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

72 Upvotes

87% Upvoted

68 comments sorted by

View all comments

68

u/AnvilsHammer May 22 '26

They are dubbed Garbage rods for a reason. They weren't built for tolerances. They were built so some illiterate farmer could reliably cycle it while not also fucking up the mechanism by slamming it.

That rifle is better built, more stable, and can take rougher punishment than your ex can.

Rifle is fine.

17

u/hafetysazard May 23 '26

Built with clearances in mind, not tolerances. Personally, if I were freezing in Stalingrad, I’d rather have a rifle I could kick open the bolt with the heel of my boot if need be, and kick it closed. In that respect it is a fantastic piece of kit.

4

u/Late_Winner6859 May 23 '26

Clearances and durability.

These have remained on active duty for over a century, seen 2 world wars and countless smaller conflicts, they have literally outlived many of their former owners (probably even most at this point), And they just keep working.

While rough and unrefined, it’s a truly incredible design