Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Hunting Rifles Safety on pre-64 Model 70 stuck in "fire" position. Causes? Fixes?

I bought the rifle from a friend several years ago, and it shoots great. The safety has always been stiff, but I figured that was because some previous owner had re-blued the action and barrel, and that use would make the safety loosen up over time. Now it won't move out of "fire" position at all. How to fix?

penetrating oil down in the hole. Then try to break it free. Rubber mallet might help. But, it is possible to snap it off as well. Sometimes they seize and don't free up without snapping.

Just run down a smith to disassemble and trouble shoot for one if not familiar with the breakdown.

Not an uncommon problem with pre64 70's. DON'T force it, if it breaks you'll have a lot more trouble. Had the same problem a few months ago and my smith fixed it while I waited. Not exactly sure what the issue was, but he indicated that after years of use one of the metal surfaces had less than five-thousandths of an inch. Works perfectly now....

If you are not comfortable disassembling it, keep soaking it with penetrating oil. I recommend Kroil. Like PJ said, don't beat on it. Light taps only. I've messed with only a few, but both were due to sitting with Hoppes in the bolt, in the corner of a closet.

Most of the time it is just gummed up, but sometimes it is due to wear or a firing pin issue. I doubt that it the case since you seem to be shooting it.

Easy enough to fix, but a pain in the butt when it happens.

The adjustment is on the rear of the firing pin (once removed from the bolt sleeve). The angled surface is hardened; your smith will take a hardened file to the engagement pad on the surface where the safety lock cam bears and dress it. This is a trial and error adjustment. Try Redneck here on the fire if he is still working on M70's.

Had it happen a long time ago. Small pin that is close to the safety had fallen out.

Although I am officially retired, I'll bet I do a half dozen of these per year. Wear on the sear/cocking piece mating surfaces is the culprit and honing the safety/striker contact surface is the cure. Oiling and tapping is not. GD

Yep, sounds like that is how my 70 was cured, my smith knew exactly what the problem was....

"If"??

Puhleeeeze..

There are very few gunsmiths in this rural area of south Georgia, and they're all afraid of this thing. How do I get in touch with Redneck?

I know full well about South GA gunsmiths... or the lack thereof. Just PM Redneck. He'll help you out... He did for me and I am well pleased.

g

Here are four places to try. All in south Georgia. I bet at least one of them can help you.



http://www.whiddengunworks.com/ Nashville, GA

https://www.facebook.com/Jerrys-Sport-Shop-147482451933485/ near Douglas, GA

http://www.broomefirearms.com/ Fitzgerald, GA

http://www.bishopsfineguns.com/ Fitzgeral, GA

Just send him a PM. He posted just above your post.

A couple of years ago Redneck fixed my M70 safety (XTR) that had been stiff and balky since new and had finally seized up. He was fast, inexpensive and a pleasure to deal with.

The safety works perfectly now. I could not be more pleased with my experience with him.

PM coming..

Nobody will fix it faster or better. Send it to Redneck.

Curious as to whether the issue with the safety has been resolved?

Redneck...you have a PM