M70 Bolt

[Jaywalker]

I got my new Winchester M70 LT Classic .300 Magnum wet and I want to get inside the bolt sleeve to clean and check for rust. The owner's manual doesn't recommend any further breakdown than just removing the breech bolt sleeve and firing pin units from the rest of the bolt, and since they don't recommend it, they don't show me how to do it.

Is this something that I can do at home without gunsmith tools, or should I pack it off to a local 'smith?

Jaywalker

 

[Jim K]

I wouldn't worry about it, as the factory greases those parts well enough to prevent normal rain or wet from causing any problem. The factory does not recommend further disassembly because the spring can remove an eye, so first be darned sure you want to/need to do this, then be very careful.

But if you must, and IIRC, there is a little "C" washer ahead of the firing pin spring. Clamp the front of the firing pin in a vise, then take the pressure off the "C" washer by pulling rearward on the spring. Remove the washer. Then slowly release the spring. Remove the firing pin from the vise. Set the safety to the fire position and the bolt sleeve should pull forward off the firing pin.

If you want, you can make a little tool from flat steel to compress the spring. It looks like a small open end wrench with a "U" cut just big enough to go around the firing pin. You slip it between the two forward coils of the spring, then pull back, or clamp the tool in a vise and push forward. Either way, it takes spring tension off the washer.

Jim

 

[Jaywalker]

Jim,

Interesting, thanks. They may have left the grease out of my sleeve, though, or perhaps I dissolved it by dripping in CLP. What came out with the CLP was clearly rusty water, which then corroded the external striker. "Normal rain or wet" doesn't really apply when you fall in a creek, so I won't be hard-over about the warranty on it.

Maybe I'll try sending the sleeve and firing pin back to USRAC. The parts diagram specifies "entire rifle," but the smaller parts would be much easier, and maybe they'll let it go.

They won't sell the parts, or I'd try stainless.

Jaywalker

 

[DeBee]

I thought Winchester was pretty good about getting parts to me of course this was several years back... Brownells also carries them but at a premium.

Jim is correct about the c clip disassembly and related dangers. I should add you'll need two men and a small boy to pull that spring back and reinstall the clip- it's kind of a three and a half hand job... Make the jig.

Strip that bolt down and clean it properly. No only will you learn about the operation of your fine rifle but you will also save money and frustration. Now if you break it or bugger it, THEN send it back for replacement...

 

[Jaywalker]

I'd like to try it. I can see it now - pieces all over the room. Maybe I should do it in a box.

Jaywalker

 

[Jim K]

It's not really THAT bad, but it can sure take you by surprise if things let go. The box is not a bad idea.

Jim