I forgot something when putting my rifle back together after a field strip

[OldManBryson]

I forgot to disassemble the bolt and clean the firing pin.
So today I started again.  I beat in that pin to remove with anything I could find.  No results except for a sore thumb and a search for nerve pills.
Right now I have it soaking in come CLP.
Anything else I'm missing?

[Loose}{Cannon]

You need the right size drift punch and a solid surface with a relief hole. 

[Greasemonkey]

I use a socket to set the bolt on and knock the pin out into.

[OldManBryson]

What size punch?

[running-man]

You'll want a flat bottomed punch just smaller than the pin. Maybe 3/16" or 1/4"?  (I can't remember the size I typically use.)

And set the socket on your garage floor or other concrete surface. Put it on a table or bench that has a bit of give and ypu'll fight it forever.  Honestly, a press is your best option to avoid messing anything up...but that's not a typical home workshop type tool...but it's the right tool for the job.

[OldManBryson]

Sounds like a trip to Harbor Freight!

[Phosphorus32]

5/32" is perfect but 1/8" will usually do  needs to be a good hardened steel punch, no babying that pin with brass 

[OldManBryson]

Perhaps I need a good set of punches!

[Bob_The_Student]

I used a steel punch (tore up a brass one),  a 2lb-er  and a bench vise and smack that SOB out in no time. After 2 days of soaking and beating on it. Only had one with this problem and the bad thing is I can't remember which one it was.   

[OldManBryson]

This one looked good on the outside, but was covered in cosmoline in non-visible areas.  I was just concerned the firing pin area might be dirty.
That pin's in there good, that's for sure!

[MxwllBkr]

I have a hole drilled in a 2x4 that I use to hit them out with........ man I love harbor freight...... go in for one thing and come out with a shopping cart full 

[Loose}{Cannon]

This one looked good on the outside, but was covered in cosmoline in non-visible areas.  I was just concerned the firing pin area might be dirty.
That pin's in there good, that's for sure!

The issue is......   cosmo left in the firing pin channel when firing.  The hot gasses go through the firing pin hole and solidify the cosmo which will lockup the firing fin in the forward position..... causing a slamfire.  When you shake the bolt, the pin should rattle.

[OldManBryson]

This one looked good on the outside, but was covered in cosmoline in non-visible areas.  I was just concerned the firing pin area might be dirty.
That pin's in there good, that's for sure!

The issue is......   cosmo left in the firing pin channel when firing.  The hot gasses go through the firing pin hole and solidify the cosmo which will lockup the firing fin in the forward position..... causing a slamfire.  When you shake the bolt, the pin should rattle.

That don't sound good!  (Literally and figuratively!)

[Loose}{Cannon]

A good spray of carb cleaner through the firing pin hole can do wonders.

[Larry D.]

This one looked good on the outside, but was covered in cosmoline in non-visible areas.  I was just concerned the firing pin area might be dirty.
That pin's in there good, that's for sure!

The issue is......   cosmo left in the firing pin channel when firing.  The hot gasses go through the firing pin hole and solidify the cosmo which will lockup the firing fin in the forward position..... causing a slamfire.  When you shake the bolt, the pin should rattle.

That don't sound good!  (Literally and figuratively!)

But he's right.
There is a mod for a pin held to the rear by a spring.

[OldManBryson]

This one looked good on the outside, but was covered in cosmoline in non-visible areas.  I was just concerned the firing pin area might be dirty.
That pin's in there good, that's for sure!

The issue is......   cosmo left in the firing pin channel when firing.  The hot gasses go through the firing pin hole and solidify the cosmo which will lockup the firing fin in the forward position..... causing a slamfire.  When you shake the bolt, the pin should rattle.

That don't sound good!  (Literally and figuratively!)

But he's right.
There is a mod for a pin held to the rear by a spring.

Oh, do tell!

[Justin Hell]

https://murraysguns.com/sks-firing-pins/

Check this guy out.  If it is something you would be interested in...it is a system for newer than the first couple years of Russian production SKSs....so about 99.8% of them

It utilizes a spring rather than leaving the firing pin floating in the channel. The spring would help prevent slam firing by at least pulling back on it. A gummed up one likely would do the same thing eventually...at least on the originals.

Murray redesigned the modern pin to utilize the same concept. They also have the benefit of being US made, and are on the 922r list of parts you can add when modifying an SKS with stuff you likely wouldn't ever buy...but if you have an inner Rambo, it might be plus down the road. 

Its a nice way to improve upon the safety of your SKS, without modifying anything. You can go back to original just as easy as your experience getting your FP retaining bolt out.... how did that go BTW?

I don't have experience with Murray's pins, but I do have an early Russian with that type of firing pin...and honestly I cannot fathom as to why they elected to change it to free floating.

[OldManBryson]

So this would still consider my rifle "as-issued" instead of "bubbad"?

[Justin Hell]

So this would still consider my rifle "as-issued" instead of "bubbad"?

I like to think including the term bubba requires permanent modification. This is reversible so I wouldn't call it that.  It essentially is an enhancement to make up for an issue with the design, that if left unchecked can be dangerous.  Many folks get one so they can modify their SKS with aftermarket accessories, and still comply with 922r, which you can look into...it gives me a headache and makes me grumpy. 

Adding this does not put you into a bracket where you would need to replace five imported parts with US made parts. It is one of the acceptable modifications under some seriously confusing 'rules'.  It is one modification that is generally not frowned upon for a gun that is going to be shot.

If I were to ever need a firing pin...which I won't...I would go this route.
Currently I daresay I could pledge to replace any board members broken firing pin until 2029...and still have leftovers. They rarely need replacement, and are, at least currently...readily available....especially at my house.

I have even two backups for my Russian spring loaded SKS fer cryin' out loud.

[OldManBryson]

So this would still consider my rifle "as-issued" instead of "bubbad"?

Currently I daresay I could pledge to replace any board members broken firing pin until 2029...and still have leftovers. They rarely need replacement, and are, at least currently...readily available....especially at my house.

I have even two backups for my Russian spring loaded SKS fer cryin' out loud.

Does this apply to floating firing pins or the ones with the spring?