I've been doing some work on an older Weatherby Vanguard in a .270 WSM. The issue it's having is that the bolt drags at the end of its throw when closing and again when opening. It's to the point where it has to be forced closed then forced back open. I've concluded that the lug and cam on the bolt act oversized when entering their slots in the action I tested this by coloring the parts with a sharpie then running the bolt. The drag marks on the parts seem to indicate that only the half toward the bolt handle is dragging. There's also dragging on the sides but I assume that's to be expected. Now I'm tasked with finding out what's out of spec, the cam and lugs? Or their slots in the action? What is a good way to conclude these things without a micrometer? I haven't checked headspace yet because I don't have a set of gauges for the caliber (because i wasnt sure it was applicable but probably yet another good reason to own a micrometer) but I have checked torque on the action screws. Any feedback would be helpful thanks in advance!
Older weatherby vanguard issue
- Thread starter OkieGunner21
- Start date
Is the action twisted?
Sounds like it based on your brief description.
Did someone fuck it up installing or removing a barrel?
Has the bolt been dropped on the concrete?
Is it the factory stock?
Action bolts too long?
There's a ton of possibilities
Sounds like it based on your brief description.
Did someone fuck it up installing or removing a barrel?
Has the bolt been dropped on the concrete?
Is it the factory stock?
Action bolts too long?
There's a ton of possibilities
Everything is factory about the gun except the stock which is a boyds thumbhole. The torgue on the screws is correct 35inlbs per weatherbys spec. Theres no movement indicating a fitment issue. I contemplated taking pictures before posting the thread but the thought hit like a ton of bricks I apologize. I would be pretty confident in saying the barrel has never been removed. There's no marring or any kind of damage. I've cleaned and polished the surfaces. I'll post a picture when I get home this evening. Definitely don't want to get a bolt shroud sized hole in my face by removing material from parts that don't need it
Take the barreled action out of the stock and then check if it still hangs up.
It could be something as simple as the action screws being too long.
DON'T START REMOVING METAL.
DON'T EVEN THINK ABOUT IT.
Post pics
It could be something as simple as the action screws being too long.
DON'T START REMOVING METAL.
DON'T EVEN THINK ABOUT IT.
Post pics
Along with what Mike Casselton is suggesting, remove the firing pin assembly from the bolt body to see if that makes a difference. If the bolt body or lugs are dragging then it will still have the problem.
That thought entered my mind too.
So far, we haven't seen any pics or heard any thorough responses.
I get the feeling the OP is in over his head and we'll probably never hear from him again .
Par for the course.
***Just re-read the previous posts and saw the torque has already been checked! In that case, I’d do like another suggested and pull the barreled action from the stock and see if that changes the feel. It’s possible the bedding area in the stock isn't square and is allowing the action to bend when tightening the screws.
Shouldn’t be a front action screw length issue. The front action screws on Howas/Vanguards threads into the integrated recoil lug, at the very front of the action, where the barrel threads would be.
That said, I’ve heard/read that over-torquing the front action screw can actually pull the recoil lug downward, into the lug recess, and cause a bow in the receiver. That would cause some bolt binding.
I’d start with loosening and retorquing the action screws. If I remember right, Weatherby only recommends like 35 in/lbs.
Shouldn’t be a front action screw length issue. The front action screws on Howas/Vanguards threads into the integrated recoil lug, at the very front of the action, where the barrel threads would be.
That said, I’ve heard/read that over-torquing the front action screw can actually pull the recoil lug downward, into the lug recess, and cause a bow in the receiver. That would cause some bolt binding.
I’d start with loosening and retorquing the action screws. If I remember right, Weatherby only recommends like 35 in/lbs.
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