Problem with a Remington 788

[Sparky]

Shooting a Rem. 788 & an interesting thing happened. First 3 shots went off fine. But then the fun started!!!
4th shot-- CLICK--nothing. Open bolt- no indention on the primer.

Bad shell?? Chamber another round--aim--pull trigger--CLICK--Nothing.
Rifle still in rest-- pondering possible problem--- BOOM!!-- rifle discharges!
Choice words, un-pucker etc,etc.

Finger WAS NOT ON THE TRIGGER at discharge!!
2 scenarios:

(1) Bolt innards are gummed-up with dried lube, grit etc., creating a hangfire


(2) A trigger problem whereh the sear is not releasing fully?

FWIW-- my brother had a 788 that would discharge several seconds after the safety was placed in the fire position. IIRC it required a new trigger group to cure the problem

 

[Mike Irwin]

At a very minimum you need to clean the bolt.

 

[Sparky]

Mike--

The bolt's already in a nice warm solvent bath, with strip down to follow.

Sparky

 

[Jim K]

What ammo were you using? Hangfires have been fairly common with some kinds of surplus ammunition.

If that is ruled out, then the trouble could be either in the bolt or in the trigger mechanism. It sounds like pulling the trigger did not actually release the firing pin, which held back until something else caused its release.

Make sure the rifle is unloaded, then remove the barrelled action from the stock, and try to duplicate the condition. If you can't, then look at the stock to see if there is any interference with the trigger mechanism.

A good cleaning is also in order, but DO NOT attempt to take apart the trigger mechanism; just clean it with a spray cleaner. Make sure the screws attaching it to the receiver are tight and not allowing the trigger assembly to move.

If cleaning does not fix the problem and it is not ammo related, contact Remington; they will send you a shipping label and will fix the rifle free of charge.

Jim