Inoperable Winchester Model 70 Safety

C

chilipeppernorm

Inactive
Ok, I did a search and found one thread on a Model 70 safety, but it doesn't seem to be the exact problem I'm having. I purchased a Model 70 from a friend who is the second owner for many years. The serial # is G970228, made in 1970 I believe, and the bolt has a matching serial # scribed into it (from the factory?). It is in fine condition with an older Leopold scope.

I discovered when I brought it home that the safety on the rear of the bolt is in the forward Fire position and it will rotate toward the rear freely about 1/4 inch and no further. It should rotate 90 degrees to Safe and allow bolt removal, as well as fully rearward to fully Safe. I've pulled up the owners manual on the web and it simply describes the 3 positions of the Safety but nothing more. I've been told the rifle shoots really well but I'm not going to load it much less fire it with an inactive Safety.

Is there some action or technique I'm unaware of to operate this Safety, or was I sold a weapon that will require professional gunsmithing to operate appropriately and safely? Any help or advice would be most deeply appreciated.
 
Is the rifle cocked? It is possible there is a problem with the trigger and when you close the bolt the sear isn't engaging. The striker will not cock and the safety won't work because it thinks the gun has been fired. Or you could have a broken or possibly a very dirty safety. Either way I'd probably have it looked at by someone who knows what they are doing.
 
Thanks for the reply. When I cycle the bolt and lock it forward I get a proper trigger pull and release. It functions well in the fire position for the Safety on dry fire. Not willing to engage in live fire with a malfunctioning Safety.
 
I don't think you understood "jmr40". The striker must be cocked for the safety to engage. I'm not a Model 70 guy but I'm well versed on Mauser 98 types. You can't engage the safety with the bolt out of the rifle unless you retract the striker slightly. Close the bolt handle on an empty chamber and see if the safety engages. If it's a "3-position", the fully engaged position locks the bolt closed and there's a middle position that allows the bolt to open but still holds the striker.
 
What jmr40 and Mobuck said. The action has to be cocked before the safety will work.
I have a model 70 Coyote in 7mm WSM that had some "debris" in the safety mechanism from the factory. Stripped the bolt and cleaned it out and it now works as it's supposed to.
 
The model 70 trigger and safety are among the most rugged and most desirable on a hunting rifle. I'd not be changing out unless I had to. Most likely just dirty or a small part is broken. That is a real possibility on a 45 year old rifle.

Take it to a gunsmith, or at least someone you trust and have it looked at. I'm betting it is a minor problem.

It wouldn't hurt to ask the previous owner if he ever had any issues. He may provide clues as to the problem.
 
Without the rifle in my hands I'm going to go with a wild guess on a fix. Cock the rifle as if chambering a round. Kind of reach around with the left hand and slowly very slightly ride the bolt handle about 1/8" while trying to engage the safety. I've had several of those post 64 M70s that had stubborn safeties. I had to do that to get a safety on but they slopped off normally when I decided to shoot. I've since gone to hunting with an empty chamber and don't worry about whether a the safety works or not. The only exception is when I hunt with a single shot.
You'd love playing with a SIG-Sauer P series handgun which has no safety. ;)
One of the things I teach in my Hunter Ed classes is, "A safety is a mechanical device subject to failure." Witness the problems with the Remington M700 That the MSM made such a fuss about.
Anyway, they that slight lifting of the bolt handle and see if that helps the problem.
Paul B.
 
I agree with jmr40, the model 70 safety is probably the most desirable safety made because of it's ease of use and dependability..
Having said all that, thry do get filthy and it's reasonable to assume an older rifle is probably packed with crud that will gum things up....and maybe a broken detent also.
 
The Model 70 trigger pull tends to be heavier than that of some other rifles, especially the Remington 700. The result is that folks insist on doing a "trigger job" on Model 70's. And the result of that is that they mess with the sear engagement, stoning and polishing it. And the result of that is that the cocking piece sits too far forward and the safety won't engage (go into the ON position) properly. Then, all too often, the "gunsmith" decides to stone and file on the safety and/or the cocking piece. When that gets messed up, it is off to the gunshop to trade the rifle.

That rifle could be dangerous. It needs to be checked over by a gunsmith or someone thoroughly familiar with its trigger/sear/safety mechanism.

Jim
 
Thanks one and all, I appreciate the advice and wisdom. I'm going to take it to a good gunsmith (if I can find one here on the central Oregon coast) and have them look at it.
 
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