r/canadaguns • u/hockeyfanatic777 • May 22 '26

Fix my gun Mosin M38 bolt sloppy when cocked

It’s my first time taking this rifle out, and when I chambered a round I noticed how loose this was. I was hoping for some guidance as I’m unfamiliar with them.

It’s nice and tight when uncocked.

This seems unsafe to me so I unloaded the rifle and shot my Garand instead before it started raining.

I’d appreciate any help!

A gunsmith is out of the question, as the closest one is 800km south of me.

EDIT: well, thanks for the sassy help I guess lol. Just wanted to confirm it was safe as I’m still learning. My Enfield, and K98 wasn’t sloppy at all so wasn’t sure if this was wrong or unsafe.

Edit 2 thanks for all the actual help and info! It’s very appreciated

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u/LananasCourageux May 22 '26 edited May 23 '26

Rifle is fine. It feels "looser" than when it is uncocked because turning the bolt cocks the striker and thus you're fighting a spring. It doesn't matter if it opens easy when cocked. If the firing pin can reach the primer, it is sufficiently in battery and safe to fire.