How to Cure a Sticky Bolt in a Mosin-Nagant

The Mosin-Nagant is a magazine fed, bolt-action rifle manufactured by the Soviet Union. There are millions of military surplus Mosin-Nagants around the world. Surplus guns are commonly coated in cosmoline, a type of preservative. Preservative buildup can result in a sticky bolt and cause difficulty ejecting and loading a round. Curing a sticky bolt is easy and can be done at a gun range with few supplies.

Things You'll Need

  • Gun cleaner solvent
  • Lint-free rag
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Instructions

    • 1

      Fire several rounds until the barrel and chamber are hot. This loosens buildup inside the rifle.

    • 2

      Dip a corner of a lint-free rag into the solvent, then use your finger to work the rag into the chamber. Remove as much buildup as possible.

    • 3

      Fire several more rounds and repeat the cleaning process with the rag and solvent.

    • 4

      Repeat the first three steps until the bolt slides smoothly while ejecting a shell.