new savage model 10

[jraney]

just wondering if the bolt when cocked or not cocked should have any play in it. my new gun when not cocked has some free play up, now what i mean is when the bolt is all the way down uncocked using my little finger with very minimal effort i can raise the bolt a little more than 1/4" up and when cocked it will travel all the way to horizontal before i must apply more force. the reason i am asking is i looked at a mod10 in a gun shop that had no free play at either point. so what do you all think?

J

 

[slurpin dog]

I just checked my model 10 and model 700 Rem. They both function pretty much as you have describe yours. There is a lift kit (for Savage) that reduces the friction felt when raising bolt handle. Haven't tried one yet, but those who have say makes bolt rotation smooth and lighter. Ron

 

[BillPa]

What you seeing is the free play between the cocking piece pin and when it engages the cocking ramp rotating the bolt. I don't have a picture of that area, but maybe this will help.

The cocking piece is threaded and adjustable. I generally set the clearance between the cocking piece pin and the bottom of the cocking ramp for .005" clearance or as close as the cocking piece sleeve and cocking piece align. Basically it allows the firing pin assembly length to be adjusted to the bolt body being used.

There will always be a bit of free lift in the bolt, but adjusting the cocking piece will minimize it.

BTW, you don't need to dissemble the firing pin assembly to adjust it, you can turn it with you fingers.

Bill

 

[slurpin dog]

Bill, would you mind explaining the procedure used to adjust the free play? Thanks. Ron

 

[BillPa]

I'll try my best Ron. I'm better with pictures than words at times, but...

With the the cocking piece sleeve removed and the firing pin the full forward position rotate the cocking piece for some clearance between the cocking piece pin and the bottom of the ramp. I usually shoot for .005 or as close as the cocking piece sleeve, the cocking piece and lock washer will align. Its not real critical other than if you go to the extreme either one way or the other. If the cocking piece is adjusted out too far the spring won't be fully compressed cocking the bolt, too short and it may stop the firing pin forward travel instead of the protrusion adjustment nut or the primer.

IF you look closely at the cocking piece pin you'll notice its undercut just below the button head. That is the portion of the pin that rides on the ramp and were a bit of clearance is desirable. Its tough using the pin itself, so I made a tool, a pin the diameter of the undercut and use a wire gage to set them.

Again, its not super critical adjustment, but one that is easily made if the amount of free play is a concern.

Bill

 

[slurpin dog]

thanks Bill. Will give this a try. They say if it ain't broke don't fix it. Mine is " if it ain't broke fix it til it is".
Ron

 

[jraney]

so i don't have a problem? i was kinda worried but if it is normal then i will just leave it, but thanks for the advice anyhow on how to fix it very much appreciated.


J