Is this normal for a bolt action?

[Bushwack44]

Took new 556/223 Mossberg rifle to range. Went through 100 rounds of Federal 223 & Independence 556 ammo. I had 8 light strikes between the two brands. Four of those rounds I was able to re-load and shoot. The other four would not (after several tries). Otherwise, the rifle is great!

Range officer said sometimes light strikes happen with a new rifle and it will fix itself in time with more use. I'd like some feedback if this is a typical situation for a new rifle or do I call Mossberg. FWIW, I eliminated the problem being a magazine issue (rifle uses an AR style mag) as the problem occurred with three different mags.

[Calif Hunter]

I would take the bolt apart, if possible, to make sure there is no dried grease or other dirt interfering with the firing pin...or spray the firing pin channel and the rest of the internals with compressed air followed by Hornady Spray cleaner/dry lube to make sure it is clean and lubed.

[Pofoo]

I would take the bolt apart, if possible, to make sure there is no dried grease or other dirt interfering with the firing pin...or spray the firing pin channel and the rest of the internals with compressed air followed by Hornady Spray cleaner/dry lube to make sure it is clean and lubed.

Any cheapo Autozone brake cleaner works great for cleaning. Careful with plastic and wood finishes and don't breath too many fumes--uses outside.

[Bushwack44]

I've never taken a bolt apart and don't think its wise I try (considering its under warranty). Do you think soaking the bolt in Ballistol (or brake fluid as was mentioned) would help?

I would take the bolt apart, if possible, to make sure there is no dried grease or other dirt interfering with the firing pin...or spray the firing pin channel and the rest of the internals with compressed air followed by Hornady Spray cleaner/dry lube to make sure it is clean and lubed.

[j-shot]

Took new 556/223 Mossberg rifle to range. Went through 100 rounds of Federal 223 & Independence 556 ammo. I had 8 light strikes between the two brands. Four of those rounds I was able to re-load and shoot. The other four would not (after several tries). Otherwise, the rifle is great!

Range officer said sometimes light strikes happen with a new rifle and it will fix itself in time with more use. I'd like some feedback if this is a typical situation for a new rifle or do I call Mossberg. FWIW, I eliminated the problem being a magazine issue (rifle uses an AR style mag) as the problem occurred with three different mags.

Just curious, before taking new rifle to range did you strip and clean it?

I would take the bolt apart, if possible, to make sure there is no dried grease or other dirt interfering with the firing pin...or spray the firing pin channel and the rest of the internals with compressed air followed by Hornady Spray cleaner/dry lube to make sure it is clean and lubed.

+1

Any cheapo Autozone brake cleaner works great for cleaning. Careful with plastic and wood finishes and don't breath too many fumes--uses outside.

+1 love cheap sprays because it's easy to go through them

+100 on watch the finish!! I messed up the finish on one of my mosins. Still haven't taken back out of the safe after that. Can't stand to see my mistake

[23 Blast]

The bolt is easy to take apart, and I don't think that it voids the warranty, any more than unscrewing the action from the stock would void the warranty.

There might be debris inside the bolt shaft that is preventing the firing pin free travel.

[Bushwack44]

Using Ballistol (as I have with all my handguns), I did clean the barrel and wipe down (not strip) the bolt. Also used a cotton swab to clean the end of the bolt at the firing pin.

FWIW..it wasn't until about the 20th round did I experience my first light strike.

Just curious, before taking new rifle to range did you strip and clean it?:

[ar15barrels]

It's NOT normal for a bolt rifle to have light strikes.
It could have been operator error.
Not fully closing the bolt handle before firing will cause light strikes.

[RandyD]

I've never taken a bolt apart and don't think its wise I try (considering its under warranty). Do you think soaking the bolt in Ballistol (or brake fluid as was mentioned) would help?

First, you did not mention which model you have. I am assuming you are using an MVP.

I doubt that you will void a warranty by disassembling the bolt, but read the manufacturer's instructions and warranty to confirm.

If you own a firearm, you owe it to yourself to know and understand how operate it, disassemble it and reassemble it. The internet is an excellent resource.

[Bushwack44]

I'll give it a try this weekend - thanks for the videos (my rifle is a Mossberg MVP Predator using an AR mag in 556/223).

BTW, is dis-assembly possible without a vise (which I don't have)?

First, you did not mention which model you have. I am assuming you are using an MVP.

I doubt that you will void a warranty by disassembling the bolt, but read the manufacturer's instructions and warranty to confirm.

If you own a firearm, you owe it to yourself to know and understand how operate it, disassemble it and reassemble it. The internet is an excellent resource.

[RandyD]

I don't have an MVP. I shoot Remington 700's and 700 cloned actions. Look on Brownell's website, they make special tools for disassembling Remington 700 bolts, and they may have a tool to assist in disassembling an MVP bolt. After watching the videos, it may be easier to go to Harbor Freight and buy a vise.

[ar15barrels]

without a vise (which I don't have)?

[FishnHunt]

I had a mossberg 4x4.
had occasional lite strikes.
sent it in, they replaced the spring. problem solved.
I also hated the fact my mossberg didn't lock the bolt with safety on. after a bullet was chambered the bolt was much easier to lift. there were couple of times I found the bolt to be almost open while hunting.
She had to go to a better home.

[Flouncer]

Did you ever consider he might live in an apartment and does not have a shop or even a garage ? Before you flexed your Big vise ??

My new out of the box Tikka goes bang every time. Just like it should. Should not have to take the bolt apart on a new weapon. Just my $0.02. Same thing with my 116 yo Mauser and on and on. They just go bang. Clean the barrel, clean the exterior surfaces, the exposed ones of the action, yes. Disassemble the bolt, no f-ing way.

[Irishfisher]

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