AK guys Norinco AK replacement bolt source?

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Picked one of my children (SMLE No 1 Mk III*) up at the gunsmith today and he was talking about having a hard time finding a replacement bolt for a Norinco manufactured AK 47. He is a lot better gunsmith than an internet surfer so I told him I would try to source one for him.
Any of you AK guys have any ideas where He might start looking?

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[jonnyc]

Wouldn't any AK/AKM bolt work, or are you trying to maintain the originality?

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Wouldn't any AK/AKM bolt work, or are you trying to maintain the originality?

I do not think origiality is an issue though he said it had to be Norinco. I will inquire further and determine if it is a fitment issue. I have zero knowledge of the AK as my primary interest is in the older milsurps.

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Gunsmith (non AK expert I think) said his research indicates the only bolt that will work is a Norinco (Chicom) bolt. Anyone else know diffrent?

[imarangemaster]

I think just about all AK bolts interchange. I do know that gas tubes, pistons, top covers, and fire control groups will interchange between Chinese and com-Bloc. Try one and use a headspace gauge. I think APEX or AA-OK has surplus ones cheap. Worth a try.

[ftbstrd]

this site has them, a little expensive but Chinese made!
polytechparts.com

[Vincent]

It sounds like your gunsmith knows what he's talking about.

If it's a MAC90, the receiver metal thickness is 1.6mm. Most other stamped AK47 variants have a receiver metal thickness of 1.0mm.

The bolt rides in the top rail of the receiver. A bolt that's made for a 1mm receiver will not fit a 1.6mm receiver because the rail is too thick.