Rem 788 Bolt

[DannoBoone1]

I recently inherited a Rem 788 22-250. In years past ('60' to

early '70's), I shot it quite a bit and there were no problems.

However, it is now pretty difficult to pull the bolt up into the

cocking position, both when a shell has been fired and when there

is nothing in the chamber. After the firing pin is in the firing

position, the bolt pulls up normally with no resistance.

I have taken the bolt apart, thoroughly cleaning the area around

the firing pin & spring. Have also polished the area where the

pin is pushed back on the bolt for firing position. The lugs are

cleaned. There has been very little negligible improvement.

Anyone know what could be causing this problem?

[Leo]

Sounds like there is some dirt inside the bolt itself interfering with the firing pin spring.

Have a gunsmith take the bolt apart clean it and relube it (careful if you decide to do this yourself the wrong lube can make it even worse.)

[257bob]

I have the same rifle in 7mm-08. I have to run really low pressures in my reloads to keep the bolt from sticking. From what you say I don't think that is your problem. Be careful though these guns have been notorious for the bolt handle breaking off. I hope yours shoots as good as the one I have. Good luck.

[Guest wthomaslee]

Sounds like a problem in the cocking sequence of bolt operation. Dry fired to many times? A gunsmith can fix you up.

[TexasDeerHunter]

It's a pretty simple fix for the gunsmith, I definately reccomend letting a skilled gunsmith take care of it. The cost would be minimal.