A Question on Lubrication

[Fabrat]

Hello all -- first a little history -- a long story made short. I bought a new Model 70 this spring. I took it to the range a few times to develop a load, zero the scope, etc. Last trip out I loaded it up, took careful aim, and it would not fire. The trigger was locked up like the safety was on. I tried to open the bolt and no go there, either. So here I am, loaded rifle that will not fire, a safety that appears to be off (but acts like its on) and a bolt that will not open. A little inspection showed that the rear of the bolt was so completely rusted up that nothing good was going to happen. I dumped a pile of penetrating oil on the back of the bolt and managed to get the round in the chamber to fire. Dumped the rest out the bottom of the rifle and sent the whole thing back to USRAC for a little TLC. I got the rifle back last night ( six day turnaround!) and all is good. My question is this.. is it OK to lube the rear of the bolt (where all the working parts are) with a high tech lubricant to prevent any future corrosion? All the working parts in the bolt were replaced at the factory. Opinions?

Fabrat

 

[mete]

All moving parts should be lightly lubricated. You don't have to use a high tech lube a good gun oil will work fine. Keep it clean, lightly lubed and be carefull of condensation ( storing in a plastic case can cause condensation).

 

[dfariswheel]

Most bolt guns work better with a little good gun grease on the high-friction areas like the rear of the bolt.

This is where the cocking cam and striker assembly is, and these parts are under tremendous stress. So the grease will not only prevent rust, but will offer smoother, "lighter" cocking and bolt operation.

Turn the bolt over, and you will see a short cam surface on the bottom of the cocking piece, and a corresponding cam surface on the rear of the bolt body.

Apply a thin coat of grease to the entire area.