Got my bolt together...now I have a new problem :(

Davy Crockett

Davy Crockett

CGN Ultra frequent flyer
Rating - 100%
52   0   0
Location
Fraser Valley
So with a bit of persuasion and some cussing I got the new bolt for my M14s together. Only issue is now when I let the op rod slam home it locks up tight and I can't work it even a millimeter by hand. Tapping on the handle gently with a mallet will get it to free up and riding the charging handle will keep it from locking up. I can work it by hand then and it sticks a bit but only occasionally, as soon as I let it fly it locks tight again.

The bolt is a Fulton bolt with Norc guts. Any suggestions what to look at?
 
M14 bolts are often not just drop in parts. Several areas need to be checked to make sure the bolt is fitting properly. As said above, the lugs could need to be lapped and headspace should be checked after installing a new bolt. By adding a new bolt you could create a dangerous situation of having a chamber that's too tight.

If I were you I'd send it to someone to install the bolt or do a lot more research into bolt installation.

Good luck.
 
if you don't know why the bolt locks up, you probably should not be attempting this job until you read and learn a lil more. what was wrong with the original bolt?
 
Don't get me wrong guys, I had no intention of firing the rifle until someone more knowledgeable checked the headspace and addressed any issues. I had messaged Hungry about checking it for me before I got started on this, I just thought maybe I had a larger issue that I needed to address first.

The bolt was changed because the headspace was longish and I only plan to shoot .308, so it seemed like a decent upgrade. I figure eventually the only thing stock left on the rifle will be receiver and barrel.
 
If the bolt is mostly closed when it sticks and jams up.... This is not safe to shoot BUT from a bolt installation stand point, is good.

When you select a replacement bolt and it barely engages the lugs... Not good.
Ideally a replacement bolt will close with at least 20% lug engagement in receiver. If it won't, too much lapping will be needed and hardness of parts can be diminished.

If it just about closes, it's a perfect candidate for lapping in to final headspace
 
"...not just drop in parts..." Very few firearm parts are.
"...bolt was changed because..." How did you decide that? If you have proper headspace guages and know how to use 'em, you should be able to tell if the headspace with the new bolt is ok or not. Mind you, I suspect you have another issue unrelated to headspace. Suspect there at least one other part that doesn't fit right.
 
sunray said:
"...not just drop in parts..." Very few firearm parts are.
"...bolt was changed because..." How did you decide that? If you have proper headspace guages and know how to use 'em, you should be able to tell if the headspace with the new bolt is ok or not. Mind you, I suspect you have another issue unrelated to headspace. Suspect there at least one other part that doesn't fit right.
Click to expand...


Headspace was checked for me by someone who knows.

Thomas, the bolt appears 100% closed when it locks. Lug engagement looks good. There is no front to back or side to side wiggle. The sucker is tight. I'll shoot you a pm later. Thanks
 
If someone checked your headspace and had no issue with the binding then I would find another source.

Even though you might have good contact, your bolt is binding between the bolt faces and the open end of the chamber.
 
yomomma said:
If someone checked your headspace and had no issue with the binding then I would find another source.

Even though you might have good contact, your bolt is binding between the bolt faces and the open end of the chamber.
Click to expand...

I was responding to sunray asking about why the old bolt was replaced, headspace was checked then. Headspace has not been checked with the new bolt.
 
Ah...

See normally no one responds to his posts because they are normally off the mark.

Anyways, you want to lap for three reasons. Proper bolt closure, proper headspace and then proper contact. A new bolt always needs some lapping. For that you should at least have a.308 go gauge.
 
Last edited:
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom