Winchester model 70 high bolt handle.

[Emberskies]

I've just purchased a 1974 winchester model 70 in .222rem off a client and I had a few test shots today.
I chambered a round and the bolt handle didn't drop down to where it would normally and almost sits out horizontal but was definitely closed all the way.
Is this an aftermarket handle or a modified handle that has been heated and bent.
I've also noticed the the handle has a 2 on it. Are there different numbered bolt handles

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[Oldbloke]

Definitely does not look normal to me. I'll check mine in the morning if it has a number.

[Emberskies]

Definitely does not look normal to me. I'll check mine in the morning if it has a number.

That'd be awesome. Every one I've looked at online seems to sit down in the groove.

[bigpete]

Not normal with mine

[LawrenceA]

Chances are the 2 is just a mold number for the casting or forging of the handle.

I thought a M70 had a 90 degree bolt swing.
That would put the bolt handle almost vertical and would possibly foul the scope. Also if you look at the bolt handle slot in the woodwork. Basically it is not required.

Looking at this
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pBFbDyD7KMo
at 2.41 it does appear to stick out like that

Does it function OK?
From memory the bolt handle is integral or fixed to the bolt body on the Winchester. Not removable like a Tikka T3 or some others.

If it is an issue then I would suggest that you remove the bolt if you can and uncock it.
Then see how the handle would fit in the stock by lining up the cocking piece.

[bigrich]

That bolt is not right. I would take that rifle to a gun smith and get it checked out. Something is off

[Wm.Traynor]

For a start, there is no checkering on your bolt-knob, unlike mine. There is no number in that position on mine. My bolt handle goes all the way down to the bottom of the cut-out in the stock, when closed. In pic#1, yours does not go any where near it.

[Oldbloke]

Some pics.
Either it isn't locking all the way.(part only)
Or the bolt handle has been bent.
Handle is fixed to bolt and cannot be removed.

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[Oldbloke]

There were a few models.
Some cheaper ones did not have checkering on the knob or no floor plate like mine. Its a M70A. But all the actions were the same.

I don't think its fully locking. (dangerous)
Is there about 5-8 mm clearance between the handle and scope like mine? If yes it isn't fully locking.

To check u need 2 bolts side by side.

I would take it to a gunsmith.

P.S. can u ask the previous owner?
P.P.S. Yes the M70 bolt has about a 90 degree swing

[Emberskies]

There were a few models.
Some cheaper ones did not have checkering on the knob or no floor plate like mine. Its a M70A. But all the actions were the same.

I don't think its fully locking. (dangerous)
Is there about 5-8 mm clearance between the handle and scope like mine? If yes it isn't fully locking.

To check u need 2 bolts side by side.

I would take it to a gunsmith.

P.S. can u ask the previous owner?
P.P.S. Yes the M70 bolt has about a 90 degree swing

It's certainly not locking correctly. It sits up near the scope like the other photos.
I queried it when I took a few test shots because it didn't feel right and he said it's never locked all the way down.
I'll have a good look over it with a borescope today. May have an obstruction somewhere.

[Emberskies]

Couldn't sleep so I just had a quick look and the front action screw was interfering with the locking lug. I'd say years of tightening has caused the screw seat to be compressed into the timber.

[Emberskies]

Out of interest, is yours a 74 model

There were a few models.
Some cheaper ones did not have checkering on the knob or no floor plate like mine. Its a M70A. But all the actions were the same.

I don't think its fully locking. (dangerous)
Is there about 5-8 mm clearance between the handle and scope like mine? If yes it isn't fully locking.

To check u need 2 bolts side by side.

I would take it to a gunsmith.

P.S. can u ask the previous owner?
P.P.S. Yes the M70 bolt has about a 90 degree swing

[bigrich]

Couldn't sleep so I just had a quick look and the front action screw was interfering with the locking lug. I'd say years of tightening has caused the screw seat to be compressed into the timber.

Glad you found that, could’ve ended badly with the lugs not locked up properly. I’ve never heard of that happening with a mod 70 , and I’ve built up a few as well. I’m wondering if it’s actually the right screw. Somebody could’ve swapped it out years ago for one reason or another

[Oldbloke]

Out of interest, is yours a 74 model

There were a few models.
Some cheaper ones did not have checkering on the knob or no floor plate like mine. Its a M70A. But all the actions were the same.

I don't think its fully locking. (dangerous)
Is there about 5-8 mm clearance between the handle and scope like mine? If yes it isn't fully locking.

To check u need 2 bolts side by side.

I would take it to a gunsmith.

P.S. can u ask the previous owner?
P.P.S. Yes the M70 bolt has about a 90 degree swing

Model 70A. Purchased new a
in 1981.

[Oldbloke]

Couldn't sleep so I just had a quick look and the front action screw was interfering with the locking lug. I'd say years of tightening has caused the screw seat to be compressed into the timber.

Yes, lucky you still have you face.

The 3 screws vary in length and easy to mix up. Try swapping them around.

The middle screw, should not be very tight. Known to stuff accuracy.

[bigrich]

Couldn't sleep so I just had a quick look and the front action screw was interfering with the locking lug. I'd say years of tightening has caused the screw seat to be compressed into the timber.

Yes, lucky you still have you face.

