Bolt head jumping track, wot, again? yup, fraid so
I know this topic is a bit worn out, but I looked over the previous posts and the consensus has been either accumulated wear or damaged receiver, and yet today I've been going over a 1943 Lithgow that appears neither, yet jumps the track when retracted about one inch.
The rifle has a green band, and in all other regards appears to have had very little use, because of this low use condition, ie near new rifling, blueing undamaged, all matching serials (5) etc, its being considered as a competing rifle, yet with several shots in the mag it tightens up on the second or 3rd one and ultimately the bolt head jumps the track and the bolt won't draw back any further, its tight.
The bolt head can be forced (gently) over the track by hand.
The track blueing shows very little wear, and no sign of dents or hits on the receiver anywhere.
I just thought the whole thing really odd considering the unused condition of the rifle.
Doesn't the green band indicate a cadet rifle that would have had regular but light use? It seems in keeping with the appearance of little aging, but if the rifle was jamming etc wouldn't they have flagged the rifle? There's no DP or other marks.
If it appears to be undamaged, is it safe to assume thats its cause by accumulated loose tolerances and therefore safe to build up the groove in the bolt head so that it won't come free and continue using it?