Winchester Mdl. 57 bolt play

Longears · January 2, 2009, 09:37 AM

I have a model 57 .22 short serial number in the 3800s. It has been in the family since it was new in 1927 and shoots very well.

Recently I noticed when the bolt is closed I can still push it forward another 1/32 or 1/16 of an inch (I don't have a feeler guage here), or about the thickness of a CD. I do not see noticable wear on the bolt handle wear block or on the matching part of the receiver.

Unfortunately, I did not observe whether there was bolt play with a cartridge in the chamber and I do not have the gun here to try it now. I don't believe though, that chambering a cartridge will make a difference.

Does anyone know if that 'play' is normal?

Thanks, Longears

Harry Bonar · January 2, 2009, 01:14 PM

Sir;
When you feel the "play" if you don't have a cartridge in the chamber it could be normal - but, if there is a cartridge in the chamber and you can still move the bolt forward you've developed some headspace. While it might not be dangerous with "shorts" I think I'd retire the old boy.
Harry B.

eastbank · January 2, 2009, 03:17 PM

my two 57,s when cocked(cocks on the closing) do not have any movement, with a shell in the chamber also no movement. when fired very little movement and i mean very very little,. eastbank.

Longears · January 3, 2009, 09:57 AM

Thanks guys.

Longears

January 2, 2009, 09:37 AM	#1
Longears Junior Member Join Date: November 4, 2008 Posts: 4	Winchester Mdl. 57 bolt play I have a model 57 .22 short serial number in the 3800s. It has been in the family since it was new in 1927 and shoots very well. Recently I noticed when the bolt is closed I can still push it forward another 1/32 or 1/16 of an inch (I don't have a feeler guage here), or about the thickness of a CD. I do not see noticable wear on the bolt handle wear block or on the matching part of the receiver. Unfortunately, I did not observe whether there was bolt play with a cartridge in the chamber and I do not have the gun here to try it now. I don't believe though, that chambering a cartridge will make a difference. Does anyone know if that 'play' is normal? Thanks, Longears

January 2, 2009, 01:14 PM	#2
Harry Bonar Senior Member Join Date: December 5, 2004 Location: In the Vincent, Ohio general area. Posts: 1,804	play Sir; When you feel the "play" if you don't have a cartridge in the chamber it could be normal - but, if there is a cartridge in the chamber and you can still move the bolt forward you've developed some headspace. While it might not be dangerous with "shorts" I think I'd retire the old boy. Harry B.

January 3, 2009, 09:57 AM	#4
Longears Junior Member Join Date: November 4, 2008 Posts: 4	Thanks Thanks guys. Longears

January 2, 2009, 03:17 PM	#3
eastbank Senior Member Join Date: February 7, 2008 Location: pa. Posts: 833	my two 57,s when cocked(cocks on the closing) do not have any movement, with a shell in the chamber also no movement. when fired very little movement and i mean very very little,. eastbank.