Benny, I just got back from the range and the bolt stop area you just pointed out is pushing down on the left side round and is pushed down when the bolt comes forward just like you are inferring.

I’ve ordered a new bolt stop, spring and pin.

I removed the old bolt stop and can see where the bolt has been riding on it-effectively pushing the left side round down slightly as the bolt runs forward-making the area that the face of the bolt contacts the rim of the round much smaller and riding over the left side round.

Bolt Stop engaged and holding the bolt


Me holding the bolt back and the Stop pushing down on the left side round bc the bolt is pushing/rubbing the bolt stop


Left ear of the bolt that is pushing down on the bolt stop as it rides forward


The rear part of the bolt stop that is shiny and worn

Well I'll be...

Glad we found something concrete! I'll keep checking for updates when you get a new bolt stop!

When you install the roll pin, tape some shim stock to the side of the receiver. That will protect your receiver while you get the roll pin started. When you hammer the roll pin in and make sure you use a roll pin starter punch to get it started, then finish it off with a roll pin punch.

Good luck!

Tony.

I always like some shadetree gunsmithing.

Is this something that could be fixed with some careful filing?

Bubba, the bolt stop is hardened, so I’d say no. Bc I don’t have a way of rehardening it after I would have to anneal it just to file it. If I already had some casenit (spelling) I might try it just to see- I’ve only seen it on videos.

And I’m not sure if the bolt ear is out of spec or not. Mrs. Mike gave me the rifle when our son was born 16 yrs ago, I shot it and since then it’s been lurking in the safe. At some point I found one mag that fed well and Past Mike wrote a G on the mag with a sharpie. But since all the mags I have are USGI and the problem still happens I’m thinking that the mags aren’t the problem. Maybe the former owner used the rubber shock buffer to fix this issue.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: MikeinNC, March 21, 2025 10:11 PM

SLOVED!
New bolt stop came in yesterday.
Got to the range today.

Before I installed the new bolt stop I measured it and it was a hundred thinner then the old one. Which was making the gun do wonky things. It was also a Springfield Armory marked stop, where the original wasn’t (dunno)

First I put in a buffer at the end of the op rod and the gun ran right- I guess was a fix by the previous owner. The buffer keeps the op rod from going the whole distance by 1/4” keeping the out of spec edge of the bolt stop from being moved by the bolt and causing the issue.

Then I removed the buffer and it would fail to strip the left side rounds.

Then I Installed the new bolt stop and the gun runs like a singer sewing machine.

thank you to Benny for solving my problem with your voodoo magic from afar.

I love happy endings! You're welcome!

Tony.