Bolt handle loose.

[The Duke007]

I was noticing one of my bolt action rifles the other day that the bolt has a lot of play when not cocked. When I lift up the handle and cycle it back it's tight. When not cocked it's almost annoying that it makes a clanking sound if walking or moving rifle upward or downward. Can this be fixed and why does this happen? Thanks

 

[huntaxhunta]

I believe that's normal. If you're talking about an IN/OUT movement. The handle is pushed in to lock the bolt open. That may give a little wiggle in other directions as well since it's not attached solid. Hope that makes sense and helps.

 

[The Duke007]

I have several other rifles that don't do it. Is there any way to minimize the play.

 

[FEENIX]

I have several other rifles that don't do it. Is there any way to minimize the play.

It might help if you tell us what action are you referring to and if it has always been like that. In addition, might want to consider posting it on gunsmithing section.

 

[The Duke007]

It's a 700 clone action. It's seems like it's just gotten worse over the years.

 

[FEENIX]

It's a 700 clone action. It's seems like it's just gotten worse over the years.

Which one? Stiller, Surgeon, Defiance, etc ...

 

[The Duke007]

I don't know which one. It's from rifles inc. if that helps

 

[FEENIX]

I don't know which one. It's from rifles inc. if that helps

I went to their site (http://www.riflesinc.com/riflemodels.htmlhttp://www.riflesinc.com/riflemodels.html) but did not see any R700 clones unless I missed it. Most are customer supplied actions in R700 or W70 then blueprinted. The R700 also has the skeletonized bolt (lightened). "If" they built it for you, they might be your best source of information and resolve. Good luck!