Thank you all for your input so far. Again, I was more curious if others have had this happen to them or not. I appreciate your responses as to root cause. I will learn what the issue was, but my understanding is that this happens with some factory rifles.
Interestingly, the trigger did creep (almost two-stage like) when I bought this rifle, used, a number of years ago. I did have the trigger adjusted last year to a crisp, no creep and about 2.5 pound pull or so. I was able to shoot tighter groups after that trigger adjustment
Anyone want to try to replicate the issue procedure to see if it's a problem with your rifle? Again, the issue in my rifle was repeated by cocking the rifle and engaging the safety fully to the rear then lifting the bolt straight up until it stops (in my rifle this was less than 1/2" or so). Then, if you try to disengage the safety and fire, the trigger won't pull.
Happy hunting and look forward to reading your stories and feedback.
