Why the Need?
Understanding how to take apart Remington 700 bolt is not merely a matter of curiosity; it’s a crucial skill for any Remington 700 owner. Regular disassembly allows for thorough cleaning, which removes accumulated dirt, grime, and carbon buildup that can negatively impact accuracy and reliability. Think of it as preventative maintenance, keeping your rifle performing at its peak. Furthermore, disassembling the bolt is essential for:
Cleaning
Cleaning removes fouling from the firing pin, extractor, and bolt face, guaranteeing optimal performance and preventing malfunctions.
Lubrication
Properly lubricating the bolt’s internal components reduces friction and promotes smooth operation.
Inspection
Disassembly enables detailed inspection for wear and tear, rust, or potential damage to critical components, like the firing pin, extractor, and bolt body. Identifying issues early can prevent more serious problems.
Repair
If a component fails, such as the firing pin or extractor, knowing how to take apart Remington 700 bolt is the first step in making the repair.
Modifications
For those interested in upgrading or modifying their rifle, disassembling the bolt is a prerequisite for installing aftermarket parts, like different firing pins or bolt handles.
A Word of Caution: Safety First
Before we delve into the mechanics of how to take apart Remington 700 bolt, safety is paramount. Firearms, even when seemingly unloaded, demand respect and careful handling. Never compromise on these crucial steps:
The Golden Rule
Treat every firearm as if it’s loaded. This fundamental principle is the foundation of safe gun handling.
Unload and Verify
Ensure your Remington 700 is completely unloaded. Open the bolt and physically inspect the chamber to confirm that no cartridge is present. Also, check the magazine (if applicable) to ensure it is empty. Do this multiple times.
Safety On
Engage the rifle’s safety mechanism. This is a simple, yet essential safety practice.
Safe Direction
Always point the muzzle of the rifle in a safe direction. This means a direction where an accidental discharge would cause minimal or no harm.
Eye Protection
Wear safety glasses or eye protection. Springs and other small parts can potentially become projectiles during disassembly or reassembly.
Work Environment
Perform this procedure in a well-lit, clean area. This helps you see the parts clearly and reduces the risk of losing or misplacing small components.
Patience is Key
Don’t rush the process. Rushing often leads to mistakes. If you encounter resistance, stop and re-evaluate.
Tools You Will Want
Having the right tools is key to success. Here’s a list of what you’ll need to safely and effectively learn how to take apart Remington 700 bolt:
A Solid Workspace
A clean and well-lit bench or table is essential. A non-slip surface is helpful to prevent parts from rolling away.
Cleaning Materials
Clean rags or paper towels are crucial for wiping down parts and removing excess oil.
A Punch
A small diameter punch is necessary for removing the firing pin retaining pin. A roll pin punch is best but a small diameter solid punch will work.
A Small Hammer
Use this to gently tap the punch.
Vice (Optional, But Recommended)
A small bench vise can be extremely helpful for holding the bolt body steady during disassembly and reassembly. This helps with keeping everything stable and making sure that the process is smooth.
Gun Cleaning Solvent and Oil
Use these for cleaning and lubricating the bolt components.
Tweezers (Optional)
Tweezers can be helpful for handling small parts, such as the firing pin spring.
Protective Gloves (Optional)
These help with keeping things clean.
Removing the Bolt from the Rifle
Before you even begin to contemplate how to take apart Remington 700 bolt, you must first remove the bolt from your Remington 700. This is a straightforward process:
Open the Bolt
Raise the bolt handle to its fully open position.
Engage the Safety
Ensure the rifle’s safety is engaged.
Actuate the Bolt Release
Locate the bolt release lever or button on the left side of the receiver (location may vary slightly depending on the model). Depress the lever or button.
Withdraw the Bolt
With the bolt release activated, pull the bolt straight out of the receiver.
Preparing for Action
Once the bolt is out, take a moment to prepare your workspace. Ensure your work surface is clean and uncluttered. If you have a vise, securely clamp the bolt body in the vise. This provides stability and frees up your hands.
Taking the Bolt Apart: The First Stage
The first step in understanding how to take apart Remington 700 bolt involves the bolt sleeve and the firing pin assembly.
Bolt Sleeve Extraction
Grasp the rear of the bolt sleeve. You should be able to unscrew the bolt sleeve counter-clockwise. If it’s tight, gentle pressure is usually sufficient.
Releasing the Firing Pin Spring
After unscrewing the bolt sleeve, you will need to compress the firing pin spring, which is what gives your firing pin the power to hit the primer on your cartridge. Inside the bolt, you’ll see the firing pin assembly. With the bolt pointing away from you, slowly depress the firing pin and turn the cocking piece to disengage the firing pin from the retaining mechanism.
Controlled Release
Carefully, slowly, and cautiously release the firing pin assembly. The spring is under tension, so a controlled release is imperative to avoid injury or losing parts.
Taking the Bolt Apart: Separating the Firing Pin
This stage involves removing the firing pin itself and the main spring from the bolt body, getting you even further to a disassembled state in knowing how to take apart Remington 700 bolt.
Locating the Retaining Pin
Inspect the bolt body; you will see a small pin. This pin holds the firing pin and spring within the bolt body. This is the next step.
