Rem 700 RAR question

[DShortt]

So I have an unfired Remington 700 action with an RAR serial number. I did not expect this action to be perfect and anticipated that it would need some work and perhaps quite a bit.
Having said that, to my relatively uneducated eye, timing does not seem terrible but, one particular thing definitely jumps out. When closing the bolt, there is a definite 'hard spot' and an audible 'click'. It sounds like it's coming from the lug area, but I freely admit that decades in industrial environments have not done my hearing any favors.
So, my question is, does this sound like a common issue/typical for an unfired action? Should I look at any specific possible cause?
Whatever it is, I don't like it so I'll either be fixing it or selling it unfired. I'm not at all familiar with Rem 700 actions so maybe everyone already knows about this?

Thanks for looking.

 

[GenePoole]

RR and RAR actions are possibly the best Remington has made, EXCEPT for the bolts. Primary extraction has been an issue with later Remington actions for awhile. I'm not sure why they can't make a decent bolt. For the last few Remington's I've done, I've tried to select RR (I still haven't gotten my hands on a RAR) WITHOUT bolt and just ordered a PTG two-piece bolt. Solder or TIG the handle on and you've got an action that is every bit as good as most clones.

 

[DShortt]

RR and RAR actions are possibly the best Remington has made, EXCEPT for the bolts. Primary extraction has been an issue with later Remington actions for awhile. I'm not sure why they can't make a decent bolt. For the last few Remington's I've done, I've tried to select RR (I still haven't gotten my hands on a RAR) WITHOUT bolt and just ordered a PTG two-piece bolt. Solder or TIG the handle on and you've got an action that is every bit as good as most clones.

What I don't understand is this is an unfired action and the additional friction/noise is on bolt close. Just about when the lugs engage.

 

[LVLAaron]

RR and RAR actions are possibly the best Remington has made, EXCEPT for the bolts. Primary extraction has been an issue with later Remington actions for awhile. I'm not sure why they can't make a decent bolt. For the last few Remington's I've done, I've tried to select RR (I still haven't gotten my hands on a RAR) WITHOUT bolt and just ordered a PTG two-piece bolt. Solder or TIG the handle on and you've got an action that is every bit as good as most clones.

Friend of mine bought an RAR model from PTG; came with a PTG bolt. Primary extraction was better but not great than a rem bolt. But the action was dead nuts true/square.

 

[DShortt]

So, are you guys thinking it's something to do with the bolt that's causing this friction/sticking/popping noise? Or is this just typical of a factory Rem 700 action and bolt?

 

[V35]

Look at it from the bottom with no trigger, work the bolt open and closed and study how it is cocking, you will soon see where that is coming from. Most if not all Remingtons do this to some degree if they are not worked on.

 

[AlNyhus]

What I don't understand is this is an unfired action and the additional friction/noise is on bolt close. Just about when the lugs engage.

Have you checked the lugs to see if the edges have been slightly beveled?

 

[DShortt]

Have you checked the lugs to see if the edges have been slightly beveled?

Not specifically. Thanks for the suggestion.

I will when I get a chance. Thinking I might just strip the bolt and start putting things back in one at a time and checking it if the lugs look good. Can't hurt and maybe I'll find it that way.
Hoping it's something fairly simple but, realistically, not holding my breath.

 

[DShortt]

Look at it from the bottom with no trigger, work the bolt open and closed and study how it is cocking, you will soon see where that is coming from. Most if not all Remingtons do this to some degree if they are not worked on.

I did that with the magazine removed and it sounds like it's in the bolt lug area. But again, my hearing isn't the best.

When time allows I'll give that a try.

Thanks for the suggestion.

 

[DShortt]

RR and RAR actions are possibly the best Remington has made, EXCEPT for the bolts. Primary extraction has been an issue with later Remington actions for awhile. I'm not sure why they can't make a decent bolt. For the last few Remington's I've done, I've tried to select RR (I still haven't gotten my hands on a RAR) WITHOUT bolt and just ordered a PTG two-piece bolt. Solder or TIG the handle on and you've got an action that is every bit as good as most clones.

I see the carbon fiber and one piece blueprinted bolts on the PTG site, but not a 2 piece bolt.
Perhaps I'm not looking in the correct place?

 

[L.Sherm]

Check and see if a lug is dragging on the inside of the action i had a SA that was doing that. One lug was to thick

 

[ricco1949]

I have an RR 700 that the bolt head was off center the body enough to drag on a high spot in one raceway. When I trued it and sleeved the bolt I had to turn quite a few .001s off the OD on one lug to center it and make clearance.

If your bolthead is off center, one lug could be dragging just as it engages the lugs causing the hard spot and releasing causing the click.

 

[WSnyder]

Perhaps I'm not looking in the correct place?

M-16 extractors:

PPG Remington 700 Bolt Body-1E8A05D1

www.pacifictoolandgauge.com

Remington extractors:

PPG Remington 700 Bolt Body - Remington Extractor-119453

www.pacifictoolandgauge.com

If you choose the BR .062" small firing pin hole you'll have to modify your pin or buy a PTG pin to work with it. A STD .075" will work with your factory pin. It's not just that the tip is a different diameter, the portion of the pin behind the tip is different. The STD .072" is tapered, the BR .062" is a straight/parallel shaft. That is unless they've changed things.

 

[LVLAaron]

I wonder if they'll make those in custom/specific diameters. Would be nice to get them oversized.

 

[DShortt]

Have you checked the lugs to see if the edges have been slightly beveled?

So I think you nailed it. Bolt lug edges look square and sharp. Appears to be a shiny spot that might indicate the interference spot. Attaching a couple of images.

 

[DShortt]

I'm guessing the leading edges should just be lightly broken with a stone?

It's hard to get a good view with the barrel on, but there is a 'ramp' on the leading edge of both lugs. However, at the transition from the end of the 'ramp' to the edge of the lug, that edge is sharp and unbroken also.
So it seems quite plausible that the 2 sharp edges are catching on one another just a bit.
Good thing is, the lug contact looks even on both sides, given what little contact the lugs have had.
Again, this is an unfired action apart from whatever the factory may have done.

 

[LVLAaron]

Can't hurt to stone them a little bit to see if it makes it better.

 

[DShortt]

Playing with the bolt a bit. Rather surprised at the detent to hold the pin when it is in the bolt open position. Suspect that's part of the issue as well and might be the source of the noise.
I'll strip the bolt and play around some more. Just like to know exactly why things are happening.
Unfortunately, that'll be another day.

Edit - nevermind the firing pin detent. It's the lugs. A bit more handling convinced me of that much.

 

[jelenko]

There's a detent that holds the firing pin?

 

[WSnyder]

I wonder if they'll make those in custom/specific diameters. Would be nice to get them oversized.

You used to be able to. When you ordered one in the past you put diameter notes in when you placed the order. I don't see that option anymore. Since they state they are all custom order and not stocked I wonder if they'll still make them to diameter? The description though shows them as .699". "RH 0.699" OD".

@LVLAaron I was checking the verbiage on the one piece bolts and they state they come .700" default when ordered online but if you want a different OD it says to call to order. I'll bet you could do that with the two piece as well.