Common AK Malfunctions and What Usually Causes Them

The AK platform has earned its reputation for durability, but that does not mean problems never appear. Dirt, worn components, poor magazines, and inconsistent ammunition can all lead to AK malfunctions over time. When something goes wrong, random part swaps usually create more confusion than solutions. The AK responds best to a calm, symptom-based approach. If you understand where in the cycle the rifle fails, the cause is usually straightforward. This firearm super safety​ guide breaks down the most common AK issues, why they happen, and how to diagnose them without guesswork.

Start with Symptom-Based Diagnosis

Different types of AKs leave different types of malfunction clues. However, no matter the reason, feeding, firing, extracting, and ejecting happen in a fixed order. If you identify which step fails, you eliminate many possible causes immediately.

One Change at a Time

Many shooters accidentally complicate troubleshooting by changing several things at once. Perhaps some parts, like the AK super safety​ ones, were simply not properly installed. New magazines, different ammo, and aftermarket springs can overlap and hide the original issue. Make one change, test it, and observe the result before moving on. This keeps the process controlled and avoids chasing false solutions.

Magazine First Approach

Magazines are the most common source of early-cycle problems. Feed angle, spring tension, and follower movement all depend on the magazine. When feeding feels inconsistent, starting with a known good magazine saves time and removes a major variable.

Ammo and Recoil Spring Checks

Bolt speed matters more than many people realize. Underpowered ammo or overly strong recoil springs can prevent full rearward travel. That single issue can cause feeding, extraction, and ejection problems that look unrelated. Always confirm ammo consistency and recoil spring orientation early.

Failure to Feed

Failure to feed usually appears when the bolt closes on an empty chamber or partially strips a round. This problem happens before the cartridge reaches the chamber and is often tied to timing rather than force.

Common causes tend to fall into a short list:

• Magazine feed lips releasing the round too early or too late
• Weak or dirty magazine springs
• Increased friction from dirt or dry carrier rails

In most cases, swapping magazines immediately changes the behavior. When it does, the rifle itself is rarely at fault.

Failure to Extract

A failure to extract occurs when the fired case stays in the chamber as the bolt moves rearward. This is often caused by increased resistance rather than a broken part.

The most frequent contributors include:

• Carbon or lacquer buildup in the chamber
• Worn extractor claws losing their edge
• Worn extractor claws losing their edge

Steel-case ammunition can accelerate residue buildup over time. Regular chamber cleaning and early extractor replacement prevent most extraction failures before they become persistent.

Failure to Eject

Failure to eject means the case leaves the chamber but does not exit the rifle. It may stovepipe or fall back into the action. On AK rifles, ejection depends on the receiver-mounted ejector rail contacting the case at the right moment.

Low bolt speed is a common factor. Weak ammo, gas issues, or recoil spring problems reduce energy and change the ejection pattern. Worn ejector rails can also alter the angle of contact. Restoring full bolt travel often resolves ejection issues without replacing major parts.

Failure to Fire

Failure to fire happens when the hammer drops, but the round does not ignite. This issue often feels serious but is frequently related to energy loss rather than a broken firing system.

Typical causes include fouling in the firing pin channel, incorrect hammer spring orientation, or hard primers in certain ammunition. A shallow primer dent is a strong indicator. Cleaning the bolt and confirming proper spring installation fixes many of these cases quickly.

Double Feeds and Bolt Over Base

Double feeds occur when two rounds attempt to enter the chamber. Bolt over base happens when the bolt rides over the cartridge rim instead of catching it. Both problems involve poor timing between the bolt and magazine.

These issues most often result from weak magazine springs or improper magazine height. When the bolt outruns the cartridge stack, control is lost. Correcting the magazine almost always eliminates both symptoms at once.

Trigger and Safety-Related Problems

Not all AK problems involve cycling. Sometimes, even the AK trigger upgrade can cause problems, especially if it is not installed in the right way. Trigger and safety issues can interrupt function even when the rifle feeds and ejects correctly.

Common warning signs include:

• Trigger failing to reset
• Hammer following the bolt
• Safety lever dragging on the carrier

These problems are often tied to installation errors or worn fire control components. Because they affect safe operation, they should be addressed immediately.

Fast Troubleshooting Checklist

When AK malfunctions repeatedly, a simple order keeps things efficient:

• Test different ammunition
• Confirm full bolt travel
• Clean the chamber and bolt
• Inspect the extractor and firing pin function

This sequence solves the majority of problems without unnecessary modifications.

Keeping Your AK Running When Problems Appear

Even the most rugged rifles experience AK malfunctions when wear, dirt, or poor components stack up. The key is avoiding guesswork. Most problems follow predictable patterns, and most solutions are simple once the symptom is understood. In practice, magazines cause the majority of issues, followed by ammo and cleanliness. Wear parts come next, while true mechanical failures are less common. If a malfunction repeats after basic checks, stop firing and inspect carefully. Replace consumable parts early and confirm proper installation. A methodical approach keeps the AK reliable and doing exactly what it was designed to do.