Mauser trigger problem

[browningguy]

So I have a new (c. 1962 but unfired) commercial Mauser barrelled action in .300 Win. Mag.. The only markings are "Alaskan Rifles Made in Belgium" and the proof marks. The rifle was put together by Dumoulin according to the original packing box. Most Dumoulins I have seen were on a FN commercial action, but this one has no FN markings.

I am installing a Timney FN Featherweight Deluxe trigger with side safety. The problem is when the trigger is mounted and the front screw turned enough to engage the action bottom, the bolt is very hard to close. And after you pull the trigger you cannot lift the bolt handle unless you put pressure on the trigger while lifting the bolt.

After closing the bolt the trigger works correctly, including the safety, although the bolt is hard to close.

With the trigger removed the bolt goes in and out normally.

I had disassembled the bolt completely including the shroud etc.

Any suggestions on what to do next? Could I have done something wrong with the bolt reassembly? Might I have to shim the trigger? Might this trigger not work at all?

 

[Jim K]

Assuming you put the bolt together correctly, I think the problem might be the sear of the new trigger interfering with the bolt. Use lipstick to mark the sear and then see where it is touching the bolt, or smear it on the bolt and see where it is scraped off. Smoking or Dykem blue can be used also if you don't like lipstick.

If that is the case, and you can't adjust things, try putting a shim at the rear of the trigger housing so it tightens up without interfering. BUT MAKE SURE you have enough sear engagement; observe it, check engagement with that lipstick, then slam the rifle butt on the floor to make sure it won't fire.

Don't grind on the sear or the cocking piece unless you want to be buying new ones or have an unsafe rifle.

Jim