bolt hold-open

[VETTOM]

ok guys, need a suggestion here. Just got another(Frankenfal) FAL, yea I know, stg-58 on hesse receiver, labeled R1A1, and was reworked by AZEX, 10/2K. The bolt will not hold open on a empty mag. My IZZY does and my 1st stg did. Thoughts ?? comments? I have not shot it yet, but it was working as per previous owner. I am not unhappy just :confused: LMK
Thanks

[Tackleberry]

Check the ejecter block and see if it has moved and is putting pressure on the magazine follower and not locking the bolt open.

[Jen]

Check the bolt hold open to see if it has the little pin sticking into the mag well area. If it does, then put in a mag and see if that pin is pushed up by the follower or if it's too short and misses it entirely.

For some reason, on many CAI guns, the bolt hold open pin was shaved down and will not catch on the magazine follower and hold the bolt open when the magazine is empty.

Easiest solution if the bolt hold open has a short or non existent pin is to replace the bolt hold open.

[kanewtervalve]

The pin on mine was missing, very easy to correct, bought a roll pin at a hardware store, installation was a breeze.

[VETTOM]

Hey guys; thanks a lot, I'll get back to the ranch and check it out tonite. If the pin is too short, what is removal technique. If non-exsistant can it be drilled and replaced or better just to buy a new part? It maybe just a Frankenfal but it has been adopted to a really good home. I treat all my children with affection, regardless of caliber or # of legs. Thanks for the info. I'll stick a note what I find, soon. :confused:

[kanewtervalve]

If the pin is too short, it can be removed with a little difficulty with a punch, made easier if you have a vice. I don't see any reason why you wouldn't be able to pull it out with just a pair of pliers.


P.S. Make sure the opposite end of the pin where it doesn't catch the mag follower is ground or filed smooth or it will catch on the other side and bind up.

[ August 20, 2001: Message edited by: kanewtervalve ]

[VETTOM]

posting what I didn't find. I looked and no pin, not even a small hole for one. My Izzy has one, so now I know what I am looking for. Is this a aftermarket part? I guess it would be easy enough to just replace with a hold open one? I checked my FAL manual. If so, got a suggestion for where one could be had, since this is a Hesse receiver labeled R1A1. Thanks for the comments and appreciated. :D

[VETTOM]

vmtz;
I assume it should be about the same size and length as my Izzy. I'll try what you suggested, and see what happens. Thanks a bunch, more FAL playtime :eek:

[SrBenelli]

VETTOM, if you can't replace the pin (or trash your hold-open trying to do it) give Brad over at www.gunthings.com (http://www.gunthings.com) an e-mail....I've done buisness with him and both he and gunthings are stand-up people!
Any replacement metric bolt hold-open should work.

[Deltaten]

VETTOM:
I've got the same version. Mine has apparently never had a pin. No grind marks amazing, for a CAI!), no hole, or remnants of same. I may have to call for another BHO.
Best,
Paul

[racer766]

ok, sounds like I have the same vintage CAI parts pile. My BHO seems to have no pin or hole, receiver has no markings except the
CAI Cal 308 Sporter St Alb VT

Barrel and hg are Australian. Butthole stock, takes metric mags. Sand cut bolt carrier. Turned down barrel (no threads) with no bipod provisions. The gas rod appears to NOT be two piece, and doesn't feel likely to bend unless I use it as a prybar.

I am still trying to figure out the manufacturer of the receiver. It shoots just fine, thanks. I paid $500 for it before I knew what I was looking at. I'm pretty happy so far, but I want the butthole stock to go away and pg to appear. I just need to make sure I have the right parts count...

[recce]

If they used inch parts it would be normal NOT to have a functional HOD. Only Canada had a functioning one installed and most inch parts are from Brit or Aus.

(Although Lithgow may have made functioning HOD's for other countries, you would have to ask L1A1 Collector on this matter)

Check the archives for some of L1A1 Collectors pics to see the difference betwen the two, but they will interchange with little difficulty.

[gkw]

I have a Canadian CAI L1A1 Sporter and an L1A1 parts kit I bought at the same time (1994). The HOD in the gun had no pin, or hole for one. The one in the kit had the stepped pin flush on both sides. Apparently the Brits used both types. I put a roll pin in the one with the hole and swapped them out, no problem.

[Lance]

I think I have a similar deal. My BHO appeared to not have a hole in it but looking close under magnifying glass I could see what I thought was a seam on the back. Sure enough, a few hits with an automatic center punch and I could see the seam clearly. The pin had apparently been ground flush and then refinished. I drifted the cut off pin out, measured the hole and turned a new pin from an old drill bit. Works like a champ!

Lance