Bolt handle modifications

[codybrown]

So I bought this rifle about a year and a half ago, and I'm finally getting around to mounting a scope and getting ready to shoot it. It's a Remington 700 action, using Seekins low rings, and a Nightforce NXS 5.5-22x56 scope. When you open the bolt handle it contacts the scope before opening all the way.

I've tried mocking up a couple other scopes, and they both also keep the bolt from opening. Tried also using a couple different height picatinny risers I have for ar's and the scope needs to raise about a 1/2" to clear and that throws my cheek weld way off.

The bolt is cerakoted. Is this something that if I sent it to a gunsmith they could easily bend it a little and put enough relief in it to clear the scope?

 

[Ggmac]

that handle appears to be welded on incorrectly.

 

[243Lapua]

That handle seems to not be closing all the way. Might be out of timing, when opening bolt.

 

[codybrown]

that handle appears to be welded on incorrectly.

That was my initial thought but the rifle builder is well known. That's what made me wonder.

 

[243Lapua]

I recognize that as a PTG handle and knob. Gunsmith can get that repaired if it's not a 1 piece bolt

 

[codybrown]

 

[Dusty Stevens]

Its not right no matter how good he is. Probably an oversight im sure

 

[243Lapua]

It looks uneven.

 

[STS]

The strap looks to be in the correct position on the tube. I'm thinking the handle is bent at the point where the strap and the handle leave the bolt body. It's way up out of the bolt handle cut out.

 

[codybrown]

 

[codybrown]

It looks uneven.

Tried getting a better picture.

 

[Ggmac]

That was my initial thought but the rifle builder is well known. That's what made me wonder.

That does look wrong . He , the smith is human , mistakes are made .

 

[Ggmac]

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New pics are better . Looks correct but need to see the cocking piece detent . From what it looks like it too sits correctly
After thought . The handle stub thts on the same plane as the shroud looks correct BUT that could have been trimmed .030-.050” or more and that would account for the high handle . I’ve seen some strange crap done and have heard even more odd reasons for doing it .

 

[codybrown]

New pics are better . Looks correct but need to see the cocking piece detent . From what it looks like it too sits correctly
After thought . The handle stub thts on the same plane as the shroud looks correct BUT that could have been trimmed .030-.050” or more and that would account for the high handle . I’ve seen some strange crap done and have heard even more odd reasons for doing it .

 

[Ggmac]

I need to look at some other 700s in my stash . Need to verify if one piece bolt or not . If it isnt ,the heat needed to bend the bolt handle ( no matter what methods of heatsinks ) MAY upset the bolts attachment . Especially if silver brazed .
Hopefully the boltflutter or others with more recent hands on experience will chime in .

 

[Eagle Six]

The strap looks fine to me, if the extraction timing is correct, and it looks pretty good. With the bolt rotated full up, my Remington bolt handles angle in around 48 degrees from top center, and from your initial photo it looks like yours is only about 27 degrees which would explain the gap in the bolt handle pocket of the stock. Looks like a bolt bending job to me. The cerakote is probably going to take a beating.

 

[codybrown]

Is it something that I would need to ship the entire rifle, or could I just ship the bolt? Hopefully the builder messages me back, I messaged him Sunday night. If not, any recommendations on who to ship it to for repair? Kinda bummed, I paid $2500 for the rifle and it's unusable the way it currently is.

 

[markT]

Did your gunsmith have the stock when he worked on the rifle?
If he did, not sure I'd let him do anymore work on my stuff.

 

[WSnyder]

He should fix it, definitely out of whack. Another reason I like to use Hollands M70 style handles on 700's. Helps take care of more than one problem these have. Trimmer handle with more scope clearance and more cam surface that you can work with fixing extraction cam issues than that PTG handle.

 

[codybrown]

Did your gunsmith have the stock when he worked on the rifle?
If he did, not sure I'd let him do anymore work on my stuff.

My understanding is that he built the entire rifle the way it currently sits.

His reputation doesn't reflect the quality of work if it is in fact wrong. The smith's name is on the side of the rifle.