Rem 700 fail to fire

Cow · September 3, 2012, 06:07 PM

First things first, I'm pretty new to guns and I have a brand new VS SF II .223 that won't fire. This is the first time I've tried to shoot it. The bolt cycles just fine, I tried two different kinds of ammo, several bullets each. Nothing. I can't see any primer strikes?

Pulled those SAME bullets out, loaded them in the AR and they went bang, with no problems. I'd like to fix this myself if it's something simple I could do, before sending it in under warranty, if that's possible.

What should I be looking for?

Thanks for the help.

AC 45-70 · September 3, 2012, 06:48 PM

Try pulling the bolt out and looking for damage.

mete · September 3, 2012, 06:51 PM

A firing pin ??

Take the bolt apart thoroughly clean and inspect bolt spring and pin , making sure ther are no burrs or other things to stop pin movement .
You should get an exploded drawing as you're new to guns to check all the parts. Is the gun cocking ? Don't take the trigger apart as that's not for a newbie and Remington gets upset if you do.
If nothing is obvious send it back.

Cow · September 4, 2012, 08:37 PM

Leupold scope base screws are different length and were inserted in the wrong order keeping the bolt from closing 100%.

Learn from my newbie mistakes!!!

Scorch · September 4, 2012, 11:09 PM

Is it one of the 700s with the J-lock?
Have you had the bolt out lately?
Have you noticed the problem since you last tightened the action screws?

Cow · September 5, 2012, 07:46 AM

No j-lock
I've had the bolt out several times to check firing pin, etc
I've only touched the screws on the scope base

mehavey · September 5, 2012, 02:08 PM

There's a resounding "click" when the sear lets go?
...and you have a spring in the firing pin assembly? (don't laugh)

http://www.gunsumerreports.com/revie..._aac-sd_p4.php

...last check (although the cartridge/primer should have told all), can you put cleaning rod with jag down the
barrel up against the bolt face -- and see it jump from the firing pin protruding upon pulling the trigger?

Cow · September 5, 2012, 08:01 PM

I had the scope base screws mixed up, I had one of the longer screws in the wrong spot keeping the bolt from locking in all the way. I have no doubts about it firing now.

Thanks for the replies!

**4V50 Gary** · September 6, 2012, 06:28 AM

Happened to my brother once.

I disassembled the bolt, cleaned it (of the gummed up oils), oiled it and it was good to go.

September 3, 2012, 06:07 PM	#1
Cow Junior Member Join Date: February 10, 2012 Location: Eastern Oregon Posts: 8	Rem 700 fail to fire First things first, I'm pretty new to guns and I have a brand new VS SF II .223 that won't fire. This is the first time I've tried to shoot it. The bolt cycles just fine, I tried two different kinds of ammo, several bullets each. Nothing. I can't see any primer strikes? Pulled those SAME bullets out, loaded them in the AR and they went bang, with no problems. I'd like to fix this myself if it's something simple I could do, before sending it in under warranty, if that's possible. What should I be looking for? Thanks for the help. __________________ Rock River Entry Operator AR15, Remington 700 VS SF II, Glock 17, Ruger 10/22

September 3, 2012, 06:51 PM	#3
mete Senior Member Join Date: June 14, 2004 Location: NY State Posts: 6,575	A firing pin ?? Take the bolt apart thoroughly clean and inspect bolt spring and pin , making sure ther are no burrs or other things to stop pin movement . You should get an exploded drawing as you're new to guns to check all the parts. Is the gun cocking ? Don't take the trigger apart as that's not for a newbie and Remington gets upset if you do. If nothing is obvious send it back. __________________ And Watson , bring your revolver !

September 4, 2012, 08:37 PM	#4
Cow Junior Member Join Date: February 10, 2012 Location: Eastern Oregon Posts: 8	Leupold scope base screws are different length and were inserted in the wrong order keeping the bolt from closing 100%. Learn from my newbie mistakes!!! __________________ Rock River Entry Operator AR15, Remington 700 VS SF II, Glock 17, Ruger 10/22

September 4, 2012, 11:09 PM	#5
Scorch Senior Member Join Date: February 13, 2006 Location: Washington state Posts: 15,248	Is it one of the 700s with the J-lock? Have you had the bolt out lately? Have you noticed the problem since you last tightened the action screws? __________________ Never try to educate someone who resists knowledge at all costs. But what do I know? Summit Arms Services

September 5, 2012, 07:46 AM	#6
Cow Junior Member Join Date: February 10, 2012 Location: Eastern Oregon Posts: 8	No j-lock I've had the bolt out several times to check firing pin, etc I've only touched the screws on the scope base __________________ Rock River Entry Operator AR15, Remington 700 VS SF II, Glock 17, Ruger 10/22

September 3, 2012, 06:48 PM	#2
AC 45-70 Member Join Date: July 18, 2012 Posts: 29	Try pulling the bolt out and looking for damage.

September 5, 2012, 02:08 PM	#7
mehavey Senior Member Join Date: June 17, 2010 Location: Virginia Posts: 6,894	There's a resounding "click" when the sear lets go? ...and you have a spring in the firing pin assembly? (don't laugh) http://www.gunsumerreports.com/revie..._aac-sd_p4.php ...last check (although the cartridge/primer should have told all), can you put cleaning rod with jag down the barrel up against the bolt face -- and see it jump from the firing pin protruding upon pulling the trigger?

September 5, 2012, 08:01 PM	#8
Cow Junior Member Join Date: February 10, 2012 Location: Eastern Oregon Posts: 8	I had the scope base screws mixed up, I had one of the longer screws in the wrong spot keeping the bolt from locking in all the way. I have no doubts about it firing now. Thanks for the replies! __________________ Rock River Entry Operator AR15, Remington 700 VS SF II, Glock 17, Ruger 10/22

September 6, 2012, 06:28 AM	#9
4V50 Gary Staff Join Date: November 2, 1998 Location: Colorado Posts: 21,833	Happened to my brother once. I disassembled the bolt, cleaned it (of the gummed up oils), oiled it and it was good to go. __________________ Vigilantibus et non dormientibus jura subveniunt. *Molon Labe!*