Bolt Lug Slot Damage

[6ShotsOr5?]

I think maybe galling, erosion, or something else has resulted in enlargement of the rearward end of the bolt lug slot on my factory 700 bolt (see photo). The rifle was purchased new in May 2017 and has 1870 combined factory and hand loaded rounds on the action. None of the hand loads have been loaded hot enough to crater primers or loosen the primer pockets.

I seems to me the slot on the lug is just there so the bolt can only be installed into the receiver in the correct orientation, with the slot matching a key on the right side of the bolt raceway. Is enlargement of this slot somewhat normal or does it indicate some significant issue? Is it hazardous? I can see there is some reduction in surface area on the back of the lug so it seems like that could affect strength. If not dangerous, will it cause an accuracy issue? Also, what are the correct names for the slot in the bolt lug and the key that the slot slides past?

 

[Dusty Stevens]

Anti-bind rail is what its called

 

[Edd]

I think maybe galling, erosion, or something else has resulted in enlargement of the rearward end of the bolt lug slot on my factory 700 bolt (see photo). The rifle was purchased new in May 2017 and has 1870 combined factory and hand loaded rounds on the action. None of the hand loads have been loaded hot enough to crater primers or loosen the primer pockets.

I seems to me the slot on the lug is just there so the bolt can only be installed into the receiver in the correct orientation, with the slot matching a key on the right side of the bolt raceway. Is enlargement of this slot somewhat normal or does it indicate some significant issue? Is it hazardous? I can see there is some reduction in surface area on the back of the lug so it seems like that could affect strength. If not dangerous, will it cause an accuracy issue? Also, what are the correct names for the slot in the bolt lug and the key that the slot slides past?

That slot on the bolt lug and the narrow rail on the receiver is there to keep the corner of the bolt from tipping up when the bolt is cycled. If it wasn't there the bolt would have no support on that side as it travels along the length of the ejection port. That slot may have worn that way while engaging the rail because there is some slop in the feature. Some custom rifle builders will flare that slot to provide smoother engagement to the rail.

 

[DaveTooley]

As Dusty said it's the anti bind rail and very often Remington has to hit them with a file to enlarge the opening to facilitate alignment when retracting the bolt.

 

[6ShotsOr5?]

@DaveTooley, @Edd, @Dusty Stevens thats very helpful, thank you very much.