K98k Bolt Stuck

[Beerhunter]

Having fired my second round this morning, the bolt on my K98k would not open. The bolt lever lifts but the bolt will not slide back. It appears to be stuck in the breech.

The ammunition was Romanian steel cased.

Any ideas how to free it?

Information

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[browningautorifle]

The nylon hammer, or perhaps a hickory hammer handle on the bolt handle. Be prepared for the rim to shear. Alternative, if the bolt handle is truly all the way up, use a rod of near bore size and a good hammer from the front. It will pound the case out...which is what's binding you. Also, as Chuckindenver (I think)has told us, freeze the barreled action and then the case will tap out no problem.

[vintage hunter]

The bolt lever lifts but the bolt will not slide back.

If your able to lift the bolt handle the full 90 degrees I'm not sure a stuck case is the problem. When the bolt handle is raised the square root of the handle rides against the rear of the receiver causing the bolt to move to the rear about 1/8'' and provide primary extraction. That amount of rearward travel combined with the case taper should've freed it even if it was stuck.

[Beerhunter]

If your able to lift the bolt handle the full 90 degrees I'm not sure a stuck case is the problem. When the bolt handle is raised the square root of the handle rides against the rear of the receiver causing the bolt to move to the rear about 1/8'' and provide primary extraction. That amount of rearward travel combined with the case taper should've freed it even if it was stuck.

What you describe is the case. Primary extraction appears to happen.

Any more comments gratefully received.

[vintage hunter]

This is a bit of pure wild arse speculation but only other thing that comes to mind is the extractor wasn't heat treated correctly and the claw was soft enough to bend before the case rim gave way. I've never seen or heard of such a thing happening to a Mauser extractor though.
I would try Jim's close fitting rod down the bore trick and see what happens. Stuck case removal via freezing works well with brass cases but don't know how it would go with steel cases as the contraction properties if it and the barrel are liable to be equal.

[Beerhunter]

When one "rattles" the bolt it moves just about 1mm or less with a metal to metal rattle suggesting that it is not actually a stuck case.

BTW, the rifle was made by Sauer & Sohn in 1940 and so I reckon that any manufacturing fault should have shown up by now. :-)

[vintage hunter]

I have a sporterized 1909 Argentine that ''jams'' from time to time just like yours is now. I Have yet to figure out why but when it does I can fully close the bolt and slam the handle up with a bit of force and it works fine. Try slamming the bolt handle up or while up hit the bottom of the knob with the heel of your hand and see what happens.

[browningautorifle]

I take it you didn't try ANY of the three things I suggested then...

[WarPig1976]

Beat that thing open like it owes you money,,,it's a stuck case.

[Beerhunter]

I take it you didn't try ANY of the three things I suggested then...

Two of the three. I have no faith in the fridge with steel cases.[COLOR="black"]

---------- Post added at 10:00 AM ---------- Previous post was at 09:54 AM ----------

[/COLORIt was a stuck Case! The cleaning rod needed more welly. I shall examine the case, chamber and extractor claw later.

The rattle was the free play between the extractor and the cartridge rim.

Thanks all.