[~z]

Happened this weekend durring a varmint contest, fortuinately I brought a backup. When I close the bolt, the firing pin is riding forward. The bolt and trigger mech have been sprayed out with carb clesner and re oiled, but not stripped, problem persists. If I put the safety on before the bolt is closed, the firing pin remains cocked. However, when you take the safety off, the firing pin is released at full force. No, I did not find this out the "hard way", I assumed it would and tried it, allowed for a follow up shot on a second coyote. After that, I changed rifles. Is there a simple fix? I have yet to disassemble the bolt as I was not sure if there was some incriminating hoof prints I might erase before I knew what to look for. Any input is appriciated.
~z

[jungle]

The sear is not engaging the striker. Could be several reasons. Gummed up? You checked that, but it may be worth it to remove the action and really clean the trigger assembly. Trigger has been adjusted to allow inadequate sear engagement. Did you or maybe someone other than you adjust the trigger? Perhaps the adjustment screws have allowed the adjusment to drift. Carb cleaner can remove the sealant holding the trigger adjusment screws and vibration can do the rest. The safety forces and holds the sear into position without the sear spring or proper sear adjustment, so that function is normal.
The rifle is dangerous in the present condition. Search Remington 700 trigger adjustment(it's easy) or have your gunsmith take a look. After adjustment the adjustment screws should be sealed with clear nailpolish or blue loctite.

www.snipershide.com has detailed instructions in their gunsmithing section.

[~z]

Jungle, Thanks, I figured it out. I adjusted the Rem factory trigger to 2#. Worked great for years (in south TX) The failure occoured in the TX Panhandle 15-20 degrees. I just backed the overtravel screw out a 1/4 turn, all is well now. I guess it is true, dont set a Rem factory trigger too light or it will fail when you need it most. But if you forget that, remember the safety drop will allow discharge!!! Be warned or atleast be aware.
Thanks again
~z

[Rockstar]

The overtravel screw is the top front screw and has nothing to do with the sear engagment; that's the rear screw.