I just purchased a Savage 111 .30-06 the other day and noticed the bolt is a little stiff to lock down and unlock. It seems to have to have three positions, up down and in the middle. I pulled the bold out and noticed that the front baffle seems to be a little jagged and was wondering if this is supposed to be the norm on a new gun, one that has never even been fired yet. I will include a few pic’s so you all can get a visual of what I am seeing.
Please note that this is my first bolt action or rifle for that matter. I have a shotgun but that is a pump. So I am not quite sure on what is the norm for these guns and what isn’t.
Also any advise on lubricating would be helpful. I currently use Rem oil in the spray can (on my shotgun).

That is a little rough, no doubt about it. Probably not a good clean casting (I'd bet that's a cast part from the looks of it).

Now... there are a couple of things to consider.

1. Does the rifle shoot OK and function correctly/safely? That's probably going to be the #1 issue for Savage and determine what they will do with the gun.

2. Assuming that this is cosmetic, what will it cost to send back to Savage? Will the dealer help with this or are you on your own?

3. Is the above problem related to stiff bolt operation? I would expect some stiffness in the action on a new gun, then hopefully it will wear in. But there could be some rough edges on that part contributing to the problem.

Might also show to the gun store and see what they say.

I do not know how the gun shoots yet, I just got it a couple days ago. We plan on doing some target practice in roughly a week from now and to sight in our guns. This is a brand new gun. I haven’t called Savage yet on this and wanted to get a few opinions on this first.
As this is my first bolt action, I am not quite sure on how much stiffness I should be feeling, especially on a new bolt action in the 350 to 400 price range.

I do not know how the gun shoots yet, I just got it a couple days ago. We plan on doing some target practice in roughly a week from now and to sight in our guns. This is a brand new gun. I haven’t called Savage yet on this and wanted to get a few opinions on this first.
As this is my first bolt action, I am not quite sure on how much stiffness I should be feeling, especially on a new bolt action in the 350 to 400 price range.

That bolt reminds of the locking lugs on the M60 MG's I have worked on! I would call Savage pronto and maybe see if they would like the pic's also. As others have stated, there's a lot of talk about stiff/sloppy bolts. I have a CZ 550 rifle and when I first got it the trigger had some rough spots I could feel if I pulled it slowly. After many dry fires it smoothed up, the same may happen with your bolt. Also be aware that as you work the action, parts tend to break in and smooth up. If you think the bolt feels stiff, try removing the magazine and then work the bolt, it should have less resistance. With a burr like the one picturedI would want to make sure it isn't bindingwhen you try to close it.

Let us know what happens

Savage bolts are notoriously stiff to work. Mine loosened up as I used it more, but it's still somewhat stiff. Savages are great utlity weapons, but have some warts, and a rattly and rough bolt is one of the them. Here's a site I found where a guy shows where to polish if you want to smooth it up a bit:

http://www.steyrscout.org/savscout.htm

gamehunter
I have a Savage 110 in '06, just looked at my bolt and it has none of those defects- yours looks like some one dropped it a bunch of times or beat it with a hammer!! Take it back to the Dealer an make him fix the problem- if he will not get with Savage I'm sure they will make good though I've never had to send anything back for repairs? Good luck. :rolleyes:

badheden
Yes Savage isn't a $1500-3000 custom gun but they shoot just as good!!! Just got back from shooting mine with 125 gr Nosler BT's nice 5 shot 1.17" group at 100 yards with one flyer that opened it up, would have been a .75" otherwise!! :D

Gunnut:

I did not mean to disparage Savages. I love my 110 in '06, which shoots .75" most days. Even with the minor "warts" I mentioned above, I think they are the best gun out there for the money. And they're cheap enough to tinker with and not feel too bad if you break something. And then there's the switch barrel capability...well, I could go on and on. :D Savages are great guns.

bhaden
No problem! I wouldn't trade or sell mine for any of those High priced -fancy rigs! :D You just can't argue with a rifle that puts the bullets right where you want them every time. :cool:

I have a savage 30/06 in bolt action. The bolt slides so nice. If i tilt the gun back and open the bolt it slides right down. My cousin has a model 110 and does the same thing. maybe you should get it checked by a good gunsmith