Rem 700 Soft Cocking Cam

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edwardware

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I have a factory Remington 700 SPS (matte blued) SA .223 with ~2000 rounds down it. Cocking force is notably higher than any of my other bolts, and I see what looks like a soft cocking cam. The cocking stud has raised a burr of displaced material on the outside edge of the cam (where it doesn't bear) and visibly worn the area it does bear on. I do keep it and the threads well-greased.

I'm thinking of this now because I'm contemplating buying a RemAge barrel in .223AI for this rifle.

I understand that olde timey gunsmiths used to quickly heat and quench the cam without damaging the bolt handle solder. Darlington Gun Works said, "No, call Remington." Remington is willing to have a look for free, and will let me know if it's a defect or not.

So, is my diagnosis correct, and is there anything else I should consider before sending this rifle (that I like) off to Remington's tender ministrations? I'm philosophically opposed to low-power striker springs, but is that worth looking at?

IMG_20190524_192331267.jpg IMG_20190524_192031155_HDR.jpg
 
Wonder if a heavier firing pin spring had been installed sometime in the past. As a Remington 700 owner, I would never let anybody heat up the rear of the bolt. For repairs, Remington has sent prepaid labels where they paid for shipping both ways.
 
Personally, I'd send the entire rifle. When I sent the Model Seven the rifle was repaired, inspected and test fired. The problem was small time. Being a used gun, Bubba had screwed up the magazine box. Also, you may have some other problems that caused or aggravated the bolt problem.
 
If you send just the bolt. . .
Remington won't look at less than the complete rifle, for this and other reasons.

I'd still like to confirm that I have a problem going on with that cam, before risking sending it in. Have you ever seen one of these before?
 
What sort of risk is there involved sending the rifle to the maker?
The risk is they'll send back a new rifle. . . this one is exceptionally accurate, turning in <0.5MOA groups pretty consistently when I do my part. I'm planning a RemAge rebarrel, and I don't want to ignore this if it's going to get worse.

I'd bet money there's nothing wrong with that bolt.
Is that based on experience with really defective R700 bolts? If so, that's just the information I'm looking for!
 
I've got two 700's and two 40X's. One of those rifle has been in use for forty years. One of the other 700's is an SPS in 7mm-08. All of them were second hand and used when they came this way. Also in the mix was a 700 Mountain rifle in 270 and to Model Seven's in 243 and 260 that are gone. What's the rest if the story? I sent back a 700 bolt in an early Shilen riflel where the owner, Bubba, had attacked same with Drimel Tool. You be the one with the problem. What are you comparing your 700 to as in what other rifle? Also, the bolt and cocking peace can be dinged up like that trying to put the bolt back together without the right tool. OK?
 
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Go to your local gun store and ask to see the 700's. What's the deal if you are going to change out the barrel anyway? Hope what ever it is you have good luck and it all works out. Stay Safe and celebrate Memorial weekend.
 
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