Safety First: Preparing Your Workspace and Your Mindset
Before you begin any work on your firearm, safety must be your absolute top priority. Mishandling a firearm can have severe and irreversible consequences. Take the time to create a safe and controlled environment before you even consider touching your Remington 700.
First and foremost, always treat every firearm as if it were loaded. This is not just a good practice; it’s a fundamental rule of gun safety. Before you start anything, make absolutely certain your rifle is unloaded. Here’s how to do it:
- Visual Inspection: Carefully examine the magazine well to confirm the magazine is removed. Then, open the bolt by pulling the bolt handle fully to the rear.
- Physical Check: Look into the chamber and down the barrel to ensure there are no rounds present.
- Tactile Confirmation: Run your finger or a cleaning rod down the chamber and barrel to make absolutely certain the area is clear of any ammunition.
- Bore Light (Recommended): Using a bore light or a flashlight can greatly aid this inspection, allowing you to see into the chamber and confirm the absence of any ammunition.
Once you’ve confirmed the rifle is unloaded, move on to securing your workspace. A clean, well-lit area is essential for any gun maintenance task. A cluttered workspace can lead to mistakes, and insufficient lighting can make it difficult to see small parts or potential issues. Consider the following:
- Stable Surface: Place your rifle on a sturdy table or workbench. A gun vise is an excellent tool to secure your rifle, preventing it from moving during the process.
- Good Lighting: Ensure ample lighting, preferably natural or bright overhead lighting, to illuminate the details of the rifle.
- Clear Area: Clear the workspace of unnecessary items. This will help you keep track of the parts as you take them apart and reassemble them.
- Protective Gear: It’s always wise to wear eye protection. Safety glasses are always a good idea.
Essential Tools and Materials for the Task
Successfully removing the Remington 700 bolt requires only a few essential tools. Having these items readily available will make the process smoother and more efficient.
- Cleaning Rod or Cleaning Stick: A cleaning rod or cleaning stick with a pointed end is a versatile tool that can assist you in removing the bolt.
- Small Punch: A small punch, such as a pin punch, is used to gently push out small pins and retainers.
- Shop Towels or Soft Cloths: Shop towels or soft cloths are useful for wiping down parts, catching excess oil, and preventing damage to sensitive surfaces.
- (Optional) Gun Oil or Lubricant: A small amount of gun oil or lubricant can be helpful for reassembling and ensuring smooth operation. It’s always a good idea to have some gun oil handy, even if you do not use it during the disassembly process.
Detailed Steps to Removing the Remington 700 Bolt
Now that we’ve covered safety and gathered the necessary tools, let’s get to the core of the matter: how to remove Remington 700 bolt. This process may seem daunting at first, but by following these steps carefully, you’ll soon be comfortable with the procedure.
Releasing the Bolt Stop
The bolt stop, often found on the left side of the receiver, is the mechanism that holds the bolt in place. This mechanism must be disengaged before you can extract the bolt.
Different variations of the Remington 700 might have slight variations in their bolt stop design, but the fundamental principle is the same. The release is generally located on the rear of the receiver or the left side.
- Identifying the Bolt Stop: Locate the bolt stop on the left side of the receiver.
- Operation: Depending on the model, the release can be a button, a lever, or a small pin.
- Releasing: While holding the rifle, manipulate the bolt stop release while gently pulling the bolt handle to the rear. In most cases, the bolt stop will disengage allowing you to remove the bolt.
Removing the Bolt from the Receiver
Once you have successfully released the bolt stop, you can proceed to remove the bolt from the receiver. This requires patience and a steady hand.
- Open the Bolt: Pull the bolt handle fully to the rear. This action unlocks the bolt and prepares it for removal.
- Extract the Bolt: With the bolt fully open, gently pull the bolt straight out of the receiver. You should feel a smooth, unobstructed path.
- Careful Handling: Avoid forcing the bolt. If it does not slide out easily, double-check that the bolt stop is completely disengaged.
- Bolt Position: Note the bolt’s orientation as you remove it. This will help with reassembly.
Inspecting the Bolt and Receiver for Issues
With the bolt removed, take this opportunity to inspect it and the receiver for any issues. Catching potential problems early can save you time, money, and frustration later.
