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help? bolt won't open on empty rifle

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07 July 2004, 05:50
KevinNY
help? bolt won't open on empty rifle
I just got back from gunsmith my 416 which is an FN action and an unknown 3 position safety. I worked fine when I ran a few rounds through it at home to make sure they chambered. I went to the range this AM and it would not open? I let the firing pin down by holding the trigger back and letting the bolt handle down last night. It seems like the safety is preventing me from opening it now, what do I do? (besides call the gunsmith which I will do right now)
07 July 2004, 06:11
jeffeosso
the striker and trigger aren't happy with each other.

take the rifle out of the stock
remove the trigger
adjust or just take it back to the smith
jeffe
07 July 2004, 06:17
KevinNY
I suspected that might be the case. He relieved the stock a bit where the bolt handle was not closing all the way and also on the left side of the tang where there was some interference, I guess it changed the relationship of the striker and trigger.
07 July 2004, 06:32
Ron Morse
If you look at the back of a Mauser bolt on top is a half moon cut. When you install a 3 position model 70 type saftey you have to cut a new one. This is what locks the bolt. If it wasn't cut right it could stick. Try holding the empty rifle muzzle up and tap the shroud with a plastic mallet with the safety in the fire position.
07 July 2004, 07:03
KevinNY
My gunplumber called me right back. We have it open and he tried to walk me through readjusting the trigger weight and sear engagement. I'm no gunsmith so I am taking it back to him to have it set up right, that tiny spring that fell out may have something to do with it.