788 Rem 243 bold handle breaks

[OldDoug]

Friend gave me a 788 Rem 243 today with a broken bolt handle. The gun was fired with a factory round. The bolt was difficult to open and handle broke off.

Mag is still loaded with the ammo.

any ideas how to remove the bolt?

Old Doug

 

[rayjay]

You are going to have to remove the bbl.

 

[OldDoug]

Thanks, Hate having to pull the barrel. Sure no other way.

Old Doug

 

[DukeDuke]

Talk to Remington, send it to them?

 

[larosa]

Take your rifle to your local welding shop,have them spot weld on a stud or bolt just to open up the bolt.After its open, cut the spot welds off and have the original handle tig welded back on.

 

[JayIdaho]

Removing the barrel is the easiest and most simple solution. Take it off, remove bolt, re-install the barrel, weld the bolt handle as suggested and fire away.

Find a gunsmith that will R&R the barrel for you for a reasonable fee if you don't have friends that are equipped to handle the task.