The 3 screws vary in length and easy to mix up. Try swapping them around.

The middle screw, should not be very tight. Known to stuff accuracy.

Yeah, that middle screw. I do that up last not much more than finger tight with a little bit of medium thread lock on it

[Oldbloke]

Yeh, good idea. I will add some nail polish to the thread. Lol lol

[LawrenceA]

I am kinda surprised the gun went off with the handle sitting high as the action is cock on opening and as such the firing pin should not be able to strike the primer if the bolt handle is raised much.
Learn something new every day

[Oldbloke]

I am kinda surprised the gun went off with the handle sitting high as the action is cock on opening and as such the firing pin should not be able to strike the primer if the bolt handle is raised much.
Learn something new every day

Yep,
Lawrence, do you remember the thread about this a while back? Someone had an Adler blow up in their face. Went off with action not fully closed.

Some members seemed to think it was OK. I certainly don't.

My M70A is the only bolt action I have that will do that and only about 1/4 closed. IMO fails the pub test.

Manufacturing a rifle like this reminds me of a few companies that think it's OK to make machinery without or sub-standard guarding. If someone looses a hand they try to get off the hook by blaming the operator. But legislation is very clear here operator is not at fault, it's the company or manufacturer in all of OZ.

Must be different in good old USA. LOL You know, Fuk the customer.

[bigrich]

Actually, the USA is the last place you would want to make a dodgy product. They just love to sue , and the payouts can be massive
Just ask Remington about their model 700 trigger. Mike walker who developed the 700 and the 222 cartridge even helped claimants cause he warned Remington about the issue and they didn’t act
As for this model 70 issue, I think it’s a case of the wrong bolt in the hole. Whether or not that happened at the factory or some past owner has done it, who knows
Next time I’ve got mine apart I’ll check it out. I thought the front receiver hole was blind and didn’t come through

[Oldbloke]

Regarding the ability to fire when not fully closed im also very surprised.

Yep, screws are mixed up is my bet too.

viewtopic.php?f=11&t=5317

[bigrich]

Regarding the ability to fire when not fully closed im also very surprised.

Yep, screws are mixed up is my bet too.

viewtopic.php?f=11&t=5317

They can manufacture the best engineered stuff there is, but the “human “ factor will always stuff things up

[Oldbloke]

Regarding the ability to fire when not fully closed im also very surprised.

Yep, screws are mixed up is my bet too.

viewtopic.php?f=11&t=5317

Bigrich, when I pull the trigger on partly closed bolt the pin drops and bolt closes on its own. I find that odd. But have not tried with a primed case chambered. I wonder...

[bigrich]

Regarding the ability to fire when not fully closed im also very surprised.

Yep, screws are mixed up is my bet too.

viewtopic.php?f=11&t=5317

Bigrich, when I pull the trigger on partly closed bolt the pin drops and bolt closes on its own. I find that odd. But have not tried with a primed case chambered. I wonder...

The bolt closes on it’s own ? You might have invented a semi auto model 70 OB

[LawrenceA]

The bolt closes on it’s own ? You might have invented a semi auto model 70 OB [/quote]
That will be the cocking action in reverse with the firing pin spring acting through the cocking piece acting on the cam in the bolt body to turn the bolt closed.

Theres a mouthful

[Oldbloke]

The bolt closes on it’s own ? You might have invented a semi auto model 70 OB

That will be the cocking action in reverse with the firing pin spring acting through the cocking piece acting on the cam in the bolt body to turn the bolt closed.

Theres a mouthful[/quote]

Lol

Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious

I can't try now. But wondering if the primer would actually fire? Since some force seems to be dissipated through the ( what you said lol ) bolt closing on its own.

My other BAs won't do it.

[Larry]

I could post a very grusom photo of a guy in our club who had a bolt come flying back into his eye. The cause was never investigated fully IMO it was an Omark that either the pin failed or the bolt was not closed fully. The result the same a backward flying bolt. He very nearly lost his eye and his life. I would take extra care and investigate the condition of the rifle and bolt very carefully. I have seen other bolts that have not been fully closed and the partially closed lugs have sheared off also allowing the bolt to fly rearwards into the shooters head.

[Oldbloke]

Yeh, I understand. I'm going to try a primed case when the bolt is about 1/4 closed next week if I get a chance.

[Emberskies]

I checked that out before shimming the front screw and there was a fair amount of lug engagement hence why it would fire. It did have a very heavy trigger though.

I am kinda surprised the gun went off with the handle sitting high as the action is cock on opening and as such the firing pin should not be able to strike the primer if the bolt handle is raised much.
Learn something new every day

[Emberskies]

All good Larry. Bolt now fully locks down and performs as intended. An a side note, its a .222 so is on the lower end of the pressure scale. God knows what could have happened to the previous owner if it was a chambered in some magnum cartridge

I could post a very grusom photo of a guy in our club who had a bolt come flying back into his eye. The cause was never investigated fully IMO it was an Omark that either the pin failed or the bolt was not closed fully. The result the same a backward flying bolt. He very nearly lost his eye and his life. I would take extra care and investigate the condition of the rifle and bolt very carefully. I have seen other bolts that have not been fully closed and the partially closed lugs have sheared off also allowing the bolt to fly rearwards into the shooters head.