Need a Little help here.

[Milsurp]

Well this is what I have so far. The problem is the cocking handle is very hard to cycle at the start and my headspace seemed to disappear. I had .014 when I checked the parts before assembley. Once you get it started it moves fine. What's the cure?

[hulygan]

from what i have read it seems that on the cocking problem, your cocking tube is not into the reciever far enough. is there slack when you first operate the cocking handle or does it immediatly his the bolt carrier?

[Milsurp]

There's slack at the start. When I installed it, the tube was at the factory edge where it mates with the receiver. Is there any way to fix this? The cocking tube is already welded. Thanks.

[hulygan]

try this thread it pretty much explains it.

http://www.militaryfirearm.com/Forum/showthread.php?t=270

[Geilt]

While the content in the linked thread is great it is geared towards what to do during a build. His cocking tube is already welded on so be won't be able to adjust much of anything following that process.

[Milsurp]

:America: As Geilt stated my tube is already welded. I'm looking for a fix at this point. If I have to I can split it apart and start over but would prefer not to.

[M1 Tanker]

So your cocking tube stop is too far away and you don't have enough camming surface to unlock the bolt. If that sums it up and you don't want to cut the cocking tube off, then weld some material on the end of the cocking handle to give it more surface.

[Milsurp]

Thanks Tanker. I like that idea. I really wasn't looking foward to taking it apart. I just have to ask, do you see any long term problem with welding? Will it hold up?

[M1 Tanker]

Im sure its going to wear, but if you use the right material it should be hard enough. Your charging handle maybe worn out, which could be your problem. As long as you have some clearance between the bolt carrier and the stop, you are ok. You don't want the carrier beating on the stop.

[Geilt]

I guess it really comes down one thing, you can FIX the problem or put in a patch which will probably resolve it for at least a while. I feel for you because I am in the same boat in that I don't know how to weld and I sure wouldn't want to learn how on my Cetmes.

I've actually thought about taking a welding class at the local tech college.

[Seattlefungus]

Stamped receiver thickness is .059, so you need to check the cocking tube to ensure it's the same thickness, then match the material for the addition. Luck, it's looking good..

[woofert]

So your cocking tube stop is too far away and you don't have enough camming surface to unlock the bolt. If that sums it up and you don't want to cut the cocking tube off, then weld some material on the end of the cocking handle to give it more surface.

Tanker,

won't the dime trick show if there is too much clearance between the cocking handle and the bolt carrier?

I've never used the dime trick to check my Cetme so I'll leave it to someone who has to go into detail.

Woofert

[M1 Tanker]

The dime trick will tell you that either your bolt carrier is too short (has been filed), your cocking tube was installed too long or your cocking handle is worn out. With a Century rifle it was generally one of the first 2.

[Milsurp]

Thanks everybody for the help. I deceided to split the tube and receiver apart and redo it. It came apart fairly clean and will go together fine. I'll make sure that it is set properly this time. I just didn't want to start off with a repaired rifle from the beginning.

[M1 Tanker]

Good plan Milsurp....even though its the painful one.

[jfowl31]

MIlsurp... whats the MB you have on there?