Gunsmithing Winchester action cocking piece binding

[jcann]

I received today my GAP built (Winchester action) 7wsm. When I run the bolt throw hard rearward and then run it hard forward the cocking piece binds along the right edge of the channel along the rear tang of the action. To be able to push the bolt all the way in I have to physically rotate with my fingers the cocking piece a couple of thousands.

Any suggestions on how to fix fix this?

 

[Jmilera]

Re: Winchester action cocking piece binding

Your stock is contacting the firing pin assembly at the rear and rotating it out of alignment . Look for scratches on the cheek piece made by the firing pin assembly . If it is binding a little file or sandpaper should do the trick.

 

[turbo54]

Re: Winchester action cocking piece binding

This is a strange problem...

The cocking piece is ~.247" thick, and has little clearance to twist in the shroud. The channel is ~.265" wide, providing plenty of clearance for the cocking piece. What's more, the channel has a funnel like lead in to align the cocking piece.

How much play does your cocking piece have in the shroud? I contend it should not be free to twist enough to bind.

I think GAP needs your rifle back.

 

[jcann]

Re: Winchester action cocking piece binding

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: virulentus</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Your stock is contacting the firing pin assembly at the rear and rotating it out of alignment . Look for scratches on the cheek piece made by the firing pin assembly . If it is binding a little file or sandpaper should do the trick. </div></div>

It does make contact with the cheek piece but I don’t believe this is what is causing the problem.

 

[jcann]

Re: Winchester action cocking piece binding

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: turbo54</div><div class="ubbcode-body">This is a strange problem...

The cocking piece is ~.247" thick, and has little clearance to twist in the shroud. The channel is ~.265" wide, providing plenty of clearance for the cocking piece. What's more, the channel has a funnel like lead in to align the cocking piece.

How much play does your cocking piece have in the shroud? I contend it should not be free to twist enough to bind.

I think GAP needs your rifle back. </div></div>

There is a lot of rotational play (1/16” maybe a little more) between the cocking piece and the shroud. Also when the bolt is fully in battery the cocking piece is right up against the right side of the channel with little to no clearance while the left side has a lot of clearance. The pin that you depress to remove the firing pin has a lot of play in it as you rotate both clock\counter clock wise when the bolt is removed. Almost like the pin is too narrow for the slot it fits in. I’m completely dumbfounded.

I don’t think it’s something GAP did but I could be wrong. I never experienced this happening prior to sending it off for the “make over” and the action is 10 years old.

 

[Jkob60]

Re: Winchester action cocking piece binding

You have a problem with a couple of things. First, the bolt handle. I suspect it is not closing all the way. Take a strip of paper and insert it under the bolt handle when you close it. The handle should be floated, not touching the stock. Secondly, this is probably causing the cocking piece to not rotate all the way when the bolt is closed or opened and would allow it to contact the action cutout.

 

[jcann]

Re: Winchester action cocking piece binding

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Jim Kobe</div><div class="ubbcode-body">You have a problem with a couple of things. First, the bolt handle. I suspect it is not closing all the way. Take a strip of paper and insert it under the bolt handle when you close it. The handle should be floated, not touching the stock. Secondly, this is probably causing the cocking piece to not rotate all the way when the bolt is closed or opened and would allow it to contact the action cutout. </div></div>

Thanks, I'll check that out today after I get off from work.

What would be the fix if this is what is going on?

 

[jcann]

Re: Winchester action cocking piece binding

Well, after waiting 13 months for this rifle to be built I'll be sending it back to get it fixed.Hopefully it will be a quick turn around.

 

[2156SMK]

Re: Winchester action cocking piece binding

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: jcann</div><div class="ubbcode-body">It does make contact with the cheek piece but I don’t believe this is what is causing the problem. </div></div>

The easy test is to pull the action from the stock and cycle it to see if you still have the same problem.
If you do, then you are correct that the touching the cheekpiece is not the problem.
If you don't still have the problem, then you found a possible cause...

 

[RTH1800]

Re: Winchester action cocking piece binding

Cocking peice detent on left side of bolt is too narrow or slot is too wide. Easy fix. I think GAP will just need the bolt to correct it.
Enjoy the rifle when it runs. GAP will make it right.

 

[jcann]

Re: Winchester action cocking piece binding

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: rth1800</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Cocking peice detent on left side of bolt is too narrow or slot is too wide. Easy fix. I think GAP will just need the bolt to correct it.
Enjoy the rifle when it runs. GAP will make it right. </div></div>

I appreciate everyone’s help in this matter.

I took the rifle by a local smith here in the city and he found the problem. The cocking piece detent was filled in with Cerakote a little bit of grinding and bingo everything is running fast smooth and easy.

On a side note, a company’s reputations is based on its build quality, its honor is based on its customer service. GAP has both in spades. When I talked with Ken he was going to do a call out to FedEx and have them meet me anywhere to pick up the rifle for shipment to expedite the repair time. That’s service in my book.