Picked up a PSL-54c

[WarPig1976]

The bolt hold open feature just fell out today. It seems using Googlefu that this is common.
Started to have feeding malfunctions and then the trigger wasn't resetting. Pulled it apart to find a spring under the disconnector. Flipped it and the catch and spring dumped out. Glad it wasn't something more serious.

[Sentryduty]

You have a ready fix for this pending? I hate having a gun broken and I've had a few experiences waiting on parts.

[cipherk98]

Let me know if you find/figure out a fix. I just ordered one and it'd be helpful knowledge to have just in case.

[WarPig1976]

Got it back together, but it ain't gonna last. There's a retaining rivet that is galled beyond serviceable. I punched the catch back past the rivet but it's just barely holding. Only proper fix is to replace it. One more for the list.

I'll take some pics when I get the time to show the issue.

[Bruce McAskill]

Remember you will not get pin point accuracy with those rifles. The idea in the Romanian army was to keep the heads down on a machinegun nets while the rest of the squad was to circle it and grenade it. Now do not use heavy ball ammo in it. The rifle will be battered by it so the standard 148 gr. ball is required in it. They are fun to shoot so go out, shoot it and enjoy it.

[WarPig1976]

Remember you will not get pin point accuracy with those rifles.

Yes, I knew what I was getting into. I haven't even keep the targets. This thing throws the spam can stuff all over. Your cheek is off the stock or I have to contort my jaw while using the scope so there's that too. I'll do some handloads to see if things tighten up a bit, just need brass.
My favorite part so far is seeing the fire ball through the reticle.

[WarPig1976]

This is the culprit.
Attachment 71529
The rivet that holds it in place
Attachment 71530
DO NOT dry fire with the bolt out of one of these with the hold open feature. As you can see the hammer comes down directly on top of the catch, basically beating it past the rivet. Once I realized this it occurred to me I may of had a hand in this issue. I dry fired it a few times with the bolt out checking the trigger mechanism out when I first got it. We live and learn. Gotta admit that's a crappy design, almost an afterthought? The spring inside looks and feels like one out of a click pen!!
Attachment 71531
Here's a view from underneath. Shows how the catch is relieved on one side, a nub up top is all that holds it. It sits in there cocked too. The other side of the rivet as well.
Attachment 71532

[cipherk98]

Great pictures, thank you!

You've probably found the same threads on a different forum I did, but I'll go ahead and mention the conclusion they came to: that the pin is not very good and the solution is to machine or find a new/better pin. It's either too small or too weak for the job and perhaps that is why some parts kits and later builds omitted it. Also saw a reference to fabbing one up out of a #16 wire nail... guess when I get mine out of layaway it'll be something I need to inspect before shooting and repair as needed. Unfortunately I have no suggestions for gunsmiths in the area if you need to go that route

[Kalione]

First it's cool to read about face to face sales in free states, we can't do that here where I'm at. I'd have to have an FFL do it for me, pay a fee, and wait 10 days. So count your blessings, I'm certainly envious.

Also this thread makes me want to take my PSL out, it's been sitting in the back of the safe for way to long, comes out for a clean and lube occasionally, but you've reminded me of How fun they are to shoot. Once you get the scope dialed in its a driver. It's capabilities far outweigh my ability. But supposedly chest sized targets consistently at 600 yards is attainable in the right hands.

I was lucky and picked mine up back in '07 with 2 mags and the POSP scope for $650, I've watched them go up and up since then. Guess maybe that's why it's a safe queen. I just wish I had had that much foresight with the Saiga 12s...

[WarPig1976]

$650

I'll be envious back at ya.

I sold my Saiga 12 to a buddy. He still teases me once in a while.