Bought a used Browning BAR .308. Mounted a scope, cleaned the barrel, shot it enough to sight it in, and put it in the safe. Got it out to show someone and went to open the action and it is frozen shut. Was working fine when I put it up. I removed the magazine and tried a few things but no luck. The bolt is not frozen as I can rotate it an eighth of a turn back and forth through the bottom.

Anyone have any idea what is wrong with it?

If it is not a broken part...

The gas system may be badly carbon fouled or rusted.

I would take the forend off and take a look, and then give it a good duse of some kind of penetrating oil or a cleaner. BreakFree comes to mind.

Could also be the recoil springs being rusty as well...

I think NE 450 is on the right track. I'd use Kroil myself, and start with disassembly.

Lane,

The advice above is good ..... but ..... BAR or the newer ShortTrac?

Before I did anything else I'd take the scope & mounts off.

Then attempt to cycle the action.

The reason for this is the Scope Mount screws for the ShortTrac are different lengths.

I mounted a scope on my Buddys L/H .308 Winchester ShortTrac using Leupold Quick Release Bases & Rings and had the same issue but it was prior to shooting it.

After the scope was mounted I attempted a function test and the bolt would not charge/cycle (Yes, the bolt slammed shut when I put the rifle in my padded Work Mate but we both knew it was unloaded) and after mounting the scope the bolt would only move rearwards @ 3/8" ..... it was just about at that time that light bulb switched on .....



Took the Scope w/Rings & Bases off and quickly discovered that I had installed the Base screws incorrectly (my bad, shoulda checked the screw lengths prior to mounting the Bases) but I was distracted from the task at hand B.S.ing with my Buddy.

I don't recall what the exact constellation was; 3 or 4 mounting screws for the Bases, but upon inspection easily determined the screws were different lengths and the action was clearly thinner (either front or rear) requiring the shorter screws to be installed correctly to afford the action to cycle.

What has me concerned here is that you have already shot it; as in our case there was no way the bolt was going to move rewards with the screws incorrectly installed.

Good Luck with your Browning.

quote:

Before I did anything else I'd take the scope & mounts off.

That is the best advice as a starting point!

This a 1970's vintage Browning semi-automatic rifle.

You know guys...the gun came with some aluminum Weaver bases. I had some Warne rings and a Leupold scope. I mounted and shot a little, decided I would keep it, and ordered some steel Warne bases. I replaced the bases...and now...I can't remember if I shot again or not.

Will remove the bases and give a report back.

quote:

I can't remember if I shot again or not.

Lane for sure I suffer from CRS, my World appears to be spinning by at a rapid pace while I standby attempting to get a quick view.



Let us know what occurs, sure hope your Browning dilema solution is easy.

Gerry,
You were 100% correct. The front base screws were just a smidge too long. Shortened them...all fine now!

Lane,

Waidmannsheil!

You are Too Cool!

I'm pleased that I was able to offer some assistance.



Just get out there and smack some Beasts with your new Boomer!

Let us know when .....

Gerry as we say here is the U.S. Move to the front of the class.

Doug,

You also are too kind, believe you me, when I was in school I was lucky to move forwards or backwards just a chair or two .... this just comes from my Buddy's Browning that was a recent occurance .....

quote:

The front base screws were just a smidge too long. Shortened them...all fine now!

Have had that happen to me...

Happens more often than we care to admit!

Anyway...thanks to the comraderie of AR...simple problem was fixed. Thanks again Gerry and all that always offer helpful advise.