700 LH 30-06 bolt stuck

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cbsaint

700 LH 30-06 bolt stuck

Post by cbsaint »

I just purchased a used 700 LH rifle in 30-06 from a reputable dealer. Of course I brought it to the range as soon as I could to test it out. I put 15 rounds through without a problem. I then removed the bolt to clean the gun. I am now unable to fully reinstall the bolt. It looks like it moves forward fully, but I can only rotate the bolt handle down a few degrees before it catches on something.

Does anyone have a suggestion? Of course I can bring it back to the dealer to have it fixed or return it for a full refund. However, it's kind of a long drive. If its a simple fix I can do myself, I'd rather save the gas and keep the rifle.
shot1too

Post by shot1too »

It sounds like the firing pin moved forward when the bolt was out of the gun. If you go to Remington Arms web page and download the owner's manual for the 700, page 14 shows bolt maintenance. You will have to return the pin back to the cocked position. If that isn't the problem, see a smith or armorer. Best of luck.
cbsaint

Post by cbsaint »

Yeah, I had taken a look at the manual but it's not all that detailed. Honestly, I can't blame Remington. They don't want every Tom, Dick and Harry thinking he's a gunsmith and futzing with their rifles.

However, it did confirm for me that the bolt is cocked. The firing pin is lined up in the groove. However, the bolt plug is not fully seated. There is a small (~3/32") gap between the bolt plug and the bolt itself. Rather than being flush, the back of the firing pin assembly is slightly recessed into the bolt plug. From looking at other guns, it appears that there shouldn't be any gap at all. I guess that gap is just enough to prevent the bolt handle from lining up properly and being able to rotate down.

Not being familiar with guns, I don't know if its a simple press-fit piece that can be tapped back in with a mallet or if there's something more involved that needs to be done.

I called the store and the person I spoke to said that the gunsmith "usually works on Saturday afternoons". So they expect me to drive 2 hours each way for a guy that may or may not be there?... :roll: But that's a whole different issue.
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