Rem 700 Stainless Concern

Picher · July 10, 2014, 03:45 PM

I have a new Rem 700 Stainess Light Varmint and have a problem.

The bolt is much harder to open/cock than my other 700s and when I take another short-action bolt and use it in the new rifle, it also is hard to open/cock.

I just replaced the mainspring to see if the old one was dragging, but it hasn't helped...maybe a little worse, if anything.

The bolt doesn't seem to seize when it's already cocked.

Anyone have an idea what the problem might be?

natman · July 10, 2014, 08:54 PM

Try a dab of grease on the back of the lugs and the cocking cam.

Scorch · July 10, 2014, 11:47 PM

Check the area at the rear of the receiver where the tip of the cocking piece rides over the sear. If your factory bolt AND another short action bolt both drag the same it is likely to be in that area or in the trigger itself.

tangolima · July 11, 2014, 03:23 AM

Is it difficult to open the bolt after shooting a round? Do you feel the same when you dry fire?

-TL

**4V50 Gary** · July 11, 2014, 08:07 AM

Because of headspacing concerns, bolts are generally not interchangeable between rifles. Changing bolts between rifles is not a proper way of checking a bolt.

I'm wondering if the bolt needs to be lapped? While it shouldn't be, I'm also thinking if the receiver's cutout for the bolt handle is too small. Use a felt marker and mark up the handle and open/close the bolt. Then remove it from the action. See if there's scratches on the bolt handle.

Picher · July 12, 2014, 07:09 AM

Despite previous polishing, I found a bunch of relatively sharp edges and the bolt cam was rough. Rubber polishing wheel on the Moto-Tool did the trick. Works much better now. Lack of lube was not the problem.

Stainless steel bolts/actions seem considerably softer than blued steel models...finding some battering of the bolt handle cam.

Thanks for the pointers.

July 10, 2014, 03:45 PM	#1
Picher Senior Member Join Date: December 14, 2004 Location: Maine Posts: 3,694	Rem 700 Stainless Concern I have a new Rem 700 Stainess Light Varmint and have a problem. The bolt is much harder to open/cock than my other 700s and when I take another short-action bolt and use it in the new rifle, it also is hard to open/cock. I just replaced the mainspring to see if the old one was dragging, but it hasn't helped...maybe a little worse, if anything. The bolt doesn't seem to seize when it's already cocked. Anyone have an idea what the problem might be?

July 10, 2014, 11:47 PM	#3
Scorch Senior Member Join Date: February 13, 2006 Location: Washington state Posts: 15,248	Check the area at the rear of the receiver where the tip of the cocking piece rides over the sear. If your factory bolt AND another short action bolt both drag the same it is likely to be in that area or in the trigger itself. __________________ Never try to educate someone who resists knowledge at all costs. But what do I know? Summit Arms Services

July 11, 2014, 08:07 AM	#5
4V50 Gary Staff Join Date: November 2, 1998 Location: Colorado Posts: 21,832	Because of headspacing concerns, bolts are generally not interchangeable between rifles. Changing bolts between rifles is not a proper way of checking a bolt. I'm wondering if the bolt needs to be lapped? While it shouldn't be, I'm also thinking if the receiver's cutout for the bolt handle is too small. Use a felt marker and mark up the handle and open/close the bolt. Then remove it from the action. See if there's scratches on the bolt handle. __________________ Vigilantibus et non dormientibus jura subveniunt. *Molon Labe!*

July 10, 2014, 08:54 PM	#2
natman Senior Member Join Date: June 24, 2008 Posts: 2,606	Try a dab of grease on the back of the lugs and the cocking cam.

July 11, 2014, 03:23 AM	#4
tangolima Senior Member Join Date: September 28, 2013 Posts: 3,816	Is it difficult to open the bolt after shooting a round? Do you feel the same when you dry fire? -TL

July 12, 2014, 07:09 AM	#6
Picher Senior Member Join Date: December 14, 2004 Location: Maine Posts: 3,694	Despite previous polishing, I found a bunch of relatively sharp edges and the bolt cam was rough. Rubber polishing wheel on the Moto-Tool did the trick. Works much better now. Lack of lube was not the problem. Stainless steel bolts/actions seem considerably softer than blued steel models...finding some battering of the bolt handle cam. Thanks for the pointers.