Gunsmithing questions on 700vs bolt fit

[45Badger]

I'm looking at purchasing a used Remington 700vs in .223. The gun appears to be in excellent condition, with little or no wear. It does have one odd /confusing feature- the bolt handle rattles. The bolt appears to fit well with no front to rear play, but the bolt handle lifts about 3/16" with no effort, so it actually wiggles/rattles when closed.

Questions-

Should I run away like my hair is on fire?

Does it matter?

This may be/is a sympton of ?????

Easily fixed by?

Thanks for the help!

 

[fish30114]

Re: questions on 700vs bolt fit

Did you take the bolt out of the rifle? If you did you should be able to see where the thing is loose--it sounds like maybe the bolt is coming unbrazed, you can have the bolt handle welded on, and that would fix that problem. If you don't have other issues and want the rifle, I wouldn't let that be a major deterrent, a smith can re-braze/weld on a bolt handle for around $25.

 

[hdbiker1]

Re: questions on 700vs bolt fit

If this happens with the firing pin in the fired position, normal to a degree (play between the shroud and action). Also, there should be about .010" or more fore and aft movement of the bolt with the firing pin in the fired position.

 

[seanh]

Re: questions on 700vs bolt fit

sounds to me like the firing pin isn't screwed in all the way