Using the Punch
Carefully place the punch on the pin.
Gentle Taps
Use the hammer to gently tap the punch, driving the pin out of the bolt body. Do not use excessive force. Just enough to nudge it out.
Extracting the Firing Pin
With the pin removed, the firing pin and spring should be able to slide out of the bolt body.
Taking the Bolt Apart: Disassembling the Bolt Body
This step might not always be necessary, but if a detailed cleaning or component replacement is needed, understanding how to further disassemble is useful. For the purpose of this step on how to take apart Remington 700 bolt, we must describe, but it is less common to do this.
Extractor Removal (and Ejector)
With the firing pin assembly removed, the next step (if required) is to remove the extractor and ejector. This involves removing the extractor (the claw that grips the cartridge rim) and the ejector (the part that throws the spent casing from the rifle).
Patience is Key
These parts are usually held in place by springs and pins. Careful observation and the use of appropriate punches may be necessary. Take detailed notes or photographs of the location and orientation of each part before removing it.
Cleaning and Inspection: The Heart of the Process
Once the bolt is disassembled, the next important step is cleaning and inspecting. This is a critical step in the process of knowing how to take apart Remington 700 bolt:
Thorough Cleaning
Use the gun cleaning solvent or oil to clean all the components. Pay close attention to the firing pin, extractor, and bolt face. Remove any carbon buildup, grease, and debris. Use a brush, and consider the use of Q-tips for hard-to-reach areas.
Inspect for Damage
Carefully inspect each component for wear, damage, or any signs of deterioration. Look for:
Firing Pin
Check for bending, chipping, or blunting of the firing pin tip.
Extractor
Examine the extractor claw for cracks or wear. Ensure the extractor spring is functioning correctly.
Bolt Face
Clean the bolt face meticulously and check for pitting, erosion, or any imperfections that could affect cartridge seating or extraction.
Bolt Body
Carefully examine the body for cracks, dents, or other signs of wear.
Putting it Back Together: Reassembly
The reassembly process is essentially the reverse of the disassembly. However, precision and order are key to success when it comes to learning how to take apart Remington 700 bolt:
Reinstalling the Bolt Body Components
(if applicable) If you removed the extractor and ejector, carefully reinstall them in their proper positions. Refer to any photographs or notes you took during disassembly to ensure correct placement.
Preparing the Firing Pin Assembly
Start with the firing pin and the spring.
Installing the Firing Pin
Insert the firing pin into the bolt body.
Putting Back the Retaining Pin
Carefully re-insert the retaining pin, securing the firing pin and spring.
Compressing the Spring
With the firing pin in place, compress the firing pin spring to put it back in place.
Cocking Piece Replacement
Insert the cocking piece.
Twist and Lock
Slowly release the firing pin spring, taking great care. Ensure that the firing pin and cocking piece are in the correct position.
Bolt Sleeve Attachment
Screw the bolt sleeve back on to the bolt body. Make sure that it’s tightened correctly.
Putting it Back Together: Installing the Bolt Back in the Rifle
After you have successfully reassembled the bolt, re-insert the bolt in the rifle:
Insertion
Insert the bolt into the receiver, ensuring it aligns properly.
Closing the Bolt
Close the bolt by moving the bolt handle.
Testing
Perform a function test. Cycle the bolt several times to ensure smooth operation. Dry-fire the rifle (with the safety engaged) to verify that the firing pin is functioning correctly.
Troubleshooting and Problem Solving
Even with careful attention, you might encounter some challenges. Here are common issues and how to approach them when considering how to take apart Remington 700 bolt:
Stuck Bolt Sleeve
If the bolt sleeve is difficult to remove or install, ensure it is aligned correctly. Apply gentle, even pressure and avoid excessive force. Check for any obstructions or damage to the threads.
Difficult Firing Pin Spring Compression
If the firing pin spring is difficult to compress, ensure the components are correctly aligned.
Lost Parts
If you lose a small part, don’t panic. Carefully retrace your steps. Check the work area thoroughly. You may need to purchase a replacement part.
Bolt Binding
If the bolt binds during cycling, double-check that all components are properly installed and lubricated.
Conclusion: Mastering Your Remington 700
Learning how to take apart Remington 700 bolt is an invaluable skill for maintaining the accuracy and reliability of your firearm. By following these steps, you can confidently disassemble, clean, and reassemble the bolt of your Remington 700. Remember to prioritize safety, use the appropriate tools, and work patiently. With practice, this procedure will become second nature, allowing you to keep your rifle in top condition for years to come.
Further Resources
Online videos demonstrating the process can be found on YouTube and other video platforms.
Consult your Remington 700 owner’s manual for detailed diagrams and specifications.
Consider purchasing a specialized bolt disassembly tool.
If you are unsure, consult a qualified gunsmith.
Disclaimer
The information provided in this article is for informational purposes only. I am not responsible for any damage or injury that may result from attempting to disassemble or reassemble your Remington 700 bolt. If you are not comfortable with any part of the process, seek professional assistance from a qualified gunsmith. Always handle firearms responsibly and follow all safety precautions.
