Failure to fires with Rasheed rifle

[CGSteve]

Had my Rasheed for a while, but only recently field stripped it for inspection, cleaning, and lubing for a test shoot. I read that many of these were not used in service, but I think that isn't the case for mine. It is in good condition overall, but definitely has that carried look and there is wear on the metal parts as well.

After a field stripping and lubricating it I took it out for a test fire using Yugo surplus, Wolf, Golden Tiger and some Russian "hunting" ammo in white boxes with light blue lettering. Every type of cartridge had failures to fire. I think I successfully fired three rounds total and decided not to ruin any more ammo. After waiting a while I looked at the primers and they all had decent firing pin strikes to them. All of this is new made ammo or well stored surplus that fires every time in my AKs and SKS rifles.

Taking the rifle apart again, I see the pin floats freely and doesn't look abnormal or worn to me. What could be causing this? A weak trigger spring? The one thing I notice though is while manually working the action, the resistance seems slow and sluggish when pulling the handle to the rear and releasing it. A weak recoil spring perhaps but this should not affect firing.

I know these rifles and parts are uncommon so replacing anything will be a challenge but I just want to hear thoughts from those more knowledgeable than me.

[milsurphunter]

Hi First time posting, and I don't know if this is going to help.
I had similar experience with my Rasheed, sometimes the bolt will not return to full battery due to gas port setting, cuasing the lite strike.
Try to manually push the bolt, like the forward assit on the AR. If this is the cause, you have to adjust the gas regulator.

[Rapidrob]

You say you have deep firing pin strikes. The only way the cartridge could not fire with a deep strike is a slow firing pin. I'd check for displaced Cosmoline or a weak spring.
Make sure the firing pin seat in the bolt is free and clear.

[CGSteve]

Hi First time posting, and I don't know if this is going to help.
I had similar experience with my Rasheed, sometimes the bolt will not return to full battery due to gas port setting, cuasing the lite strike.
Try to manually push the bolt, like the forward assit on the AR. If this is the cause, you have to adjust the gas regulator.

That's not the case as the very first round doesn't fire, so it's not the return.

Rob, I will disassemble the bolt and see but when I field stripped it, it floated nicely.

Thanks for the replies both of you.

[ammolab]

I have seen several Hakim's and Rashids in need of a new hammer spring (same part?) for reliable ignition.

I received a lot of Century's spare parts and hammer springs sold out first.

[CGSteve]

I can't positively say that's the issue but I'd give it a shot. Any connections still on parts? Thanks.

[Rapidrob]

How much effort does it take to cock the hammer? Is it uncomfortable to push the hammer back and catch the sear? If not,the hammer spring is too weak.

[ammolab]

I can't positively say that's the issue but I'd give it a shot. Any connections still on parts? Thanks.

There are guys selling Hakim parts on eBay. The Rashid hammer spring is different but send those sellers a message..they may have your part.

[Rapidrob]

Wolff Springs Will have a spring that will fit. You may have to buy a "Gunsmith Special" of ten springs for a few bucks that will have a spring that fits.

[CGSteve]

Thanks gents.

[CGSteve]

I checked with Wolff springs and they said they do not know if SKS springs will work in the Rasheed and cannot do custom orders, which is understandable as it would not be cost effective for them.