Anschutz 64 action question

[SGK]

Uhm a dumb one...

So I went to strip and clean this action for the first time today (despite the rifle being about 8 years old). While I have of course removed the bolt before I don't recall breaking it down ever. But I must have because it doesn't have a firing pin return spring in it! I'm pretty sure it didn't fall out when I dismantled the front wend of the bolt (but searched everywhere just in case). Clearly I need to find another one.

My question is whether it is ok to use the rifle without it? It was used by my son last weekend (presumably without the spring) and I'm meant to be going to the range again with him this coming Saturday. Obviously when the bolt handle is lifted after firing and the action cocks there's plenty of room for the pin to slide backwards out of the way. Perhaps the risk is in closing the bolt on a new round but thee case will push the pin backwards with ease.

???

EDIT I was looking on JNP Gun Springs and saw (my emphasis):

"This striker spring kit replaces the factory striker spring (OEM 1393-11)and firing pin return spring on rifle models using the 64 action which have a firing pin return spring."

Maybe this model (1416 D HB) doesn't have a firing pin return spring. I'm confused.

 

[Tim Slater]

From memory, older Match 64s, made more than 15-20 years ago, only have one spring in the rear of the bolt. The front part of the striker was keyed into the rear, so didn't need a return spring; the striker would fully move rearwards when the bolt handle was raised, camming back and cocking the striker.

 

[JeTarget]

I have had several 14 series anschutz hunters, none of the older ones I have seen have a return spring, as Tim said, the two parts of the firing pin key together. All three of mine have been pre 1970. If you would like, dm me and I can send you some pics of a bolt fully disassembled for your reference.

 

[SGK]

Every pic online shows the little return spring (including ones on the ANA website). There definitely wasn't one in there when I disassembled the bolt this time. Maybe I took the front end of the bolt off previously and lost it. Anyway, I ordered a new set from JNP.

 

[hfinkle]

UTUBE