Bolt Removal Winchester Model 74

[Hilmania]

I have a Model 74 with a peep sight on it. I was looking at videos on how to remove the bolt, but I cannot get the release to go far enough to allow the bolt to come out. All of the videos show Model 74s without a peep sight, so do I need to first remove the sight or is there some other reason the release won't move far enough?

 

[Chief 101]

I would imagine the peep has to come off as it does on my older Winchester bolt rifle. Without a picture of your Winchester you are the only person that know for sure...

 

[deadin]

By peep sight do you mean a tang sight and the bolt won't clear to come all the way out?
In that case the sight will have to come off.
Or do you mean that the bolt release "cross bolt" won't depress far enough to allow the bolt to be pulled out?
In that case the gun has to be uncocked before the release will depress.

If neither of these, it sounds like you may have an internal problem with the bolt assembly.
If so, good luck!!

added: Is the peep sight mounted on the rear part of the receiver? If the sight is removed and the bolt will then come out, shorten the screws that mount it. They're interfering with the bolt's pathway...........

 

[tark]

Welcome to the monkey house! I can tell you one thing I know from personal experience, about 74s. They are a complex, rather fragile design that is prone to parts breakage, especially that 6" long firing pin. It is never a good idea to dry fire most of the older 22s, but there is a particular danger with the 74. Most people load a 22 auto and fire until they get a "click" signifying an empty gun. If you do that with a 764 you will probably break the pin. Count your shots.

 

[Hilmania]

I did have to uncock the rifle to remove the bolt. I found a copy of the original owners manual on ebay and it says to uncock the rifle, pull the trigger. Everything I have heard or read says never dry fire the weapon. I guess that's the one exception. Thanks for all your replies.