Removing a Bolt from a Remington 700: A Step-by-Step Guide
The Remington 700 is a popular Bolt Action rifle known for its ruggedness, accuracy, and reliability. However, it’s not uncommon for Remington 700 owners to encounter issues with the bolt, such as stuck screws or rusted parts that make it difficult to open or close the action.
Why Remove the Bolt?
Before we dive into the process of removing the bolt, it’s essential to understand why this step is necessary. Removal of the bolt is important for several reasons:
• Cleaning and Maintenance: Regular cleaning and maintenance of the Remington 700 is crucial to ensure peak performance and extend the rifle’s lifespan. Removing the bolt allows you to properly clean and inspect the rifling, chamber, and other internal components.
• Repair and Replacement: Sometimes, the bolt itself may need to be removed and replaced due to rust, corrosion, or accidental damage. In such cases, removing the bolt ensures a proper repair or replacement.
• Customizing and Upgrading: Bolts can be customized, upgraded, or modified for improved performance, accuracy, or aesthetics. Removing the bolt provides access to perform these modifications.
Prerequisites
Before attempting to remove the bolt from a Remington 700, ensure you have the necessary tools and precautions:
- Safety Glasses: Wear safety glasses to prevent eye injuries from flying metal particles or debris.
- Gloves: Wear gloves to maintain a secure grip on tools and prevent accidental drops or scratches.
- Torque Wrench or Socket Wrench: Possess a torque wrench or socket wrench to apply accurate torque to the bolt-screws.
- Bolt-Clamp or Bolt-Protector: Use a bolt-clamp or bolt-protector to prevent accidental slipping or damage to the scope or other components.
- Cleaning and degreasing solutions: Possess cleaning and degreasing solutions to remove contaminants and lubricants from the bolt and action.
Step-by-Step Guide to Removing a Bolt from a Remington 700
Step 1: Prepare the Rifle and Remove the Scope (Optional)
- Unload the rifle and secure it in a safe area.
- Remove any scopes, mounts, or other accessories to ensure full access to the bolt action.
- Take note of the scope configuration: Record the scope setup, including the scope style, mount type, and any specific settings, so you can reattach them later.
Step 2: Remove the Forearm and Handguard (Optional)
- Remove the forearm bolt: Locate the forearm-screw and use a #3 or #4 slotted screwdriver to release the screw.
- Remove the handguard: Gently pull the handguard away from the barrel, taking care not to damage the finish.
Step 3: Remove the Bolt-Sleeve and Extractor Group
- Pinch the extractor: Grab the extractor with a tool or pliers and apply gentle pressure to release its grip on the bolt cartridge.
- Pinch the bolt-sleeve: Use a slotted screwdriver or socket wrench to release the retaining ring on the bolt sleeve.
- Pry the bolt-sleeve: Gently lift the bolt-sleeve, taking care not to damage the surrounding components.
