Fixed the 700 Stainless Light Varmint!!! Remington is having a 25% off sale on parts and accessories, so I checked the items and found that a firing pin assembly with spring and bolt sleeve were on sale, so ordered one to see if the new one, made of blued steel instead of stainless would make a difference.
I just got it and was surprised to see that the mainspring didn't have waves in it, like the old one (which always bothered me because the other rifles didn't have that situation and I was concerned about it causing drag as is rubbed against the bolt channel).
It installed easily, using the Brownell's firing pin tool. Alakazam!!! The cocking drag disappeared and, when dry-fired, the lock time was cut dramatically!!! It's like having a new rifle!!! I wonder why the Remington repair center couldn't have done that.
This is the same rifle that I'd sent away to Remington's Repair Center to have the problem fixed and they didn't do anything, but claimed it had excessive headspace, and that it's a dangerous rifle!!! I'd meanwhile bought another 700 ADL, N.I.B from a Maine salvage company that had bought-out a gun shop that went out of business. I took both rifles to my favorite full-time gunsmith/rifle-maker and we checked the headspace on both and found that they were IDENTICAL! So much for being a dangerous rifle!!!
Also, the Limbsaver soft factory recoil pad has pooched, and I ordered a perfect-fit replacement today, so the rifle should be like new...or better. Apparently, they've been improved since the rifle was new.
Can't wait to try it at the range!