SKS split casing stuck - Gunsmith help?

[miketbass]

I have a Tula SKS with a remnant of broken shell lodged in the chamber, about a 1/2" or so, right up against the throat. No casing left to grab on to, this would have to be removed by someone with machining skills I think. Previous gunsmith tried broken shell extractors, and with no luck told me it needed a new barrel. I don't think this got the attention it needed as it turns out they were in the process of closing shop - I hope the situation is not so dire that replacing the barrel is necessary. I did find one though....

Anyone have any recommendations for a gunsmith in the Portland or surrounding areas that could take this on? I'm willing to travel and get this done right (I'm located in Gresham). To my novice eye it seems a chamber reamer may be the next step. Any ideas or insight?

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[Vernonia MW]

It is possible it needs a new barrel. Do you know why the case got stuck?

Before make the decision to replace the barrel, the case should be removed and the chamber/throat area scoped for damage.

 

[miketbass]

It is possible it needs a new barrel. Do you know why the case got stuck?

Before make the decision to replace the barrel, the case should be removed and the chamber/throat area scoped for damage.

I bought this from a friend some years ago, and I have never fired it. Giving it a deep cleaning last year I noticed that snap caps would not chamber. In the end no one was aware that this was in there. Those that shot it last don't remember the gun having any issues, and it is possible that this got stuck on the last round fired.

In the end I've tried to theorize about what happened but I have no real data besides what I can see now. And yes, even if I was able to remove the case myself I'd still want this to get looked over for headspace and damage.

 

[miketbass]

The good news, is that I was able to locate a 1950 Tula barrel that matches the gun. It's as close of a match as you can find besides the one that came on it. I figured the odds of finding one were so slim I would be wise to buy it, and if not needed I can always resell. My goal is to get this gun functioning either way.

 

[orygun]

Isn't a broken case extractor part of the SKS kit?

 

[Spitpatch]

Try a tight-fitting brass brush, run it into the case remnant, then try to reverse it out. Very often the brass bristles will catch the throat of the broken case and pull it out.

 

[orygun]

It's been a while and I don't remember if the breech is accessible enough, but you can also run a tap into the broken case and knock it out with a cleaning rod.

 

[miketbass]

It's been a while and I don't remember if the breech is accessible enough, but you can also run a tap into the broken case and knock it out with a cleaning rod.

This was my next thought as broken case extractors have proven unsuccessful. Previous gunsmith said he "tried a few" and that "it was really cooked in there". Upon getting the gun back a couple of weeks ago I soaked in Kroil and tried my surplus case extractor. Had to use a mallet to get the charging handle back, and after a few tries the extractor had bent the end of the tool and would not grab. After using a dowel to tap it out the tool was broken. I have a couple more on order and figured it's worth another shot - likely one will break, I'll stop there and still have a good one on hand.

The tap idea seems good but I'm nervous doing it myself. There's simply not a lot of case material to bite in to and it's lodged right up against the chamber throat, leading right into the barrel itself.

 

[orygun]

a 5/16' tap may fit into the neck of the case.

 

[Vernonia MW]

Probably the safest bet would be to use Cerrosafe and cast the chamber. A tap may also work, but there's obvious risk of scoring the chamber walls. I assume this is a steel case stuck in there, in which case rust may be playing a factor. Penetrating oil could be an ally.

 

[miketbass]

a 5/16' tap may fit into the neck of the case.

There is no case neck left. I wish I could get a camera in there and post an image to help clarify my description. We are truly talking about 1/2" or less of case wall lodged right up at the front of the chamber.

Thank you to all for your thoughts on this. I appreciate the conversation with those more knowledgeable than me.

 

[miketbass]

Probably the safest bet would be to use Cerrosafe and cast the chamber. A tap may also work, but there's obvious risk of scoring the chamber walls. I assume this is a steel case stuck in there, in which case rust may be playing a factor. Penetrating oil could be an ally.

Cerrosafe seems less intrusive than other methods, but I'm not sure how approachable that is for me in my garage. Perhaps I need to steer my conversations towards locating someone to cast the chamber as the next step.

 

[VinnieBoomBah]

While your trying to figure out how to proceed standing it on its muzzle with a few drops of Kroil (or even 3-IN-1) penetrating oil along the chamber walls every couple days might help

 

[miketbass]

While your trying to figure out how to proceed standing it on its muzzle with a few drops of Kroil (or even 3-IN-1) penetrating oil along the chamber walls every couple days might help

Good idea, I'll get back to this routine.

 

[VinnieBoomBah]

Good idea, I'll get back to this routine.

So much for posting before I have finished my coffee

 

[miketbass]

I'd like to follow up on this. I did take my SKS to Copeland Customer Gun in February, unfortunately I just received the call that Tim passed away. Tim was a very friendly, courteous and explanatory man that was happy to engage me in conversation. He did explain his process and I would like to reach out to the forum again to see if anyone knows who can perform the work needed:

1. Cast chamber with Cerrosafe. Remove portion of stuck case in this cast.
2. Inspect chamber for surface finish and polish as needed.

I'd like to run it up the flagpole one last time. I'm 0 for 2 in this last year finding a gunsmith to complete the work, and with the instructions provided by Tim my last line will be to invest into the materials and attempt it on my own. Any leads?

 

[Vernonia MW]

I'm pretty far out of the way for you, but I am available to do the work. You just need to deal with a drive. We can figure out a time so I can do the work while you wait.

 

[miketbass]

I'm pretty far out of the way for you, but I am available to do the work. You just need to deal with a drive. We can figure out a time so I can do the work while you wait.

Thank you, your services were on my short list earlier this year but the added drive time vs. Estacada turned me elsewhere. At this time, I've already invested far more hours commuting than an afternoon trip to Vernonia would consume. Let me drop you a line via your email and we can work something out. Much appreciated!

 

[echo1]

You are aware that threaded SKS barrels/receivers have "clocked" numbers matching to each other, 0 to 35 I think, PAX

SKS Barrel/Receiver Index Numbers Identified and Verified

I figured the members of GunBoards may find this information interesting..... Please excuse any sksfiles references because this will be a back/back two post copy/paste containing the subject and then the results in my second post. Full thread located here...

www.gunboards.com

 

[miketbass]

You are aware that threaded SKS barrels/receivers have "clocked" numbers matching to each other, 0 to 35 I think, PAX

SKS Barrel/Receiver Index Numbers Identified and Verified

I figured the members of GunBoards may find this information interesting..... Please excuse any sksfiles references because this will be a back/back two post copy/paste containing the subject and then the results in my second post. Full thread located here...

www.gunboards.com

Interesting! I was not aware of this. I have done a fair amount of research on the SKS over the years and this is the first I'm hearing of it.

Fortunately, I will not be needing to re-barrel and will likely sell it on. I will check my markings to see if they coincide but my guess is that's a long shot.

Thank you for the info - I will be reading up more on this.