Model 70 Bolt Lockup

M

Mkraf

Inactive
I've noticed that the bolt will move easily when the handle is tapped. There also seems to be some very slight side to side movement when I press on the bolt shroud. I'm not sure if this movement is from a looseness in the lug/chamber area...or the bolt to receiver fit.


The rifle is new and has about 50 rounds through it. There haven't been any problems with functionality so far.

Is this looseness a safety issue or just cosmetic?


Video of rifle here:


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9b2Q9pAFDvQ


Thanks
 
Sounds normal. There is usually a little play between the cocking piece and the cam surface on the bolt body, which is what you are feeling when you move the bolt up and down. The side movement is also normal; you don't want a bolt that is a tight fit, a little dirt would put the gun out of action. So, nothing to worry about.

Jim
 
Thank you for the input everyone.


I brought the rifle over to my gunsmith today and he basically said the same thing.......today rifles are made with looser tolerances in certain areas to increase reliability.. etc etc.


I guess I'll just have to live with it unless there are oversized model 70 bolts floatin around out there.
 
"...today rifles are made..."

I don't know what you expect, or what would meet your standards, but a pre-WWII Model 70 will do the same thing, as will almost every other bolt action on the market.

Jim
 
I would grasp the bolt and open it, I would not be timid. If I wanted the bolt to open effortlessly I would remove the firing pin/cocking piece assemble.

F. Guffey
 
An oversized Model 70 bolt if there was such a thing, would require fitting by a smithy. If it sits tight with a round in the chamber(make a few DP rounds if you're going to play with it in the house. That'd be a cartridge with no powder or primer and a wee hole drilled in the case.), it's fine.
 
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