Bolt not locking back when I pull the bolt back

[doublecanister]

I have a new purchase Model 8 (made in 1910) and when I manipulate the bolt and pull it back, it is not locking back. The bolt just goes forward. This is a problem. It is obviously not catching the bolt release. Any idea what is wrong?

Thanks in advance.

[Hibby83]

If you push up on the indicator lever while pulling the bolt back, does the bolt lock back?

Troubleshooting online isn't easy.

Have you taken apart any of your 8's & 81's ?

[doublecanister]

Thanks guys. That seems to be the problem. I completely took it down, including the bolt assembly. Now the problem is the stock/tang screw is not finding the threaded hole when reassembling. I've had this same problem before on my other rifles. I tried for hours last night trying to get the correct angle to get the screw to find the threads, but no dice. Ugh, so frustrating. Btw, the stock is not original to the gun.

[Hibby83]

Is the bolt lock back fixed now?

Atleast one of mine needs solid pressure pushing together for the stock screw to align. Be very careful not to crossthread that screw.

Take your time and be in the right mindset, you'll get it.

[Phyrbird]

Boy is Luke right about the screw
Give you 3 guesses how much luck we have finding a tap to chase threads

[doublecanister]

Thanks for the advice, Hibby. It does appear the bolt locks back now after a complete disassembly, cleaning, and ensuring that the little spring is sitting in the groove in the receiver. Honestly, I have spent the last three days trying to get the stock screw back in the gun, with no luck. I'm being careful not to mess up the threads. I am placing good pressure on the stock to try to align things but the screw is consistently hitting the rear edge of the hole each time. I'm contemplating going to a gunsmith at this point.

The rifle was completely assembled when I brought her home last week so it is theoretically possible to go back together....but its not happening again. I'm wondering if the angle of the channel is off in the stock itself and needs to be re-cut or widened. Ugh....

[doublecanister]

Correct, the screw goes in with no issues without the stock. It is only when I try to insert the screw with the stock on that it doesn't line up correctly. And no amount of pressure on the stock is aligning it properly. The trigger group is properly installed.

[Phyrbird]

See This

viewtopic.php?f=20&t=4089&p=22611&hilit ... 21e#p22611

[doublecanister]

Thanks for this link, its good information. I might try to auger out the recoil spring guide rod hole in the stock.

[doublecanister]

I took the rifle to a business near me that sells processed wood that people can purchase to make rifle stocks, tables, etc. The owner has worked on stocks before. He was helpful and thought there could be debris in the recoil spring guide rod channel. He blew compressed air to the channel for about 10 seconds and it immediately fit better on the receiver...and the screw went on with no problem. He didn't charge me. I guess there was hardened oil and other debris in there causing all sorts of havoc. Thanks for everyone's advice.

The new problem I'm now having is the bolt head is not camming forward to avoid the barrel. When I release the bolt it hits the barrel and there is a good inch between the bolt head and the barrel. I'm wondering if I did something wrong when I reassembled the bolt latch on the bolt assembly.

Sorry for the issues...this old girl is pretty on the outside but has some internal problems. ha.

[doublecanister]

After some manipulation of the bolt head, I fixed it!! She is closing properly now.

Ugh, what a process. I'm exhausted, physically and emotionally. I hope she shoots now.

[Hibby83]

Great to hear it's back as it should be, all that it needed was cleaned out.

The bolt can move in the carrier and make difficult to mate the the barreled assembly on at times. I always leave the bolt forward when i take the rifle down, it hasn't given me issue yet.

Look forward to hearing a positive experience from your range report.