- Bolt Inspection: Examine the bolt body, bolt face, and locking lugs for any signs of wear, damage, or corrosion. Look for any cracks, chips, or deformities. Check the extractor and ejector for proper function and any debris that may be present.
- Receiver Inspection: Inspect the receiver for dirt, debris, or any other obstructions. Use a cleaning rod with a soft cloth to remove any foreign material. Pay particular attention to the bolt raceways (the channels within the receiver where the bolt slides) and the area where the bolt lugs lock into place.
Reassembly and Functionality Check
With the bolt removed and inspected, reassembly is a straightforward process that requires reversing the steps.
Replacing the Bolt within the Receiver
Properly re-inserting the bolt is essential for the rifle’s functionality.
- Insert the Bolt: Align the bolt with the bolt raceways in the receiver.
- Slide Forward: Gently push the bolt forward into the receiver. The bolt should slide easily if the receiver and bolt are clean.
- Close the Bolt: Close the bolt completely by pushing the bolt handle forward and down. You should feel a satisfying click as the bolt locks into place.
- Proper Alignment: Check that the bolt is properly seated in the receiver.
Verifying Proper Operation and Functionality
Once the bolt is reinstalled, test its operation to ensure it functions correctly.
- Bolt Cycle: Cycle the bolt several times by opening and closing it. This should be a smooth, consistent motion, with no binding or resistance.
- Extractor Functionality: The extractor should snap the cartridge rim.
- Ejector Functionality: Ensure the ejector functions correctly, removing empty casings.
- Trigger Check: If the rifle is unloaded, perform a function check.
Cleaning and Maintaining Your Remington 700
Regular cleaning and maintenance are crucial for the longevity and performance of your Remington 700. When you are inspecting, cleaning the bolt and the receiver is the best opportunity to clean them thoroughly.
Bolt Cleaning Essentials
- Disassembly: You might choose to disassemble the bolt completely at this stage. This gives you access to every nook and cranny for thorough cleaning. Refer to your owner’s manual for how to disassemble your specific bolt.
- Solvent Application: Apply a good quality gun-cleaning solvent to the bolt, allowing it to dissolve any fouling or debris. A toothbrush or a small brush can help scrub away stubborn residue.
- Wiping: Use a clean cloth or shop towel to wipe down the bolt thoroughly, removing all traces of solvent and grime.
- Inspect: Make sure the firing pin is clean.
- Lubrication: Apply a light coat of gun oil to the bolt body and moving parts. A few drops are usually sufficient.
Receiver Cleaning Protocols
- Debris Removal: Use a cleaning rod with a suitable attachment to remove any loose debris or fouling from the receiver.
- Cloth Application: Run a clean cloth soaked with solvent through the receiver.
- Barrel Maintenance: Consider the barrel of your rifle by using a cleaning rod.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Even with careful handling, you might encounter some issues. Knowing how to troubleshoot these problems can save you time and frustration.
The Bolt Won’t Come Out
If the bolt fails to detach from the receiver, there might be some reasons why:
- Bolt Stop Issue: Verify that the bolt stop is disengaged fully. Check to see if there is any debris that may be preventing it from fully releasing.
- Debris Obstruction: Dirt, grime, or carbon buildup can prevent the bolt from sliding out. Clean the bolt raceways in the receiver thoroughly.
- Burrs or Damage: Inspect the bolt and receiver for any burrs or damage that might be causing the bolt to bind.
- Lubrication Issues: The bolt and receiver may require lubrication.
Bolt Doesn’t Cycle Smoothly
If the bolt feels rough or sticks during cycling, consider the following:
- Debris or Obstruction: Clean the bolt and receiver thoroughly, removing any debris.
- Insufficient Lubrication: Lubricate the bolt and action with a quality gun oil.
- Damage: Inspect the bolt and receiver for any damage.
- Spring Issues: The recoil spring may be the cause of the issue.
Conclusion
Understanding how to remove Remington 700 bolt is a crucial skill for any owner of this legendary rifle. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can confidently perform this essential maintenance task, ensuring your rifle remains in top operating condition. Remember, safety is paramount, and proper handling of your firearm is essential. Regularly inspect your rifle, and if you are unsure about any step, always consult a qualified gunsmith. Now, go forth and enjoy the precision and performance that your Remington 700 has to offer!
