after laser boresighting, bolt locks up before turning it

[BarboursvilleBill]

i used a Sight-Rite bore sighter to align my new scope on my Weatherby Vanguard in 6.5 Creedmoor, and now, when i close the bolt on an empty chamber without turning it, it no longer glides into place. this just happened after using the sighter. it used to slide forward smoothly, even with a fresh round in it.

the amount of resistance i feel when pushing the bolt forward is about the same as if i were turning it and engaging the lugs. i've tried a fresh Starline case and it behaves the same way. it seems to be locking up, which it can't because i haven't turned the bolt yet. i did go ahead and turn the bolt on the case, and then opened the action and the extractor and ejector worked as usual, dropping the case on the floor.

i was going to take this out tomorrow, b/c i'm eager to finish zeroing my new scope, but am disinclined to do so until i've figured out what's happening. thanks for any help.

 

[.38 Special]

I wouldn't have any idea how the bore sighter could have caused the issue, unless something fell off of it. Usually, if the action acts up after scope fiddling, it's because the base screws are too long.

 

[ThomasT]

I wouldn't have any idea how the bore sighter could have caused the issue, unless something fell off of it. Usually, if the action acts up after scope fiddling, it's because the base screws are too long.

Yep. Thats what I was thinking. I would remove the scope and the bases and see if that doesn't fix the problem. Maybe take out one screw at a time and test the bolt. I would start with the front screw first.

 

[Vern Humphrey]

I'd check the screw holes -- maybe one was bored through, and the screw is intruding into the bolt space.

 

[The Glockodile]

I'd check the screw holes -- maybe one was bored through, and the screw is intruding into the bolt space.

Second this...

If it's not the action screws jamming the bolt from below, it's the scope screws from above.

 

[Dale Alan]

Check to see if a piece of the boresighter sheared off, you may have a piece of debris in there.

 

[jmr40]

If the screws are too long it usually means the wrong screws were used. Some mounts come with long screws for one base and shorter ones for the other. It depends on the rifle, and mounts. But on a lot of rifles the rear base is thicker to get the scope mounted level and needs the longer screws. The shorter screws are for the front ring. If not paying attention it is possible to mount them in the wrong place.

But I don't think this is the problem here. If the bolt was closing before using the bore sight tool, and not after, the problem is somewhere else.

Lesson learned, don't use bore sight tools.

 

[LoonWulf]

Check that the bolt didn't get uncocked

 

[Dave DeLaurant]

FWIW, you can gunk a bolt action with surprisingly small amounts of detritus. I once had a .300 Blackout handload squib in my CZ527 that practically immobilized the bolt when just a few grains of unburnt powder got into the lug races.

What I would do in your situation is to remove the action from the stock, remove the bolt and thoroughly clean the interior of the receiver. While doing this, stop and insert the bolt periodically to see if it is still binding. Try to determine the specific point or points during its forward travel where binding is occurring. Inspect those points with a strong light.

 

[Walkalong]

Check that the bolt didn't get uncocked

Yep

 

[JFrank]

I'd check the screw holes -- maybe one was bored through, and the screw is intruding into the bolt space.

This
Back out the front screws on the scope mounts and cycle the bolt.

 

[random_guy]

I had to put shorter screws when I put my scope on my Vanguard 6.5 Creed more. I contacted the ring company and they sent the correct ones.

 

[wiscoaster]

.... but am disinclined to do so until i've figured out what's happening. ....

right on!!

 

[Thomasss]

Hate to to say this, but I always full size all new brass (and check and ream the flash holes too).

 

[BarboursvilleBill]

Check to see if a piece of the boresighter sheared off, you may have a piece of debris in there.

Thank you! this was it. the bore sight was slightly longer than a proper cartridge case. i did not turn the bolt, as instructed, but a piece of it rubbed off. i can close the thread now.