What purpose does the ratchet plate serve?
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MDMike
What purpose does the ratchet plate serve?
OK, I see this ratchet plate on the side of the reciever. Is there any purpose besides looks. Inquiring minds want to know....
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Dr. Fixit
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Karbinator
I always thought the ratchet plate was for Jammed bolts.....like say a bound up buffer spring, or stuck case....
There's a leg that comes out when you pull the cocking lever back....this leg engages the raised rivets....
Made me think it was for that last bit of leverage you need to pop the bolt loose from a jam.
There's a leg that comes out when you pull the cocking lever back....this leg engages the raised rivets....
Made me think it was for that last bit of leverage you need to pop the bolt loose from a jam.
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Dr. Fixit
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JBaum
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The cocking handle does not rub the bumps on what you guys call the ratchet plate. The lever which raises when the handle pivots doesn't contact the bumps either. Considering that nothing comes in contact with the bumps, I don't know how it got the term ratchet plate, but if we all agree to call it that, at least it won't be confusing.
IF however, a little bit of dirt gets into that area from underneath, the cocking handle may jam and not pull back, but when forced back a little, the dirt would go into the depression of one of the bumps (viewed from underneath), squeeze out of the way, and allow the cocking handle to retract. In other words, I think it's the external equivalent of a dirt groove, or more accurately, dirt bumps.
A little stiffness provided by the plate would be a good thing, considering the long slot that's behind it. The front of the plate acts as a rest for the catch lever which keeps the cocking handle in the forward position when shooting. It also has a stop tab to prevent the handle from being pulled back farther than needed when cocking. The bumps on my 42 have zero wear - there's no contact with anything other than on the underside of it, and then it just acts as a guide for the cocking handle.
Using a stamped steel plate as a reinforcement and guide would simplify production. Cheaper is better in wartime. Considering the exposure of the area to dirt, it's my guess that the bumps were added after dirt troubles jammed the handle.
This is not information that I've seen in any of the manuals I've translated, it's just personal observation.
IF however, a little bit of dirt gets into that area from underneath, the cocking handle may jam and not pull back, but when forced back a little, the dirt would go into the depression of one of the bumps (viewed from underneath), squeeze out of the way, and allow the cocking handle to retract. In other words, I think it's the external equivalent of a dirt groove, or more accurately, dirt bumps.
A little stiffness provided by the plate would be a good thing, considering the long slot that's behind it. The front of the plate acts as a rest for the catch lever which keeps the cocking handle in the forward position when shooting. It also has a stop tab to prevent the handle from being pulled back farther than needed when cocking. The bumps on my 42 have zero wear - there's no contact with anything other than on the underside of it, and then it just acts as a guide for the cocking handle.
Using a stamped steel plate as a reinforcement and guide would simplify production. Cheaper is better in wartime. Considering the exposure of the area to dirt, it's my guess that the bumps were added after dirt troubles jammed the handle.
This is not information that I've seen in any of the manuals I've translated, it's just personal observation.
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panaceabeachbum
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I dont see that anything makes contact on the serations down the plate but it sure looks like it should serve the same purpose as the ratchet plate in an UZI, mainly to keep the bolt from flying forward on a live round if you short stroke the FA gun and miss the sear. I do notice the leg /arm that swings under the reciever and briefly engages one of the nubs on the bottom of reciever and might act as a rearward assist to unlock or unjam the gun