M1A Bolt Trouble

[NickM1]

I have this M1A "Loaded" Model I bought new back in 2001. It has a gen 3 scope mount which includes replacing the stripper clip guide with a mounting block for the scope mount. I took the thing apart to clean it and get it ready to sell, but now I can't get the bolt back into the receiver. It's not like I haven't done this before, but for some reason it just won't clear. It seems like the firing pin tang that points down and should go into the notch on the receiver bridge binds about half way through leaving about it about a mm short in order for the bolt face to clear the top of the receiver and drop into place. Any ideas? If I don't get this thing back together I can't sell it, and if I don't do that in the next few days I'm going to loose my car!

[30Cal]

There aren't any real tricks; you just need to work with it some more.

If I recall correctly, I start with the bolt tilted upward and get the firing pin tang near the notch in the safety bridge, then lower, rotate and move the bolt backwards all at the same time.

[NickM1]

Yes, that's the way I've been doing it for 35 years, if you count the first time I did it with my dad's M1A when I was 12. It doesn't work. The tang does not clear. I've been working with it since 1pm on Wednesday. If it was going to go I think it would have by now. I can't even take it to my smith because my car is in the shop and I have to sell this thing before I can get it out and I can't find a ride anywhere. Geez, this may be my worst week ever!

[popeye4]

Is the tang on the firing pin dinged up?