Winchester Mod 70 Bolt ???

[sd550]

I've been shooting Mod 70 PF rifles for years and just recently purchased a new CF Mod 70. I've noticed that the bolt on the CF is not as tight as the PF when in the closed position and the chamber is empty, but when the chamber is loaded it is as tight as the PF. Is that a common thing with the Mod 70 CF rifle ?? BTW I have several Ruger Mod 77 MKII CF rifles that are tight loaded or unloaded, so I guess that's why I'm asking this question.

 

[jmr40]

If I understand your question you are saying there is less resistance to closing the bolt on the new rifle when no round is chambered than on the other rifles. I own 3 older CRF Winchesters made in New Haven (1992-2006) and one of new FN made guns (2008-present). As well as 1 older PF from the 1980's.

They are all somewhat different. The new rifle has the looser feel as you describe than the others. But one of the older New Haven rifles is almost the same. FWIW, those are the 2 most accurate of the 5. I don't worry about it.

 

[sage5907]

You have to remember that on a Winchester Model 70 when the safety is in the "on" position the safety holds the firing pin away from the trigger and there is no spring pressure on the bolt lugs. This gives the bolt a loose feeling. When the safety is released the firing pin moves forward to put pressure on the trigger sear, and when this happens the firing pin spring pulls the bolt lugs firmly against the receiver so there is no slack between the bolt lugs and the receiver when the rifle is fired. Regardless of whether it is a push feed or controlled feed, or when the rifle was built, the headspace for a particular cartridge should be within SAAMI specifications when the rifle is manufactured. If you close the bolt on a Model 70 with the safety "off" it will close firmly and you won't feel any slack.