1500 bolt problem

[Majchase]

I had just gotten started at the local rifle range today when I encountered a problem with my 1500 7mm. The first three rounds were fine, but I couldn't get the forth to fire. The bolt moves easily, but when I chamber a round and lock the bolt in place, the striker does not stay in ready position, moving inward instead. Also, the safety is difficult to move from the FIRE position. Whenever I am able to move the safety, he next bolt cycle will work properly and I'm able to fire. Has anyone else had this issue or have any idea what's wrong?

 

[Troystat]

There is a recall out on S&W 1500-1700's, and Howa rifles of the same age, if the bolt is taken apart and put together incorrectly there can be problems including the gun firing when the bolt is closed, I would check out the Howa website and give them a call. They had me send my S&W 1500 bolt to them and they fixed it at no cost. I think they even sent me a post paid envelope. This was about 10 years ago but I think they are still doing it. Be careful and don't shoot the gun again until you figure it out.

 

[Stevie]

The trigger/safety mechanism on these old Howa/S&W 1500 rifles is held to the receiver by a single phillips head screw(with lock-washer).

When I got my S&W 1500 the trigger assembly was about to fall-off!

Could be that the screw is just loose and the rifle is unable to cock the striker and the striker is just riding the cam-surface back into the un-cocked position.

The trigger mechanism on these is adjustable..and it's possible the trigger is out of whack from somebody tampering with it.

Could be the trigger is full of rust and crud too...this the downfall of the infamous Remington M700 trigger in at least one lawsuit....

I did some reading about the Howa bolt recall thing..and was able to grasp what the issue consists of...which is that if you take the bolt apart and don't get it assembled properly..you can insert the bolt back into the receiver with the bolt-sleeve not clocked right. In this scenario the safety lever can catch the bolt-striker sear surface and tripping the safety off can/could fire the rifle. Howa's solution was/is to install a new bolt sleeve which won't insert back into the rifle if it's clocked wrong.

 

[Majchase]

Thanks Stevie. I took the trigger apart yesterday, and it was full of gunk. Enough gunk that it was unable to return to neutral position easily. The trigger remaining depressed kept the safety from functioning appropriately and also kept the striker from catching. Thanks for the help!