700 bolt disassembly/cleaning

[Cooter]

Can I handle this one on my own? Believe there is a special tool for taking it apart, is it necessary? She's getting a total cleaning after the season and know I haven't had the bolt apart ever. Thanks.

[Black_Bay]

The only special tool I've ever used was a dime. It's very easy to do. On the rear of the bolt there are 2 teeth on the bottom. Put the lower tooth against a hard edge, like a table, and pull downward. There is a slot in the side of the firing pin. That is where the dime goes. It helps if someone can slide the dime in since the firing pin spring is fairly strong and you may need both hands to pull an oily bolt. Just unscrew the rear of the bolt. Becareful to not let the dime come out or you'll be chasing parts.

[Wensel]

Yes good info from BB

I also count the turns on taking it apart so I know how many to tighten when done.

[Black_Bay]

Yes good info from BB

I also count the turns on taking it apart so I know how many to tighten when done.

Opps forgot that part. If you tighten it up too much the bolt won't lock. No big deal though just disassemble and go with one click of the elbow wrench instead of 2.

[Cooter]

Thanks much!

[mtheis]

I have a 700 ML and here is how I do it fast and easy. Unscrew the captive screw and withdrawal the bolt from the gun. On a hard surface, push down on the firing pin and unscrew it from the bolt that way. Mine comes right out. There is no need for any special tool. If you do it once or twice you will be able to do it in seconds. Use a cleaner and then oil the spring so it does not rust. It will be good to go for next time.

[lawdog]

I'm wondering if there really is much of any area that a good can of gun scrubber and the straw attachment doesn't get to??? I've never taken a bolt apart and have never had a problem, now granted I don't use bolt action guns much, but my Ruger All Weather .223 has probably shot 800 rounds without incident...

[mtheis]

That will not work in this case. Blowback of the powder does contaminate the firing pin, spring, and the case. It needs to be kept clean, it just isn't the big thing that people make it out to be.

[Black_Bay]

Years ago my uncle had a hang fire while deer hunting in very cold conditions. When he got back to the shack, we took apart the bolt and it was heavily lubed with grease from the factory, which we believe gummed up the firing pin causing the hang fire. A quick cleaning and some light lubrication and the rifle has been fine ever since.