I have a 1972 made Winchester model 70 243 that my father-in-law gave me the issue I’m having yesterday I went hunting I got some sand down the barrel and I had to take the bolt out of the barrel before I could hunt I cleared the sand out got as much sand out of the bolt that i could I thought the gun was fine I got out of the words last night and I couldn’t see to unload it so I laid it down in the back of the jeep I unloaded it from the bottom and when I flip the safety forward to jack the shell out of the chamber it fired can someone help me with this issue?
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Winchester model 70 issues
- Thread starter Fire633
- Start date
The Model 70 is famous for its 3 position safety. All the way back, safety on, bolt locked shut. Middle position, safety on, bolt is operable (for loading/unloading) All the way forward, safety off, bolt operable.
If the gun fired when you took the safety off, the most likely cause is something pulled the trigger (at some point) with the safety ON, and the sand you mention got in there, and was enough to cause the sear to stay disengaged, not reset, so that when the safety was moved to off, it fired.
Take the gun out of the stock and carefully and fully clean both. Reassemble and test (GUN EMPTY!!!!!) the problem should go away. If not, time for a trip to the gunsmith...
If the gun fired when you took the safety off, the most likely cause is something pulled the trigger (at some point) with the safety ON, and the sand you mention got in there, and was enough to cause the sear to stay disengaged, not reset, so that when the safety was moved to off, it fired.
Take the gun out of the stock and carefully and fully clean both. Reassemble and test (GUN EMPTY!!!!!) the problem should go away. If not, time for a trip to the gunsmith...
A model 70 or any striker locking safety relies on transferring the sear to the trigger everytime the safety is released.
These guns, and all guns, must be pointed in a safe direction when safety is released.
What happens it the trigger sear is bound up out of position. When the safety handed the cocking piece back, the trigger “missed” it.
Gun needs cleaned. Owner needs to refresh safety off procedures, unless you just don’t like that Jeep.
These guns, and all guns, must be pointed in a safe direction when safety is released.
What happens it the trigger sear is bound up out of position. When the safety handed the cocking piece back, the trigger “missed” it.
Gun needs cleaned. Owner needs to refresh safety off procedures, unless you just don’t like that Jeep.
Take it out of the stock & the trigger assembly will be easily visible. Get the sand off everything then work the bolt & see if it will stay cocked. If it does work the safety through its positions & try the trigger in each position. It should only go click with the safety in foward position. If you're new to rifles & such might be a good time to have the rifle checked by a good gunsmith. Once that bullet leaves the barrel you can't bring it back. BTW I love the Winchesters.
stagpanther
New member
Just about fell on the floor laughing reading that one. But seriously...Owner needs to refresh safety off procedures, unless you just don’t like that Jeep.
I recently bought a new model 70, it doesn't like to be cycled (nor does the owner's manual advise otherwise) without the safety in the middle setting.