Savage bolt "jumps"

[southern_idaho]

Didn't know any other way to describe it.

I have four Savage bolt actions, 3 short action with accutrigger (so newer models), 1 long action, flat-back, no accutrigger.

One of the short actions is chambered in .308, I bought it used with the idea of swapping out the barrel for a heavy barrel in .260 Remington which is currently on order from McGowen barrels.

I have never fired the .308, but yesterday I dry fired it and noticed the strangest thing - the bolt kind of "jumps and rotates a bit" when fired (no dummy cartridge in chamber). I thought that was a little weird and might affect accuracy if the bolt was jumping around like a Mexican jumping bean - so I tried dry firing the other 3 and none of them did the crazy jump. All of the others were also dry fired without a dummy round in the chamber.

Now its got me wondering if there might be something wrong with the used .308 short action I bought. I am thinking either the bolt is not locking up or something like that.

Or maybe its just a strange coincidence?

Just wondering........

 

[BoydAllen]

Without a round in the chamber (or a dummy round) raise the bolt handle just a little (note precision terminology) and see if you still get the jump. Let us know what happens. What is most likely happening is that the cocking piece is hitting the bottom of the cocking cam at the bottom of the firing pin fall. This is not a safety issue, but there is a chance that it could affect accuracy. Of course, without the rifle in front of me, this is just a guess.

 

[southern_idaho]

Without a round in the chamber (or a dummy round) raise the bolt handle just a little (note precision terminology) and see if you still get the jump. Let us know what happens. What is most likely happening is that the cocking piece is hitting the bottom of the cocking cam at the bottom of the firing pin fall. This is not a safety issue, but there is a chance that it could affect accuracy. Of course, without the rifle in front of me, this is just a guess.

I did as you suggested, and yes, it still jumps - and the bolt handle falls down into the closed position. I also tested it with a go-gauge in the chamber and same thing - jumps. I thought maybe having a little tension on the bolt from the gauge would stop that - but it didn't. And when it happens - the bolt rotates counterclockwise when you are holding the rifle as you normally would.

I also tested one of my "good " Savage actions with something in the chamber and there is barely any perceptible movement at all.

So if, as you say "the cocking piece is hitting the bottom of the cocking cam at the bottom of the firing pin fall" how do I fix that? Take it to my favorite gunsmith?

Thanks!

 

[BoydAllen]

I would send it to someone who is very familiar with Savage actions. You might give this fellow a call, and see what he suggests.
http://customgunsandammunition.embarqspace.com/#/contact-information/4526038735
I would be interested in what the problem turns out to be, and how it is fixed.

 

[M-61]

Without a round in the chamber (or a dummy round) raise the bolt handle just a little (note precision terminology) and see if you still get the jump. Let us know what happens. What is most likely happening is that the cocking piece is hitting the bottom of the cocking cam at the bottom of the firing pin fall. This is not a safety issue, but there is a chance that it could affect accuracy. Of course, without the rifle in front of me, this is just a guess.

I did as you suggested, and yes, it still jumps - and the bolt handle falls down into the closed position. I also tested it with a go-gauge in the chamber and same thing - jumps. I thought maybe having a little tension on the bolt from the gauge would stop that - but it didn't. And when it happens - the bolt rotates counterclockwise when you are holding the rifle as you normally would.

I also tested one of my "good " Savage actions with something in the chamber and there is barely any perceptible movement at all.

So if, as you say "the cocking piece is hitting the bottom of the cocking cam at the bottom of the firing pin fall" how do I fix that? Take it to my favorite gunsmith?

Thanks!

Two questions: "I tested one of my "good" Savage actions with something in the chamber....." What was in the chamber? A go gauge or a spent cartridge?
When using the go gauge did you remove the extractor first?

 

[Rustystud]

Your bolt timing is not correct.You may need to adjust the bolt stop, and the cocking piece.
Nat Lambeth