WD-40, gunsmith’s friend - 12/10/17
I bought an older model 700 BDL - pressed checkering, safety locks the bolt etc. 5 digit serial number.
My friend (who rates guns’ condition for an auction house) said it was 95%. Very nice looking old 700.
After checking for included ammo, I took off the Simmons scope and the see through rings. Then I was planning on looking at and cleaning the bore. The bolt release mechanism was unmovable, seemingly froze in place.
I removed the stock and pushed the bolt stop lever so I could remove the bolt. I cleaned the bore, quite dirty by the way. I applied cleaning/lubing to the trigger. Eventually the slide came free/loose. Seemed as if things were going well. I measured the trigger pull, 8+lb’s. I noticed the trigger adjustment screws looked to untouched, still coated with factory sealant. I looked at engagement, it looked ok. I measured the trigger again, a little less than 2 lb’s and crisp.
What the f—-?
I decided to turn (in and out) the engagement, the spring and the over travel. The over travel and the engagement adjustment seemed fine. The spring/tension however, not so much. There was no spring pressure. The engagement varied from each time I pulled the trigger there was no evidence of spring pressure. I didn’t know for sure but suspected the spring was so gummed up that it would not function.
I took the trigger off, installed an aftermarket trigger. Maybe someday I’ll soak that trigger in Kroil or carb Cleaner or...
( I used to take these triggers apart and inspect, repair if necessary. Due to arthritis and several damaged fingers over the years and difficulty I have getting that safety lever back on, I no longer do such work. )
My assumption is that WD-40 sold another rifle. I wonder how much work gunsmiths get from shooters/hunters using of such products???
I shouldn’t bitch. I now have a very nice old (the way I like them) BDL.
My friend (who rates guns’ condition for an auction house) said it was 95%. Very nice looking old 700.
After checking for included ammo, I took off the Simmons scope and the see through rings. Then I was planning on looking at and cleaning the bore. The bolt release mechanism was unmovable, seemingly froze in place.
I removed the stock and pushed the bolt stop lever so I could remove the bolt. I cleaned the bore, quite dirty by the way. I applied cleaning/lubing to the trigger. Eventually the slide came free/loose. Seemed as if things were going well. I measured the trigger pull, 8+lb’s. I noticed the trigger adjustment screws looked to untouched, still coated with factory sealant. I looked at engagement, it looked ok. I measured the trigger again, a little less than 2 lb’s and crisp.
What the f—-?
I decided to turn (in and out) the engagement, the spring and the over travel. The over travel and the engagement adjustment seemed fine. The spring/tension however, not so much. There was no spring pressure. The engagement varied from each time I pulled the trigger there was no evidence of spring pressure. I didn’t know for sure but suspected the spring was so gummed up that it would not function.
I took the trigger off, installed an aftermarket trigger. Maybe someday I’ll soak that trigger in Kroil or carb Cleaner or...
( I used to take these triggers apart and inspect, repair if necessary. Due to arthritis and several damaged fingers over the years and difficulty I have getting that safety lever back on, I no longer do such work. )
My assumption is that WD-40 sold another rifle. I wonder how much work gunsmiths get from shooters/hunters using of such products???
I shouldn’t bitch. I now have a very nice old (the way I like them) BDL.