Disassembling the Remington 700 Bolt: A Step-by-Step Guide
The Remington 700 is a popular hunting rifle known for its durability and accuracy. However, like any firearm, its bolt requires occasional maintenance to ensure optimal performance. In this article, we’ll guide you through the process of disassembling a Remington 700 bolt, highlighting key steps and precautions to keep in mind.
What You Need to Know
Before proceeding, it’s essential to understand the risks involved with disassembling a Remington 700 bolt. Improper disassembly or reassembly can lead to:
• Permanent damage to the bolt’s internal mechanisms
• Gunsmith fees for repair
• Personal injury from discharged firearms
• Failure to disassemble or assemble the bolt correctly can compromise the gun’s safety features
Take your time and follow each step carefully to avoid potential issues.
Step-by-Step Guide to Disassembling a Remington 700 Bolt
Here’s a simplified, 10-step guide to disassembling the Remington 700 bolt:
| **Step 1:** | Raise the bolt handle: Use the bolt handle’s notch or the bolt-lifting tang to raise it to its highest position. |
| **Step 2:** | Hold the bolt open: Grasp the bolt handle and hold it steady, using your thumb and index finger to prevent accidental closure. |
| **Step 3:** | Remove the crossbolt clip: Pull outward on the crossbolt clip (latch) at the back of the bolt, holding it with one hand. |
| **Step 4:** | Remove the rear bolt housing: Use the bolt lapping tool (**or similar tool**) to push and pull the housing forward. This may take some persistence. |
| **Step 5:** | Remove the bolt latch: Use an Allen wrench (**3 mm or #2**) and turn counterclockwise to disengage the bolt latch’s retaining nut. Then, lift the bolt latch free. |
| **Step 6:** | Remove the bolt bolt face: Once the bolt latch is free, pivot the bolt body downward using the bolt locking tang and the bolt lock nut’s retaining nut as guides. This will clear the breech face. |
| **Step 7:** | Disconnect the cam pin: To release the cam pin’s retaining wire, pull inward on the wire and slip it over the pin head. |
| **Step 8:** | Disengage the breechbolt: Pull down on the bolt body, gently rocking the breech face to loosen the breechbolt pin. This requires some leverage and patience. **Never force the pin, as this can result in gun damage**. |
| **Step 9:** | Lift the breechbolt assembly: Carefully lift the breechbolt assembly by grasping both sides. Handle with care to avoid accidentally dropping any of the moving parts. |
| **Step 10:** | Inspect and clean your Remington 700 bolt: Carefully inspect the breechface, bolt components, and cam pin assembly for carbon buildup, grit, and debris. Thoroughly clean each area using **a soft, dry brush and a microfiber cloth**. |
Assembling the Remington 700 Bolt
To avoid reassembling the bolt incorrectly, follow these reassembly guidelines:
- Thread the breechbolt: Insert the breechbolt assembly into its housing, ensuring the notch on the breechface aligns with the rear bolt housing.
- Seat the breechbolt pin: Gently rock the breech face to fully seat the pin, without forcing it, to maintain the gun’s safety and accuracy.
- Reattach the cam pin: Place the cam pin in its bore, slide the retaining wire over the pin head, and test the wire retention.
- Restore the breechbolt body: Gently pivot the bolt body upward, carefully aligning the bolt-locking tang and retaining nuts.
- Install the bolt latch: Retain the bolt latch through the latch’s retaining nut, re-engage by turning counterclockwise with the Allen wrench. Re-tighten the bolt latch’s nut to recommended torque.
- Replace the rear bolt housing: Forward-push the housing backward, making sure it sits flush on the bolt assembly.
- Rearward-pull and secure the crossbolt: Pull inward on the clip, maintaining a firm hold, then secure it. A slight "give" might be expected
- **Lower and secure the bolt handle: Lower the bolt handle in its rearmost notch, providing a secure catch.
By following these step-by-step instructions and precautions, you’ll disassemble the Remington 700 bolt safely and with confidence.
Conclusion
Disassembling the Remington 700 bolt can be an intimidating task for beginners. However, taking your time and following proper procedures helps ensure a hassle-free, safe, and successful cleaning process. Prioritize care and attention, and this guide will keep your trusty Remington 700 bolt in perfect working condition.
