Just picked up a used Wby in 308 lightweight version, used, from a local shop.

At home while working the action, I noticed after I dried fired it, the bolt was significantly harder to open- took a lot more of a push to cycle.

Does anyone know why that is? Normal?

Thank you.

Look at all the contact points on the bolt. If not oiled up it seems hard compared to a Remington, for example. Lots of smoothing by a 'smith can change it for you.

I take it this is a Mark V, 6 lug action? Clean it up really well inside and out and re-oil it. Should work fine. I have on in 243 that functions just slick as glass.

Could it have a heavy aftermarket spring in the bolt?

Take it to a Gunsmith.

quote:

Originally posted by 404WJJeffery:
...I noticed after I dried fired it, the bolt was significantly harder to open- ...

It cocks the Striker Spring on opening. Great rifle.

Hot Core- I think your explanation is correct. Cleaned it up well and took it to the range- a good shooter and isn't tooooo hard to open, just noticeably more effort.

Put a little good gun grease on the back of the bolt lugs, on the striker cocking notch, and on the area where the root of the bolt handle touches the reciever, that is where the promary extraction takes place.

quote:

Originally posted by 404WJJeffery:
... just noticeably more effort.

It is because of the "shorter" Bolt throw - less levarage over less distance. However, once you get used to the short amount of Bolt movement, I'll guess you will like it as much as I do on my Wby U-Lt 308Win.

Also agree with NE 450 No2 on lubing the Bolt. Doesn't take much. Just wipe a bit of Lube on a paper towel (which will absorb a good bit) then wipe the areas he mentioned.

It is not as easy to shoot accurately as a heavier rifle, but plenty accurate enough to Hunt with - well under an inch.

Good Hunting and clean 1-shot Kills.

More good info! I'll try to lube recommended.

Yes, mine is an ultralight as well, and after I sighted it in, you'd have thought I had too much coffee or never fired a rifle- I was wobblin all over the place. Love the weight, and the recoil in a 308 is absolutely fine.

All in all a great rifle!

quote:

Originally posted by 404WJJeffery:
Hot Core- I think your explanation is correct. Cleaned it up well and took it to the range- a good shooter and isn't tooooo hard to open, just noticeably more effort.

Any bolt action that cocks on opening requires more force to raise the handle after the striker has fallen....