https://thegreatmodel8.net/

I have a nice Model 81 from 1936. My bolt will not go backwards....it is stuck in the forward position.

I assume I have to take her to a gunsmith. Is there anything I can do?

1. Is the safety lever up or down? To move bolt it should be down.
2. Has a round been chambered? test barrel with a wood dowel. (Gently)
Keep fingers off the trigger

Safety is off and no round is chambered.

So, what gives you think?

Does the safety feel especially loose or can you feel positive lockup while engaging & disengaging? Could be something broke/protruding w/ the safety rocker inside that's preventing the bolt from moving rearward. I kinda doubt this though.

Whatever the case, it probably needs to be disassembled and internals inspected.

No the safety moves and locks in place as it should......as soon as I get the other two guns back from the gunsmith, I'll run this Model 81 over to him.

Thanks though.

Ten Ring,

Just had another possibility. (SMACKO)

With the safety lever down, look inside the slot in the receiver for the OpHandle. You should see the rocker down out of the way. If it's up and behind the bolt that's it! The lever could have come loose from it's shaft and allowed the rocker inside the receiver to stay up in the safe position.

If that's not it, you may need to pull the trigger plate to find the problem.

Photo instructions here:

https://www.flickr.com/photos/buster_ch ... 42/detail/

Good luck

OK thanks man! I might be able to take a look at her tonight and see if I can see this roller.