What's involved in changing the firing pin on an M70?

I've done Mausers before with no special tools, but I'v never had the bolt apart on my M70.

I want to carry a spare to Africa this fall if it's a practical field repair.

Thanks,

Cock the gun and place the safety in the center position. Remove the bolt. Press the breech bolt sleeve latch and unscrew the firing pin assembly. While pressing down on the tip of the firing pin, move the safety in the off position to extend the firing pin.

USE EXTREME CAUTION! While resting the back end of the firing pin assembly on a flat surface, pull back slightly on the firing pin spring to release the tension, and (a) remove the spring retaining sleeve by turning it 1/4 turn on the pre-64's, or, (b) remove the spring retaining clip and collar on the post 64's. Don't let these go flying!

Remove the small firing pin retaining screw on the side of the pre-64 bolt shroud and remove the firing pin to the rear, or, on the post 64's, drift out the cross pin on the cap behind the bolt shroud to remove the cap and firing pin. Reassemble in reverse order.

You'll want to practice this well in advance before your trip. You will want to assemble and test the gun with the replacement firing pin and check the function of the safety. The function of the safety is dependent on the little notch at the rear of the firing pin near the striker. You need to make sure this replacement pin is going to work perfect before taking it into the field. Good luck.

It figures that I'd be missing the firing pin retaining screw on mine. Lucky Midway had one in stock.

Thanks for the tip on fitting the safety - checking fit and function is why I'm starting now.

It sure looks like the best way to go is to have a spare firing assembly - pin and cap, spring, washer and retainer clip - already fitted up and ready to drop into the bolt.

Midway is out of the little retaining clip (and no backorder), I have everything else I need to fit one up.

Anybody got a spare clip for sale?

Thanks again,

Did you try Brownells?

I'm not a gunsmith, so the $25 minimum makes me leave Brownells alone. It's a $3 part!

I remember now, I have had the pin assembly out of this M70 before.

I wish Winchester had copied this part of the Mauser 98 design. Having an entire spare assembly is absolutely the only way to go for a field repair!

I've got a little washer running around loose, and I can't find it! Good thing it wasn't the retaining clip!

quote:

so the $25 minimum makes me leave Brownells alone

Midway has a $25 minimum or service charge. I just bought a $3 part from Brownells and paid $3.25 shipping was here in 2 days. If there is a minimum it is news to me.

Maybe I'm out of date. I quit using Brownells 3-5 years ago because of a $25 minimum and high prices for private citizens.

They are out of the retainer clips, though, so it makes no difference.

Thanks for the tip.

Try Jack First Distributors in So. Dakota (605)343-9544. They'll likely have just what you need.

Thanks again, malm. I'll try them today.

Jack First had them in stock ($2 each), they are on the way.

Thanks, all!