TXGunNut said
Can’t decide if this is a design feature or a repair opportunity. The bolt bandle in my new(est) 75 seems to pivot a bit where it attaches to the bolt. Seems to be a spring washer between the bolt handle and the bolt and the bolt handle movement is limited by a groove or dovetail in the bolt. Gun is very high condition (in spite of my pics on another thread) and I’m inclined to believe it’s a design feature. As the receiver is grooved for a scope I’m wondering if this feature was engineered to accommodate a telescopic sight. 

Please enlighten, thanks in advance!

 

Mike  

Hi Mike,

There should not be a “spring” washer between the bolt handle and the bolt sleeve (body).  That sounds like someone’s attempt to correct a loose bolt handle which is a common problem on the Model 75 and Model 69.  As originally manufactured the bolt handle is screwed into the bolt sleeve and then staked in place to displace metal from the handle into a small groove machined into the bolt sleeve.  Here is how I repair loose handles:

1) unscrew them as far as possible from the bolt sleeve

2) clean/degrease the threads

3) apply Loctite

4) screw handle back into original position with the proper “sweep” and aligning the original stake marks

5) re-stake the handle on both sides on the original stake marks with a punch and anvil, try to angle the punch toward the groove on the bolt sleeve to push the metal back into position

6) allow the Loctite to cure

Early handles are staked with a round punch but later rifles such as yours used a flat bladed punch.  I made a handle staking tool out of a small cold chisel and dulled the blade on a sander so it had a slightly blunt/rounded tip to match the original stake mark.  When repairing the loose handle in the manner described above it is usually undetectable that a repair has been made and the Loctite helps prevent a re-occurrence.

Hope that helps,

Best Regards,

The trigger on both rifles are the same and are adjustable.  Turning the adjustment screw counterclockwise lightens the trigger pull.  Old/caked grease/oil inside the trigger adjustment screw and spring can also cause a heavier trigger pull.

Best Regards,