Swede mauser issue

[maxwell_smart007]

Bought a M96 Swede for a steal

WHen I open the bolt, the bolt seems a bit loose..not bad, but definitely noticeable.

As well, once I open the bolt, the follower spring makes it so you can't close the bolt without pressing down on teh follower with your finger - this problem dissapears if you try and load a bullet...

Is this a major defect, or fixable?

Information

Warning: This is a relatively older thread This discussion is older than 360 days. Some information contained in it may no longer be current.

[GUTS]

The follower needs to be depressed for loading on most of the bolt action rifles, so yours is working correctly. Is the bolt the same serial number as the reciever?

[maxwell_smart007]

Yes, both numbers match. Glad to hear the spring issue isn't an issue - Is the looseness of teh bolt indicative of an issue, or is that standard?

[gulliver62]

How loose is loose is the question. There will be play but it should lock up tight when you close the action.

[m4a3sherman]

You know, it could be an issue with your bolt stop/ejector. Perhaps something is out of spec although I cannot image a Swede mauser being too far from specifications... As stated before, with the bolt to the rear of the action, it will have a little wiggle, but once it is in battery and closed, it shouldn't. If it does, then you've got a problem. Otherwise, it might just be a loose fit and something that comes with age. Some pictures of the action and perhaps the condition of the parts might help as well.

[yoyo2123]

the mauser action was designed to have a little play when all the way back. The follower raising up isn't an issue it was designed that way so in battle when the soldier fired the 5th shot he knew he had to reload when the bolt could not be pushed forward