Cant get this bolt open.??????

PJHeck · February 11, 2020, 12:58 PM

This is a Danish-Madsen, 30-06, a South American contract rifle, 30-06. It is near new condition. I cant open the bolt, tried several years ago, wouldnt open then either. The little squeeze release (?) you see on the left squeezes just fine, but nothing happens as far as releasing the bolt from its closed position. The gadget with the squeezer in it wont move either; up, down, fore or aft. There is an S on top of the brownish sleeve just behind the squeeze gadget. All this stuff jiggles, but the bolt handle wont come up......????? Every thing about this rifle is near new.

Comments...........?????

PJH

stagpanther · February 11, 2020, 01:57 PM

One possible guess? Maybe fired an over-pressured cartridge in it vaporing the case head into the bolt and locking the bolt lugs to the receiver. Don't ask me how I came about this conclusion.

Can't tell from the pic, but you might try disassembling the bolt (I don't know that particular model)

brasscollector · February 11, 2020, 02:19 PM

Safety is on.
Push in on the release lever and rotate it clockwise towards the center/top. Oil may be your friend.

gwpercle · February 11, 2020, 03:53 PM

Looks like it's going to stay in near new condition ... have you ever been able to open the bolt...or did you buy it with the bolt stuck closed ?
Gary

pblanc · February 11, 2020, 04:09 PM

If you ever get it open, better check the headspace before you shoot it.

Blindstitch · February 11, 2020, 04:24 PM

Looking at this page and video it looks fairly simple.
https://www.forgottenweapons.com/mad...ilitary-rifle/

Can you actually move the safety in position like the video?
Can you take a cleaning rod down the barrel to verify it's not loaded?

Once you figure it out here's how to take the bolt apart.
https://youtu.be/AMA1X6l81hE

HiBC · February 11, 2020, 07:24 PM

I would second Blindstitches opinion.

Verify a cleaning rod will reach the bolt face without finding a cartridge.

Remember,its loaded till you prove otherwise.

Its common,and desirable for a safety to lock the bolt shut.

Bolts that come open abd get lost on the move render a rifle useless.

And until you understand how the safety might lock the bolt,please do not use force.

Its likely the rifle is correct,and this is operator error

Pahoo · February 11, 2020, 08:08 PM

The Madsen is referred to as the last mauser. Some were never issued nor used, just sat around in crates, for years. That is why they are in such "perfect" condition. I sold mine about three years ago and use to have a diagram. Keep searching and I wil contact the dealer that I sold it to and see if he still has it. These beauties have quite a history to them. The bayonet is even harder to find. Will get back to you when I find out more. …..

Be Safe !!!

51cskipper · February 12, 2020, 11:42 AM

It isn't a squeeze release...that's the safety.
Take it out in the back yard, point it at the ground and pull the trigger. Rotate the bolt up, pull it out while depressing the trigger.
If it does not come out, squirt some Kroil into the locking lug area ( between the safety and the bolt handle ) let it sit overnight and try again.

February 11, 2020, 12:58 PM	#1
PJHeck Member Join Date: June 8, 2019 Location: SE Ohio Posts: 20	Cant get this bolt open.?????? This is a Danish-Madsen, 30-06, a South American contract rifle, 30-06. It is near new condition. I cant open the bolt, tried several years ago, wouldnt open then either. The little squeeze release (?) you see on the left squeezes just fine, but nothing happens as far as releasing the bolt from its closed position. The gadget with the squeezer in it wont move either; up, down, fore or aft. There is an S on top of the brownish sleeve just behind the squeeze gadget. All this stuff jiggles, but the bolt handle wont come up......????? Every thing about this rifle is near new. Comments...........????? PJH

February 11, 2020, 01:57 PM	#2
stagpanther Senior Member Join Date: March 2, 2014 Posts: 6,755	One possible guess? Maybe fired an over-pressured cartridge in it vaporing the case head into the bolt and locking the bolt lugs to the receiver. Don't ask me how I came about this conclusion. Can't tell from the pic, but you might try disassembling the bolt (I don't know that particular model) __________________ If you’re ever hiking in the woods and you get lost, just look up and find the brightest star in the sky and you’ll know which way space is. *I am NOT an expert--I do not have any formal experience or certification in firearms use or testing; use any information I post at your own risk!*

February 11, 2020, 02:19 PM	#3
brasscollector Senior Member Join Date: July 26, 2015 Posts: 402	Safety is on. Push in on the release lever and rotate it clockwise towards the center/top. Oil may be your friend. __________________ He may look dumb, but that's just a disguise. -Charlie Daniels

February 11, 2020, 04:24 PM	#6
Blindstitch Senior Member Join Date: April 14, 2013 Location: Milwaukee, Wisconsin Posts: 2,530	Looking at this page and video it looks fairly simple. https://www.forgottenweapons.com/mad...ilitary-rifle/ Can you actually move the safety in position like the video? Can you take a cleaning rod down the barrel to verify it's not loaded? Once you figure it out here's how to take the bolt apart. https://youtu.be/AMA1X6l81hE __________________ NRA Lifetime Member

February 11, 2020, 08:08 PM	#8
Pahoo Senior Member Join Date: February 16, 2006 Location: IOWA Posts: 7,798	MillSurp but most were never issued The Madsen is referred to as the last mauser. Some were never issued nor used, just sat around in crates, for years. That is why they are in such "perfect" condition. I sold mine about three years ago and use to have a diagram. Keep searching and I wil contact the dealer that I sold it to and see if he still has it. These beauties have quite a history to them. The bayonet is even harder to find. Will get back to you when I find out more. ….. Be Safe !!! __________________ 'Fundamental truths' are easy to recognize because they are verified daily through simple observation and thus, require no testing.

February 11, 2020, 03:53 PM	#4
gwpercle Senior Member Join Date: November 30, 2012 Location: Baton Rouge, Louisiana Posts: 1,091	Looks like it's going to stay in near new condition ... have you ever been able to open the bolt...or did you buy it with the bolt stuck closed ? Gary

February 11, 2020, 04:09 PM	#5
pblanc Senior Member Join Date: March 23, 2008 Location: Indiana Posts: 697	If you ever get it open, better check the headspace before you shoot it.

February 11, 2020, 07:24 PM	#7
HiBC Senior Member Join Date: November 13, 2006 Posts: 6,581	I would second Blindstitches opinion. Verify a cleaning rod will reach the bolt face without finding a cartridge. Remember,its loaded till you prove otherwise. Its common,and desirable for a safety to lock the bolt shut. Bolts that come open abd get lost on the move render a rifle useless. And until you understand how the safety might lock the bolt,please do not use force. Its likely the rifle is correct,and this is operator error

February 12, 2020, 11:42 AM	#9
51cskipper Member Join Date: March 7, 2019 Location: California Posts: 19	It isn't a squeeze release...that's the safety. Take it out in the back yard, point it at the ground and pull the trigger. Rotate the bolt up, pull it out while depressing the trigger. If it does not come out, squirt some Kroil into the locking lug area ( between the safety and the bolt handle ) let it sit overnight and try again. __________________ The strongest reason for the people to keep and bear arms is, as a last resort, to protect themselves against the tyranny of government. -- Thomas Jefferson

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