Sako L46 - How to Disassemble the Bolt?

[TheCZKid]

I have a Sako L46 in 222, with the square back style bolt. It was giving me light primer strikes on my last outing, and I wanted to take the bolt apart and inspect it, and clean and lube it. Also purchased a new Wolff striker spring, and will likely install that.

However, I have not been able to find instructions on how to remove the firing pin to look this all over. If anyone can point me in the right direction, I'd appreciate it.

 

[AlNyhus]

Move the safety from the 'Fire' position to straight up....you'll feel it release the tension on the pin. Now rotate the cocking piece and bolt guide rib counter clockwise half a turn. That's it.

 

[TheCZKid]

Okay, I put the safety straight up, and can turn the cocking piece and bolt guide rib counter-clockwise 90 degrees. I assume the rear end, with the firing pin should now be able to pull out? It won't pull out rearward, it can move freely through the 90 degree turn, but not sure what I might be doing, or not doing, wrong.

 

[AlNyhus]

Try going past 90 degrees until it almost hits the bolt handle.

 

[TheCZKid]

Try going past 90 degrees until it almost hits the bolt handle.

That was the secret I was missing!!! Oh yeah, I love it when a plan comes together. Thank you.

 

[TheCZKid]

Now I've got to get the old spring out and the new spring in. I found a tutorial of sorts for that, so that's the next task a hand.
I must say, it's in great shape from what I see. I think the spring is just getting weak.

 

[AlNyhus]

Now I've got to get the old spring out and the new spring in. I found a tutorial of sorts for that, so that's the next task a hand.
I must say, it's in great shape from what I see. I think the spring is just getting weak.

Before jumping to a new spring, check the pin protrussion. This is often an issue with the older Sakos. Check the spring you have now to see what the preload is and compare that to what new available springs are. The little Sakos can be pretty miserable to operate with those 30-34 lb. high pressure springs.

For what it's worth.....

 

[TheCZKid]

The pin protrusion appears to be about .061 which I think is longer than needed. When it started to do light primer strikes it was getting cold, the coldest I've shot this rifle at, about 38 degrees. I was thinking it might be gummed up and dirty, but it might just need to be cleaned and have a light lube that will not be negatively affected by cold temps.

 

[AlNyhus]

Have you check the spring pressure?

 

[TheCZKid]

I don't know how to do that.

 

[AlNyhus]

I don't know how to do that.

I use a chunk of Delrin but a wooden block works too. Drill a hole through it for the firing pin that's smaller than the front collar....make sure it's thick enough so the pin tip doesn't protrude. Put it on the scale. If you can zero your scale, zero it. If you use a bathroom scale, remember the weight of the block.

Now just push down until the spring starts to move and note the weight.

Hope this helps. -Al

 

[TheCZKid]

Great practical solution! Thanks.