Rem 700 bolt problems

[A/1-61]

The same thing happened to me with a 700 action. The screws were too long. I backed them out a bit and the bolt was fine. I took the screws out and turned my belt sander upside down and gently shorten them and then rotated them into a die. The same thing happened to me installing a timney trigger. One of the screws interfered with the bolt from the bottom. Again. I sanded them shorter. You may have scratched the bolt by forcing it. You might see some evidence marks on the bolt.

 

[ntsqd]

In the decade or so that I spent behind the counter of a gun shop this was a common thing to have happen. As others have suggested, the usual culprit was the second from the front screw intruding on where the bolt lug wanted to rotate. Once in a while it could be one or both of the rear bridge screws, but you've already eliminated those.

 

[BCMAG2]

My well used 700 in 338 Win mag suddenly became impossible to lock the bolt down. Turns out it had a broken extractor or ejector—can't recall which—sent it to Remington and they fixed it for free.

 

[WYMIKE]

In the Talley rings I have installed there are 4 base screws - two long ones and two short ones. Always test the set up before Lock Tite is applied. I call it a "Mock Set up" with scope in place also.

 

[BigTexWyatt]

Wow. I can't thank y'all enough. I never thought I'd get so many replies. I usually just search forums and have never posted myself haha

It was in fact the second scope base screw from the front. I loosened it a couple turns and the bolt ran smoothly. A shorter extra screw was included. I made sure it was long enough to catch threads then applied loctite and torqued it to spec.

 

[Namuh]

It's pretty common to have to check those scope mounting screws for interference, easy fix, glad you found that was the problem. Good hunting.

 

[Grumpah]

It really does take a village......

 

[SSG Graybush]

I have a unfired Remington 700 ADL (New production). I was installing a scope base and scope. Then went over the rifle to ensure everything was functioning properly. When I went to close the bolt, it only closed halfway. (The bolt was parallel to the ground). The trigger still works in this position.

After some fiddling around, I decided to see if it would close all the way with some force. It did, but was extremely hard to push down. And was even harder to lift. I had to lay the rifle down and use my left hand to hold it down while pulling up on the handle with extreme force to lift the bolt. After spending the last 3 hours researching, I can't find anyone having the exact same problem. The chamber is empty and has still never been fired.

I have tried loosening the front action screw (completely removed action and it didn't help) , lubing up all rotating parts on the bolt, I completely engaged the bolt and disengaged it several times. Can't seem to find an issue. I don't notice any rough areas or burrs. And no visible marks from metal scraping against metal. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks.

The front base screw is hitting the bolt lug. It's too long is what it sounds like.

 

[BigTexWyatt]

Unclear from your post. When you say you "completely engaged the bolt" do you mean you closed the action or something else? Does the bolt close with the mount removed?

Yes that is what I meant. And yeah it ended up working with the second screw removed.

 

[PNWdude67]

I have a unfired Remington 700 ADL (New production). I was installing a scope base and scope. Then went over the rifle to ensure everything was functioning properly. When I went to close the bolt, it only closed halfway. (The bolt was parallel to the ground). The trigger still works in this position.

After some fiddling around, I decided to see if it would close all the way with some force. It did, but was extremely hard to push down. And was even harder to lift. I had to lay the rifle down and use my left hand to hold it down while pulling up on the handle with extreme force to lift the bolt. After spending the last 3 hours researching, I can't find anyone having the exact same problem. The chamber is empty and has still never been fired.

I have tried loosening the front action screw (completely removed action and it didn't help) , lubing up all rotating parts on the bolt, I completely engaged the bolt and disengaged it several times. Can't seem to find an issue. I don't notice any rough areas or burrs. And no visible marks from metal scraping against metal. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks.

Did it close easily without the scope base installed? One of the base screws may be impeding the bolt lug slightly…. Even a couple thousandths of an inch in the wrong place could cause a hard close as the lug brushes against it. If it was this way when ya bought it return it.

 

[PNWdude67]

I'm using a Seekins 20 moa base. I did put the longer screws in the back. And I forgot to mention that crossed my mind so I looked inside with a flashlight and didn't see the screws protruding.

You probably can't see it. Loosen the screws until you find the one that's the issue and trim it.

 

[JAYgs8163]

It's fixed gents. Post# 19. Reading 101

 

[shooterntn]

I have a unfired Remington 700 ADL (New production). I was installing a scope base and scope. Then went over the rifle to ensure everything was functioning properly. When I went to close the bolt, it only closed halfway. (The bolt was parallel to the ground). The trigger still works in this position.

After some fiddling around, I decided to see if it would close all the way with some force. It did, but was extremely hard to push down. And was even harder to lift. I had to lay the rifle down and use my left hand to hold it down while pulling up on the handle with extreme force to lift the bolt. After spending the last 3 hours researching, I can't find anyone having the exact same problem. The chamber is empty and has still never been fired.

I have tried loosening the front action screw (completely removed action and it didn't help) , lubing up all rotating parts on the bolt, I completely engaged the bolt and disengaged it several times. Can't seem to find an issue. I don't notice any rough areas or burrs. And no visible marks from metal scraping against metal. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks.

Well is the bolt set in fire position? And back out the screws in the base to see if that helps.

 

[Pdvdh]

It's fixed gents. Reading 101

Hahaha... Folks enjoy talking much more than listening. To the point some will continue talking after all have left the room.