Question for those with 77's

[thekenman]

It may not apply to all but I have a Hawkeye 77 compact in .308 and my bolt release lever has a lot of play in the vertical axis where I would expect none. Functionally this causes no problem that I am aware of but I have a couple Mauser's and their bolt release levers are all very firm and only pull "outwards" to release the bolt.

On my hawkeye the lever can be wiggled up and down a lot. I have not taken apart anything on the rifle yet but I am a little concerned the play might be causing unnecessary wear or be caused by something being lose.

If anybody knows has any info on this matter it would be greatly appreciated, thanks.

 

[5of7]

It is probably something loose, as you hypothesized. 8)

 

[m657]

My Scout 77 bolt (don't know if identical) has the 3 position lever....which moves horizontally forward & back with no vertical component.

 

[thekenman]

My Scout 77 bolt (don't know if identical) has the 3 position lever....which moves horizontally forward & back with no vertical component.

Sorry I am referring to the bolt release on the left of the receiver (right hand models). The "lever" that whnne pulled out allows you to fully pull the bolt out of the receiver. I think what you are describing is the 3-position safety lever

@ Buckeye Thanks I guess I will pull it off and see whats up with it myself, I just wish I had some proper parallel ground screw drivers

 

[cellar701]

The bolt release levers on my 77s provide around 1/8" play at the forward end of the lever. I checked a couple of mine and both are similar. It is somewhat more play then a couple of mauser actions which I checked.

 

[thekenman]

The bolt release levers on my 77s provide around 1/8" play at the forward end of the lever. I checked a couple of mine and both are similar. It is somewhat more play then a couple of mauser actions which I checked.

This coincides with my findings. I looked at the manual and they refer to it as the "bolt stop". I'm going shooting tonight and may or may not take that off and see if everythings OK.

From inspecting it without dissambling and looking at pictures of the assembly it looks like it's just that one screw holding the stop to the receiver then that cylindrical "plunger" that is contacting the screw is what restricts the vertical movement of the stop. It looks like this might just be the way it is designed.

 

[m657]

"I think what you are describing is the 3-position safety lever"oops sorry.....wrong part....yes, the OTHER 'bolt release lever'.....yes, there is 'some' vertical component in it too....

 

[Biggs300]

I probably have 300+ rounds through my 358 Win Hawkeye and the bolt release does have just a bit of play however, when I cycle my bolt, it is still fairly tight. I wish it would loosen up a bit but, I guessing that when it does, the bolt release will also have more play as well. I don't know that it is anything to worry about.