Model 1500 Issue - Non-Functional when stock is installed

[DAC511]

I've inherited a Model 1500 (Howa) in .270 WInchester.

I don't believe it's ever actually been fired. I didn't know S&W bolt actions, and initial research pointed me towards needing to send the bolt in for a safety recall... so I did that.

It was very dusty, and whatever oil had been on it had turned to sludge. Disassembly and thorough cleaning, were due once the bolt was received back.

The first time I tried to get it ready to take to the range, I realized the safety lever could not be actuated. Being new to the rifle, I assumed I'd done something wrong by now, despite it seeming incredibly simple, so I watched a bunch of videos, disassembled, confirmed correct re-assembly, and tried again. Same problem.

I started wondering if it had been used to the point of failing, or at least had its trigger adjusted (too far). So, I tried trigger adjustment (each screw, each direction, combinations), and the issue still persisted.

I'd planned a trigger upgrade anyways, and ordered the Timney drop-in. The problem was trigger/safety specific, and they're an assembly? Installed that, issue persisted. The Timney will function until the stock is installed, at which point the safety lever is now still functional, but the trigger is locked.

At this point I'm assuming there has to be some interference between the wood stock, and some required-for-function linkage. I don't really understand how this can be possible in the original factory configuration (pre-trigger-swap), AND after? Stock is 2 screw, trigger is 1 screw... how have I messed this up!?

Everything installs smoothly, nothing has to be forced, no visible wear/rub/scratch marks on any part, no audible or visible 'forced snapping into place' to get it together.

Figured I'd try here before sending off somewhere. Does anyone have suggestions on how to troubleshoot, or ideas on how to resolve this problem? (Or additional information I need to provide so that either of these are possible?)

Thanks in advance!

 

[Tom S.]

The obvious question is will it work when not in the stock? If so, then your assumptions about it being related to the fit of the stock would seem correct.

 

[OutAtTheEdge]

Not terribly familiar with the Howa/S&W action, but one thing I'd check is if the trigger works with the stock on, but the stock/action bolts not installed. I've encountered issues over the years with bolt guns that would lock up if the action screws were over-tightened.

 

[DAC511]

Thanks folks, I'll elaborate some and say that when I disassembled and cleaned it right off the bat, I mean only to the point of removing the stock... no further disassembly of trigger or bolt subassemblies.

I'm not even sure how to identify what is hitting where, and blindly clearancing things seems foolish at best.

The obvious question is will it work when not in the stock? If so, then your assumptions about it being related to the fit of the stock would seem correct.

Yes, (Sorry, I meant to mention that!) The barrel + bolt + trigger function when removed.

Not terribly familiar with the Howa/S&W action, but one thing I'd check is if the trigger works with the stock on, but the stock/action bolts not installed. I've encountered issues over the years with bolt guns that would lock up if the action screws were over-tightened.

The trigger won't work with or without the bolt installed, weapon being 'cocked', or round (snap-cap) loaded once everything is assembled.

 

[IAM Rand]

I have a 1500 in 7mm WM. I just change the stock out to a Hogue. No issues before or after. I am really liking the Hogue stock.

 

[OutAtTheEdge]

The trigger won't work with or without the bolt installed, weapon being 'cocked', or round (snap-cap) loaded once everything is assembled.

Okay, I'm not sure if I was completely clear when I advised about the "bolts." I didn't mean the bolt with the handle and firing pin, I meant the bolts (screws) that attach the barreled action to the stock. I've seen cases where everything worked fine until those screws were snugged down, which lead to binding up moving parts.

 

[DAC511]

Okay, I'm not sure if I was completely clear when I advised about the "bolts." I didn't mean the bolt with the handle and firing pin, I meant the bolts (screws) that attach the barreled action to the stock. I've seen cases where everything worked fine until those screws were snugged down, which lead to binding up moving parts.

Ah, gotcha. No need to tighten anything to break it, just lowering the trigger down through the stock already makes it stop functioning.