants to fix or get rid of the 91/30. I even gave him a can of Tom's 1/3 mix to take care of that. Hmm, I may call him about that since my tin can is almost gone.

On a final note, I take it that the extractor is attached to the bolt head, right? In other words, can the extractor can be purchased separately?

Thanks!

yes it can, but it can be a pita to remove.