I am freeked out over a problem I found on my left Hand Winchester 375. It has been in a softcase in my house for the last three years since I was in Africa. I perodically wipe all of my guns down to prevent rust. I was taking an inventory of my guns and cleaning them this morning and the bolt on my 375 wouldn't open. The safety lever is forward and the gun has been fired to release the spring. I thought I was crazy because I couldn't get the bolt open. I took it to my gunsmith and we found that the cocking indicator is siezed up due to rust. With a flashlight you can see a small rust ring around the indicator. The smith is going to use penetrating oil to try to break the rust. I know you can't see the amount of rust because I don't know yet myself.

My question is this. will It always have a rust issue if it is pitted? Should I replace the bolt assembly since it is a dangerous game gun. Should I trust it? Are any parts especially for a left hand bolt available anywhere. What would cause this? There is not a speck of exterior rust visible.

I have always been really careful to avoid just these types of issues.

sprig

Don't store it in a closed case.

Mr. Hughes is correct. Cloth gun cases can collect moisture like a sponge. Whatever you do don't leave it in a leather case, that can be a real fast ticket to ruin a gun. If you don't have a safe, leave it in a dry corner of an interior closet (not with the hot water heater!) barrel down on a non absorbing material.

Jim

I agree that is an issue with the case. What do you think about the gun?????

Obviously since it is at your gunsmiths he should have the final say, but I suspect once the rust is cleaned out everything should be just fine. Once the culprit is identified you always have the option of putting some anti corrosive coating on it (i.e. nickel or one of the many proprietary coatings out there) or even replacing with stainless parts if that is an option.

When you get his bill, show it to your wife and explain how much money you can save by going on safari more often.

Mark, That is good advise about the safari.

Sprig

It continues to surprise me how many folks come into my shop who think guns kept in cases is proper storage. I tell them all they're much better off setting their uncased guns in the back of a closet if they don't have a gun safe or gun cabinet. About a month ago one fellow brought in what was once a beautiful pristine Belgium-made Browning Hi-Power that had been left in a pistol rug for several years. I could tell it was once pristine because only one side was rotted away. Please, uncase your guns!

A little left over hot bluing salts can really raise hell in a pretty short time period. If your gunsmith finds this to be the problem, he'll probably boil in clear water for some time and your problem will disappear forever