Difficulty removing bolt...

[mach1.3]

from a bolt action rifle. I recently aquired a custom bolt rifle in .257 Roberts. This gun's only markings are .257 and under that F.A. Kent. This is on the left proximal side of the barrel. This is a beautiful gun with great wood, checkering and ebony foreend. The action seems very smooth, the bolt is jewelled with a very nice presentation.

The trigger is adjustable via a screw set directly above the trigger. The trigger is ~2.5-3#. The safety is a three stage lever type on the left side of the bolt end and vertically oriented in deference to the Winchester M70 safety which is horizontally oriented and on the right side of the bolt end. The gun shoots very accurately--at 100yds I probably had an initial grouping of three shots in 1.5-2.0". I am not a great shot--so I was extremely pleased.

My problem is I can't seem to release the bolt from the gun for cleaning. I am probably overlooking a release button or something but could someone illuminate me as to what to look for or how to remove the bolt?

 

[rcmodel]

F. A. Kent was apparently a gunsmith that built custom sporting rifles at some time in the past. We had one on THR some time back built on a 1917 Enfield action that was pretty nice.

Without more info on the type of action used on this one, I don't have a clue how the bolt release might work though.

By any chance is there a rectangular piece on the left rear of the receiver?? (Mauser / Enfield)
If there is, pull out on it.

If there is a flat lever that says ON & OFF on it? (03 Springfield)
Flip it out to the middle position and take the bolt out.

If not, it might be based on an older Remington 721 action.
The bolt release on them is a small button just in front of the trigger.

If none of that works?
Can you post a photo of the action from the left & right sides?
That is going to be the first step in I.D.ing it so we might be able to figure out the bolt release method.

rc

 

[mach1.3]

Thanks RC, I will try to look at it more analytically, if I don't succeed I will post photos. I grew up in Winfield btw.

 

[mljdeckard]

I had to go to youtube to figure out how to remove the bolt on a 1917 Enfield. It's better to watch the video, but it involves manipulating the safety lever while you move the bolt forward, and wedging a penny into the gap created by the hyper-extended firing-pin assembly. It isn't obvious from just looking at the rifle. If it has a bog-leg bolt, it's a 1917 Enfield. (And good job finding one in .257.)

 

[rcmodel]

I'm not understanding that.

The M1917 Enfield has a bolt stop on the left rear of the receiver just about like a 98 Mauser.

All you have to do to remove the bolt on one is pull out on the bolt stop and take the bolt out of the receiver.

Safety levers and pennys are not needed, except if you want to take the striker assembly out of the bolt after you already have it out of the receiver.

rc

 

[mach1.3]

RC, hit the nail on the head. There is a slabby rectangular metal piece on the rear left side of the receiver. I thought it was immovable--it looks like it's part of the receiver. It pivots and the bolt drops out---duh. Actually a very slick design--and appears to be very strong. It looks more Mauser-like than Enfield--the bolt is much more sleek than an Enfield.

Thanks for the help.