[WaM14gunner]

Simple question I think. Is any fore and aft play in the bolt considered acceptable? If the bolt can be moved enough to actually make an audible clicking sound and can be visually observed to be moving perhaps a few thousands, is that a problem? Either cocked or uncocked? Looking for answers. Thanks!

 

[Buelligan]

I bought my SAI rifle new and unfired (except for whatever test rounds were fired at the factory) and the TRW bolt had a few thousandths of clearance fore and aft. Enough to make an audible click if I try.

The rifle has been a perfect runner for 3000+rds. No unusual wear or peening.

 

[Allen Humphrey]

By design there is a few thou clearance between the front of the bolt lugs and the breech face, which results in the axial play you can feel. Generally, I think the ejector plunger keeps the bolt firmly back against the receiver when a cartridge is in the chamber. Mel Johnson wrote extensively about in an article circa '47. (Specific to the M1). I'll see if I can dig it up.

Ive always wondered about the radial slop and how that might affect accuracy.

 

[diegokid]

Maybe

If chamber is empty a few thousandths ok, most of them do. If chamber loaded not ok, check headspace.

 

[Yahoo]

Simple question I think. Is any fore and aft play in the bolt considered acceptable? If the bolt can be moved enough to actually make an audible clicking sound and can be visually observed to be moving perhaps a few thousands, is that a problem? Either cocked or uncocked? Looking for answers. Thanks!

Foreplay is always recommended.

Yahoo

 

[Bill Carson]

Simple question I think. Is any fore and aft play in the bolt considered acceptable? If the bolt can be moved enough to actually make an audible clicking sound and can be visually observed to be moving perhaps a few thousands, is that a problem? Either cocked or uncocked? Looking for answers. Thanks!

While the hammer is captured, some have a little play back and forth and some don't, it's normal either way.

When the hammer is forward, Iv'e never had a rifle where that movement didn't disappear, because the hammer nose is pressed into the cam recess in the back of the bolt and the hammer face should be resting against the firing pin leg.

Not saying that it's impossible for it to happen, just that Iv'e never had one like that. If it was real bad, the rifle may be prone to make light primer strikes.

 

[WaM14gunner]

There is no end play with a round chambered, only when empty.

 

[unkola]

There is no end play with a round chambered, only when empty.

You're good to go. You ought to see an M1 Carbine bolt bounce when you tap the buttstock on the dirt. -Lloyd

 

[WaM14gunner]

I have one, think I will look at it.

 

[KurtC]

I believe it acceptable in a service rifle. Those with match grade rifles may have a different opinion.

 

[WaM14gunner]

I looked at my Garand and my Carbine. No play in the Garand and the Carbine shows play when cocked. I was only concerned/curious because my other M14/M1A rifles show no such end play, but they are commercial builds, and two are match rifles.

 

[nf1e]

Perfectly normal on an empty chamber.

 

[WaM14gunner]

Thanks to all who responded, I appreciate it. It helps put my mind at ease and that's not always easy!

 

[nf1e]

Thanks to all who responded, I appreciate it. It helps put my mind at ease and that's not always easy!

I find my mind at ease way too much of the time. Hard to find the starter rope for my thinker now a days.

 

[POLACK]

best thinking is usually after huge moose dump.clears the mind and sinuses

 

[diegokid]

M1 carbine headspaces different than a bottleneck case. Two of the three I have are the same but as you said earlier if no play when a cartridge is loaded it's good to go.

I wish I could figure out how to post a video of my 8 year old grandson shooting the M1 carbine, I don't know who enjoys it most him or me.