VZ52 Czech Won't Eject Jams Every Shot

KX500

A few years back, a buddy and I each bought one of the CZ/VZ 52 7.62 X 45mm rifles. First time out to shoot them, his locked up on the first shot. Mine worked fine for the 20 or so rounds I fired through it. My buddy later told me that his just had the case stuck in the chamber - no big deal to knock out. I don't think he's tried to fire his since. Well, I have and now mine acts just like his did. I'm wondering if anybody out there has experience with these guns and has worked through this problem? I've cleaned mine pretty good and inspected and lubed the gas system. Come to think of it, I'm pretty sure it tries to eject, because each case I knock out does have a hunk missing from the rim and the bolt is cocked again. I'm sure the ammo I bought with it is older than I am - are cases prone to swelling? Are these guns noted for small/damaged chambers? Any info would be appreciated.

oneshy

At www.milsurpshooter.net there is a Czech rifle forum that discusses problems ranging from bad ammo to constricted chambers to receiving rifles from suppliers that were incorrectly assembled. From what I see some very small mistakes in assembly can cause big problems. Also all available ammo is corrosive. Try the site and you should be able to diagnose your problem. One person stated that he used a 410ga wire brush on a drill extension to ream out the chamber then lightly coated with teflon grease to solve a problem that sounds very much like yours. After years of sitting coupled with corrosive ammo, the chamber certainly could have slight surface rust that could cause a problem like you describe.[This message has been edited by oneshy (edited 02-18-2002).]

Der Gebirgsjager

It's pretty difficult to diagnose your rifle's problem for certain without actually examining it and the fired brass, but it sounds like a bad chamber. This could take the form of rust or pitting from the use of corrosive ammuntion and poor or improper cleaning. If this is the case, close examination of the brass should show abnormal markings where it has swelled into the pitted area or around the rust. If your cases are steel this may not be as visible, but you should still be able to see some indication or marking on the same location on each case. You may also be able to see the problem area by looking into the chamber from the breech end with a small, intense light. The cure for the problem may be as simple as a good cleaning with a chamber brush and solvent, or a light polishing with a strip of 320 W&D paper dipped in kerosene. Insert the strip in the slot of a dowel of the appropriate diameter that has been slotted for approx. 1 1/2 inches to accept the paper. Wind the strip around the circumference of the dowel 3 or 4 times. Run the dowel and paper into the chamber briefly powered by an electric drill at moderate speed. This will remove any rust and polish the chamber walls. Careful-it is easy to overdo and make your chamber oval or oversized. If you feel unsure about the process it's best to take it to a gunsmith. If the chamber is too badly pitted nothing will cure the problem but a new barrel. Good luck.

semi-auto

They will all eventually do the same thing. What happens is the bolt carrier rams the mouth of the chamber on the right side, about three o-clock. This peens the outer edge of the chamber until it starts grabbing and holding shell casings. The cure is to carefully grind out the high area until you have restored it to round. Chamber reamers won't work, because they will take material out of the good areas when the high spot forces the cutter over. Always use caution and determine if headspace is safe when firing surplus military rifles with obvious wear or mixed parts! Allowing the bolt to slam closed on an empty chamber will hasten this condition![This message has been edited by semi-auto (edited 02-18-2002).]