What could possibly go wrong?

[MD]

I'm storing some rifles for a neighbour while he moves.

One is an early Model 700 Remington 308 and the other is an 1896 Swedish Mauser.

He put the bolts somewhere "safe" and can't find them.

It turns out I have a Model 700 in 243 and a Swedish Mauser too.

Can I safely use my bolts in those rifles?

 

[blasted_saber]

Headspace could be an issue.

Removing bolts from a rifle is one of the stupidest things a person can do.

 

[Potashminer]

What I have found regarding "swapping bolts" in the "what can go wrong" department. Lugs on bolt do not bear properly on the recess seats of the second rifle. Can be checked with Jiffy Marker. Headspace is not correct. Can check with headspace gauges. Sear face on the striker (in the bolt) does not have identical position to original bolt - leading to bolt mounted safeties no longer lifting striker off the trigger sear when engaged, or the bolt mounted safety not being able to engage at all since striker is now slightly forward of original.

 

[kamlooky]

Headspace could be an issue.

Removing bolts from a rifle is one of the stupidest things a person can do.

And the magazines/clippy thangs.

 

[blasted_saber]

And the magazines/clippy thangs.

The only thing a detachable magazine is good for is losing

Give me a hinged floor plate day day.

 

[MD]

The missing bolts have been found and reunited with their mothers.

 

[FLHTCUI]

The only thing a detachable magazine is good for is losing

Give me a hinged floor plate day day.

But, what about the foldy thing that goes up?
Glad to hear all is well and they will longer be the ugly step children.
Rob

 

[jaroslav]

Headspace could be an issue.

Removing bolts from a rifle is one of the stupidest things a person can do.

Why? Don't you check your rifles at least once a year? Then you should know, where your bolts are.