Savage Mark II Sticky bolt...

Island'r

Island'r

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So, I have a Savage Mark II. I bought it because I was looking all over town for a nice .22. It was one of those days where I had money and wanted to buy something, and I was in the Market for a .22 bolt action. Unfortunately a synthetic Savage was all that was in town.

I finally got it out the other weekend, and put about 200 or so rounds through it. Functioned fine, and is pretty darn accurate even with a cheapo scope on it.

I brought it home and decided to give it a quick cleaning. Pulled the bolt and noticed some scratches on it, and also that it felt a little rougher and grittier. Cleaned it off, and noticed some scuffs inside the receicer as well. seems like a metal shaving must have got in there. These arent exactly the nicest finished guns so not surprising.

Anyone else have this issue? Would polishing the bolt be benificial? And maybe switch to a better lubricant for the bolt?

I've heard putting about a thousand rounds through them smooths them out nicely...

I'm gonna go put her through the paces again this weekend. It cycles fine, but just aint all as smooth as I'd like.

I'm seriously contemplating selling it and just getting a CZ 452/455 American like I should have done in the first place. (still none locally though) Wanna smooth this bolt out before I sell it though.
 
I haven't had any of the issues with my mark II. It sounds like what you said, something got in there, dirt, metal shaving, something. I would think if there are any burrs that you could smooth them out, but myself i wouldn't go much farther then that myself, but it's more laziness on my part. As long as it shoot and functions i'm not too worried about it.
You might also try a post in the gunsmithing forum, some really experienced guys can probably give you more of an informed opinion.
 
Some fine sandpaper will smooth the highspots of the gouges and get rid of the friction they create. Polish with 400 grit, and if you want, work your way up to as smooth as you want.
 
I have polished all my rimfire bolts yes that means my cz455. When I got that cz that action was very stiff even now its still not as smooth as my savages. Just becasue yo spend more doesnt always mean its better.
 
Good advice here. Just don't polish anything that will affect headspace.

My standard approach to all new bolt actions is to clean and degrease and then cycle the action a few hundred times while it is dry. This accelerates wear / break-in quite a bit, and then when you take it apart it's really easy to see if anything needs polishing. THEN add lube, and you're usually slicker than you'd imagine possible.
 
First, let me say that I think you have nothing to worry about. You may have read numerous people say it in gun forums...I've said it dozens of times in this forum~clean any gun you buy before you shoot it. Dirt/debris can get in there during the manufacturing process, it's time well spent. AND...don't let me leave you with the impression that you only find that in $250 Savages...you can spend 3x-4x that much and still have that issue..trust me! Anyhow, I'd take the bolt out...clean the gun (bolt / bore / receiver) and while you're doing that, inspect it under a bright light. Metal shavings can get into some tight spots (like the notches the extractor claw(s) sit in) so take your time. I have a dental pick I got at an army surplus store, does a good job at digging crud out of tight spots. After you've done that, I'd suggest following Supernova's advice;

Some fine sandpaper will smooth the highspots of the gouges and get rid of the friction they create. Polish with 400 grit, and if you want, work your way up to as smooth as you want.

...then break-in that rifle by either cycling the action a few hundred times (no ammo, and no dry-firing) or with more range time. I love Savage rimfires, but I like CZs too. You'll find the Savage...or any Savage..more forgiving to scope than a CZ and of course, 1/2 the price. Not telling you what to buy/not to buy..but I think you made a really decent choice with what you have already. Good luck!
 
.22LRGUY said:
First, let me say that I think you have nothing to worry about. You may have read numerous people say it in gun forums...I've said it dozens of times in this forum~clean any gun you buy before you shoot it. Dirt/debris can get in there during the manufacturing process, it's time well spent. AND...don't let me leave you with the impression that you only find that in $250 Savages...you can spend 3x-4x that much and still have that issue..trust me! Anyhow, I'd take the bolt out...clean the gun (bolt / bore / receiver) and while you're doing that, inspect it under a bright light. Metal shavings can get into some tight spots (like the notches the extractor claw(s) sit in) so take your time. I have a dental pick I got at an army surplus store, does a good job at digging crud out of tight spots. After you've done that, I'd suggest following Supernova's advice;

Some fine sandpaper will smooth the highspots of the gouges and get rid of the friction they create. Polish with 400 grit, and if you want, work your way up to as smooth as you want.

...then break-in that rifle by either cycling the action a few hundred times (no ammo, and no dry-firing) or with more range time. I love Savage rimfires, but I like CZs too. You'll find the Savage...or any Savage..more forgiving to scope than a CZ and of course, 1/2 the price. Not telling you what to buy/not to buy..but I think you made a really decent choice with what you have already. Good luck!
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Thanks for the advice... I did give it a very good cleaning when I bought it... I think the shaving was just the result of the initial range time. I have cleaned it good again, but yeah, I think I'll just take it out and put a few hundred more rounds through it, and see where she's at.

The savage is ok... but it still feels like a toy to me. the CZ feels like a well built firearm. I aint givin up on the savage yet... If I could get a nice hardwood stock, and trach the tupperware I'd be happy. Unfortunately no one makes one I like, and the savage ones feel cheap even for wood... Would still be better though... Might post on the EE, maybe someone has switched thirs and wants to get rid of the wood stock.

Thanks again for all the info and comments!
 
I have a Boyd's "Rimfire Hunter" on my 93FV, and it sure feels like a real rifle to me! Overall, I agree with your comments on the CZ, but the Boyd's is as nice..if nice nicer than a CZ stock in terms of geometry. I don't mind the look of the Boyd's either but yeah..I'm a sucker for nice walnut too. :)

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My MKII BTVSS has been flawless after hundreds of rounds, and is a real tack driver. I would personally send yours back under warranty. It is the first time I have heard of such an issue.

As for quality, the MKII is the only Savage product I have left in my collection. I think the Canadian-made rimfires are Savage's last bastion of quality... but that's just my opinion.

Nothing about it feels cheap, and I also like CZ's, but please, I don't think they're any better.

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