M71 Disassembly

[ThomasLBrandon]

I've got a target rifle based on the M71 Mauser action. It's got double set triggers and is engraved, and it has the original target sites. Although it looks like a Mauser action, it's much smaller and doesn't have the bolt stop screw like the military version.

I'm having difficulty in removing the bolt. I would have guessed that it would come out if the trigger was pulled (like the military version) but that isn't the case. If anyone has any suggestions, I would appreciate it.

[mike ford]

Thomas,
You didn't say which trigger you pulled. You should pull the front trigger, without setting the rear one, It will likely be pretty stiff. If that doesn't work, try the rear trigger, but instead of pulling it, push it forward. You have to hold the trigger while trying to remove the bolt. If those don't work, take the barreled action out of the stock and move the sear by hand. If you still cant get it out, post photos of the barreled action, especially the bottom side, and we will try again.
Mike

[ThomasLBrandon]

Thanks for the reply. Sorry that it took so long to respond. It appears that the issue is the sear is worn so much that the front trigger will not push it far enough to release the bolt. It will push it far enough for the rifle to fire.

[mike ford]

Thomas,
Did you ever get it out?
Mike

[ThomasLBrandon]

Thomas,
Did you ever get it out?
Mike

Sorry for the extreme delay in answering. The wood screw through the tang was a replacement and was too long. The disassembly procedure that you described should have worked except the screw was preventing the bolt from releasing. The screw was short enough that the rifle would fire, but too long for disassembly. I cut off the screw and all is well. Thanks!

[mike ford]

Thomas,
Great. BTW in normal operation, the front trigger doesn't touch the sear; rather it releases the rear trigger, which "flies" up under spring pressure and hits the sear, firing the rifle. Some hunting rifles with double set triggers, however, have a tab welded onto the "kick off" to allow firing it with the front trigger( they usually have a pretty heavy trigger pull, however).
Mike