Why is my savage target action stiffer to close than my Savage 10 action?

[mao0720]

I have a custom rifle built on a savage 12 dual port target action and the bolt is really stiff to close comepared to my Savage 10 tactical. Both are 308 win, both have accu-triggers. But, the 12 dual port has the target accu-trigger and the 10 tactical has the regular accu-trigger. I have heard of people having issues with stiff bolts on the Savage target rifles, but why is this? Just trying to get some more info on this rifle. Thanks for the help!

 

[M-61]

Stiff to close when chambering a round or stiff to close when just operating the bolt?

 

[mao0720]

Stiffer just to close on an empty chamber compared to the Model 10 tactical.

 

[Heavy barrel]

Just for giggles, try the bolt from the 10 in the 12. They should interchange. Don't try to shoot it without checking head space.

 

[treeman]

it is more than likely a timing issue. the lugs may not be clearing before primary extraction begins. try marking the corners of the lugs with a sharpie and see if they are rubbing.

 

[rayjay]

I put one of Rayhill's little buttons in my 112 bolt and it made a heck of a difference in ease of closing the bolt. This little button goes between the bolt's rear assy fastener and the sleeve that engages the firing pin spring. I shortened the boss on the nut that the sleeve originally indexed on although Rayhill suggests that you don't need to do this. Just seemed like way too much added preload on the FP spring to me.

You may be able to disassemble your bolts and do some smoothing to get rid of the excess friction. I have never seen ANY bolt that wouldn't benefit from some smoothing in the various areas that have high forces bearing. Even the custom actions benefit. Cocking ramp, full cock notch transition, cocking piece nose, firing spring tag ends, etc.

 

[mao0720]

Rayjay, where might i find that piece that you are talking about from rayhill?
Treeman and heavy barrel, I will definately try those ideas when I get a chance.

 

[jonbearman]

The first thing you should try is loosening the rear action screw and try the bolt.Then loosen the middle bolt(bedding screws) to see if it helps.If loosening does help you have a bedding issue.I have seen many overtightened bedding screws on many different stocks.What kind of stock do you have? Do you have an action torque driver that midway sells.

 

[rayjay]

He calls it the bolt lift kit.

http://www.stockadegunstocks.com/4.html

 

[jonbearman]

kevin is easy to deal with,and his number is 1-308-432-5114

 

[1066]

Rayjay, where might i find that piece that you are talking about from rayhill?
Treeman and heavy barrel, I will definately try those ideas when I get a chance.

Visit the Savage shooters site - There's loads of information about bolt lift kits. The easy way is to use the head cut off a .38/.357 cartridge and put a single ball bearing in the primer pocket.

I machined my own but it works the same.

 

[StraightPipes]

Front action screw, in the lug well, rubbing on the bolt head? Nose of the bolt head rubbing on the breach face of the barrel?

 

[mao0720]

I think I got it figured out. I thought my rounds for the 12 PTA were loaded to be .003 OFF the lands, turns out they are I. The lands a bit so a little stiffer close the bolt on them compared to the 10 tactical that has about 6 miles of jump to the lands. Realized last night that it is only stiff to close on a live round and not on a FL sized piece of brass.