Remington 700 bolt handle not fully closing?

[Bigdude]

I have a Remington 700 Short Action in a MDT LSS (Gen. 2) chassis. It appears that my bolt handle is not closing completely. Can somebody look at these pics and tell them what they think. Both pictures are with bolt closed as far as possible. The rifle will load dummy rounds from a magazine and eject them.

 

[fdkay]

Have you tried it out of the chassis?

 

[NiteQwill]

Take it out of the chassis and let us know if you can close it or not with a dummy round.

 

[dirthead1]

Well, it’s pretty obvious the bolt isn’t closing all the way. What’s the interference? That looks like a heavily modified bolt handle.

 

[Mike Casselton]

Take the front action screw out and try it. It's probably too long

 

[TurdFerguson]

I've had to long action screws stop a bolt from closing. Also it might be a scope mount screw that's too long (don't ask me how I managed that one).

 

[Bigdude]

No difference when out of the chassis.

 

[PAYDIRT]

I'd bet my beer $ it's a action screw.

 

[Bigdude]

I'd bet my beer $ it's a action screw.

Still will not close when action screws are out.

 

[dirthead1]

Take the bolt out and see if you can feel the base screws protruding down into the action.

 

[Threadcutter308]

Well, then, pull the scope bases and screws.........

 

[Bigdude]

Retract that statement, just removed the front scope mount screws and replaced them with shorter ones, and success!!

I did not mean to throw Gretan Rifles under the bus, they did a great job. I am the one at fault and pretty stupid.

 

[dirthead1]

So you figured out the problem? What was it?

 

[Threadcutter308]

I recently sent my bolt to Gretan Rifle for bushing install and firing pin turning. Prior to that it would fully close. Case closed.

I respectfully disagree. Now that you’ve mentioned that, I would suggest that you remove the the striker/firing pin assembly from the bolt and see if the stripped bolt closes. If it does, then you can rule out external obstructions like scope base and action screws interfering and focus on “internal interferences”. If the stripped bolt closes, look at the striker assembly for rub/interference marks. Yes, it is possible that the bushing install/pin turning caused the problem, but is not likely. Take it one step at a time.

 

[Thud]

Scope mount screws possible cause. Remove scout and mounts.
Check bolt for screw marks.

 

[Huskydriver]

I see the issue.... It apears you are using an moa scope on what would no doubt be a fine rifle.

SRS... Known as scope rejection syndrome is when an action fails to close or operate correctly when paired with an moa scope.


All seriousness though. Pull everything off and start from the the bare bolt as everyone is suggesting...

Is the trigger a new addition too?

 

[jcmullis2]

Is it possible that Gretan Rifle let someone learn a new task with your bolt?

 

[Threadcutter308]

I see the issue.... It apears you are using an moa scope on what would no doubt be a fine rifle.

SRS... Known as scope rejection syndrome is when an action fails to close or operate correctly when paired with an moa scope.


All seriousness though. Pull everything off and start from the the bare bolt as everyone is suggesting...

Is the trigger a new addition too?

Air’s a little thin in your zip code huh ?.......

(I’M KIDDING........)

 

[Bigdude]

I just removed the front scope mount screws and replaced them with shorter ones, and success!! It fully closes.

I did not mean to throw Gretan Rifles under the bus, they did a great job. I am the one at fault and pretty stupid

 

[Thud]

Don't worry we all do that.
It's a learning experience. Now go out and pass your knowledge to others Probie…..

 

[Threadcutter308]

I just removed the front scope mount screws and replaced them with shorter ones, and success!! It fully closes.

I did not mean to throw Gretan Rifles under the bus, they did a great job. I am the one at fault and pretty stupid

It happens. One step at a time. I (rightfully so) got called out on a fubar of mine a couple of weeks ago. Don’t worry about it, take the lesson and build on it.

BTW, always run the pad of your little finger tip through the ejection port into the bolt and lug channels of the action, feeling for bolt/screw protrusions before even installing the bolt. Saves a bunch of grief in the long haul.

Also, it’s not uncommon to find rear rail screws (longer) in front rail holes (shorter). Usually, Bourbon is the culprit.

 

[PAYDIRT]

Still will not close when action screws are out.

Damn I lost again, seems to be par for the course today. Glad you got it going.

 

[Bigdude]

It happens. One step at a time. I (rightfully so) got called out on a fubar of mine a couple of weeks ago. Don’t worry about it, take the lesson and build on it.

BTW, always run the pad of your little finger tip through the ejection port into the bolt and lug channels of the action, feeling for bolt/screw protrusions before even installing the bolt. Saves a bunch of grief in the long haul.

Also, it’s not uncommon to find rear rail screws (longer) in front rail holes (shorter). Usually, Bourbon is the culprit.

I actually did run my finger through the ejection port and felt nothing sticking out. Thats why I checked it last.

 

[Steel head]

I see the issue.... It apears you are using an moa scope on what would no doubt be a fine rifle.

SRS... Known as scope rejection syndrome is when an action fails to close or operate correctly when paired with an moa scope.


All seriousness though. Pull everything off and start from the the bare bolt as everyone is suggesting...

Is the trigger a new addition too?

 

[jcmullis2]

I apologize for suggesting your gunsmith might have botched the job but it was a possibility nobody had suggested. I’m glad you got it figured out and everything is good to go. I think everyone has been bitten by an action screw or scope mount screw before. If not they will. There’s nothing more frustrating than getting a new problem after paying someone to make things right.
That’s definitely a nice looking piece and I’m sure it’ll give you years of enjoyment. Happy shooting