My 788 is in 7mm-08. Every so often the bolt will come out of the gun when operating the action even with the safety in the proper position. What could be causing this?

Thanks for the help.

Maybe the bolt release is a little sticky. You may be able to clean or lube it & fix the problem.

Mine has done it also. On the bottom of the bolt there is a groove, it acts a a guide and a stop, on mine the end of this groove had rounded off and allowed the bolt to come out of the action I squared the end of the groove with a file and a Dremmel and it is solid now.

There are several things to look at.

One, check to see that the trigger assembly is tight on the reciever. If the unit is loose then you can get binding on the bolt stop and have MAJOR PROBLEMS with the firing mech.

Two, check to see that the bolt stop is not broken in half. Replacement stops are available from us. Also check the spring at the same time.
Also there may be dried grease causing the problem.

Three, like Elkman has said, check the end of the slot in the bolt. On some of the oldest 788s I am seeing some wear, impact battering of the metal. This can be cleaned up. The 7mm08 was the last of the calibers made in the 788 so that more than likely is not the problem, but still check it out.

Four, check the safety bar vs the bolt stop, if it is draging then the bolt stop may stick down.

Jim Wisner
Custom Metalsmith
Wisner's Inc.
http://www.wisnersinc.com

Jim,

Thanks for the general info on the 788. I have
one and have had similiar problems.

Mine is a 6mm from the very early 70's. A LH to boot!

I broke the bolt handle off my left handed 308 a few years back and Jim fixed it up for me better than new.

Thanks for the information.