New Remington LTR bolt problem?

[Wayfarer]

I just got my new LTR today and noticed something that doesn't seem right. The bolt hangs when it is all the way open (rearward) unless you push down on the bolt handle to clear whatever it is that is preventing it from closing. It does not feel like binding, but rather seems like the bolt face is completely hanging on something in the way in the rear of the receiver. It won't budge one bit no matter the force. Only by pressing down on the bolt handle can I get the bolt to close and then it does so normally. It seems there's something catching the bolt face and then when I push down on the handle, it lifts the bolt face enough to clear the obstruction.

Now I don't consider myself an expert on Remington 700's, but I own two other Remington 700 action rifles I've had for 15 years and they both close no problem no matter which way you push on the bolt handle. They all have a bit of play when fully open, this one seems the same as the others. Is this something easy to fix myself, or am I going to have to send it in for warranty repair? I'd sure hate to have to do that...avoiding having to deal with any QC issues on a new rifle (been there done that) :banghead: is the main reason I went with Remington this time in the first place!

 

[Wayfarer]

Looks like someone else had the same issue:

http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=339302

He had the same problem, the bolt "wobble" (which I consider normal by itself) when all the way open was apparently causing it to catch unless you pushed it "just right." However, at least I don't have any grooves in the bolt lugs.

My rifle was bought from an online dealer as NIB. Had I looked at it in the store I would have identified the problem in about 2 seconds and passed on the particular rifle. The pitfalls of buying via mail order. Also noticed my rifle did not come with the x-mark trigger, which means it must be a 2007-2008 leftover, about the same vintage as the other poster's SPS.

Now I'll be out my new rifle for several months while Remington makes it right, I hope. I'm just surprised that a company that I always thought of as the Rolls Royce of rifles would let an obvious defect like this out of its factory... For $900, I thought at least I'd be assured of not dealing with bad QC. grrrr

 

[Uncle Mike]

Is this something easy to fix myself, or am I going to have to send it in for warranty repair?

Send it back...I know, major pain, but call Remington, tell them your scared to death to shoot this thing and you think it may be dangerous to use and demand a return postage slip.

This works occasionally, but not all the time, depends on who is doing the return for you!
Best bet is to find a friendly dealer that will handle it for you free of charge other than a nominal handling fee, Often times, Remington will deal with the dealer when they wont talk to the consumer.

But do not fix it yourself IF you think you might run into problems with it in the future, send it back.

Does the bolt close easily IF you push on the dust cover/striker part of the bolt? Pushing in a straight line, right along the axis of the bore.

I'm just surprised that a company that I always thought of as the Rolls Royce of rifles would let an obvious defect like this out of its factory...

Oh, don't be surprised! This is the new Remington, this kind of shenanigans is the norm from them now.
Remington used to be the Rolls Royce of rifles, sadly, not anymore!

I do hope Remington corrects their problems, I and the rest of the civilized world would hate to see big green slip under and sink.

On a happier note, i just put back a CDL for myself, seems to be okay, only time and some more cash, will tell. lol hehehe

I hope Remington takes care of you!

 

[Wayfarer]

Thanks for the reply, Mike. Rather than to mess with it myself, I am going to let the professionals handle it. I am first going to see if the online dealer will give me an exchange. If they won't do that for whatever reason, then I will have to send in the warranty registration card and begin the long process of warranty repair with Remington.

As soon as I find out what the exact problem is and how it is going to be resolved, I'll post back with an update.

The $500 Savage I looked at in the store before I ordered this rifle was perfect, and would have saved me not only $400+, but a fair amount of trouble as well, as it turns out. This may well be the last time I buy a NIB firearm without first being able to inspect it in person. Live and learn.

 

[Wayfarer]

My dealer is taking the rifle back and doing an exchange. God Bless honest and customer service-minded dealers ! This ought to take care of it. Thanks again for the advice.

 

[Uncle Mike]

Good, hope it all works out for you!

 

[Wayfarer]

Now for the final update. My dealer has been awesome. With a bad taste over the LTR, I decided to see if he would let me upgrade my purchase from the LTR to the XCR and the dealer said no problem. I sent in a check for the difference, and then yesterday picked up the new XCR in 223. All I can say is WOW. It has fully restored my confidence in Remington, gun dealers, and humanity in general. Although I haven't shot it, this rifle's quality of workmanship is perfect in every way. The bolt works perfectly, there wasn't so much as a fingerprint on it anywhere, nor a single blemish or imperfection of any kind. The metal finish is fantastic. The 40X trigger is sweeeet. And I even like the stock.

I don't know if the first LTR I received was built on a Friday or what, but there is a night and day difference with this XCR that is truly awesome. Perhaps Remington takes more care and pride with the XCR or maybe there is an extra quality control check on them before they head out of the factory, but regardless I am totally happy with my decision to upgrade to the XCR.

Other than the extra transfer fee, extra shipping, extra time, the aggravation of the whole experience, it has all worked out. Thanks again for the advice without which I probably would have kept the LTR and had it smithed or repaired. Did I mention the XCR was an awesome rifle?....