Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Gunsmithing Light primer strikes newer FN built M70

I picked up a nearly new Winchester model 70 stainless fluted extreme weather 30-06. It's a newer one built by fn. I'm getting pretty frequent light primer strikes. I've checked the headspace and used a Hornady comparator to make sure my shoulders aren't bumped too much. Pin protrusion looks good to at about .060".

I thought maybe the firing pin spring retention clip was dragging so I polished it down a bit. I thought it was a bit better but still have some issues. I just replaced the spring with a new standard factory one and I still have issues. I can't find a heavier spring option for these newer m70 fn built models.

I was hoping this would be my traveling rifle that could go anywhere and do anything but I must be confident it'll fire when I pull the trigger. A fire member told me these m70s are notorious for light strikes and said they are poorly designed with short springs.

I really like the feel and the balance with the carbon stick and 22" fluted barrel and it feeds great so I'm hoping there's a fix for the light strikes. Does anyone have a fix that works?

Bb

That's a fairly common issue with the later FN Model 70's. Have you checked the spring pressure? Most of these will come in between 17-18 lbs. That light of pressure along with the lighter pin of these late model 70's is where the problem is. -Al