Mini 14 Bolt Locks Open

[jlh]

My 186 series mini 14's bolt locks open, with, or without a magazine, without using the "lock-open" button. The only way to close the bolt is to hit the rifle's butt on the floor. The bolt works freely, and the bolt-lock button operates. I haven't shot it in a few years, and haven't had a chance to see if this is a problem with a loaded mag. The bolt just locks back, and "freezes" until I hit the butt on the floor. What is stuck and/or sticking?

Thanks.

 

[tinman]

My first guess is you've got a weak or broken bolt lock spring..... :mrgreen:

 

[wwb]

It's been darn near 50 years, so my memory may be fuzzy, but as I recall from firing the M-14 in Basic Training, the bolt is SUPPOSED to lock open unless there is a LOADED magazine inserted. The Mini should behave the same way.