Remington 788 bolt stuck after 25 years in storage

[guntech]

.
Could it be the bolt has become "decocked" or rotated to the fire position?
Looking at your picture, and seeing that little hole position it reference to the cocking knob handle, I'd say thats what happened

If it is 'decocked' would that stop rearward movement of the bolt?

 

[zuke]

If it is 'decocked' would that stop rearward movement of the bolt?

The bottom of the striker would put a lot of side pressure in the bolt way, and after being told how delicate the bolt handle is, he might be wary of trying to move it.
Its up to him to look into it

 

[tiriaq]

Look at the photo. You can see the cocking piece. It is the silver part just behind the safety thumbpiece.
The bolt plug with cocking piece does not appear to be rotated.
Easy enough to tell by inspection if it is fouled on anything.

 

[guntech]

I think a hands on inspection by a gunsmith is in order. I don't think the OP will figure this out.

 

[yoden]

I think a hands on inspection by a gunsmith is in order. I don't think the OP will figure this out.

Work is too busy right now for me to get to this, I will update next week

 

[HIGHLANDBEAGLES]

Soak it with Ballistol.
This product is amazing.

 

[yoden]

To get the bolt out, push the safety toward the muzzle.
My bolt moves freely.
One screw from the top for the rear scope mount, one from the bottom holds the mag catch/guide in place.
Could it be the bolt has become "decocked" or rotated to the fire position?
Looking at your picture, and seeing that little hole position it reference to the cocking knob handle, I'd say thats what happened

This is the winner!

The bolt had been rotated and the first set of lugs were semi engaged. When I said I didn't mess with it yet, I ment it, I hardly touched it until I got some pointers first.

I took the receiver out of the stock and shot some penetrating oil on the bolt, from both ends, and let it sit for a while. I pushed up on the bolt, ie opening action, and after a bit of back and forth, the bolt popped open. The firing pin however was completely frozen. This is why it looks so weird in the photo I posted. After I got that apart, and tuned up with some steel wool and gun oil, it is working again.

 

[dead meat]

Congrats on getting it operating.

 

[zuke]

 

[trevj]

Persistance, and not resorting to force, until there is no other option, goes a long ways!

Glad it free'd up!