Question on Savage 7mm rem mag

[MuleyontheWall]

Always been a archery guy but i went out this weekend and found a deal on a rifle that I had to have..or so atleast i thought.  its a Savage Model 116 7mm rem mag, comp stock and stainless barrel. My question is about the bolt...if i use the wrong terms its ok to make fun of me!  On the back of the bolt right where the lever is that locks down, it seems like there is a piece missing, when the bolt is closed it would be sitting between the level on where the bolt goes through. i looked on my dads Savage 308 and it has it..along with a few other rifles I've looked at sense i bought the gun..from what I can tell it seems like its just kind of for looks..but like i said, im a dumb archery guy. Thank you in advance for any help!!

[River]

Is is possibly the Savage Bolt Lock?  See link to savage manual and parts in exploded view:

[http://www.savagearms.com/images/pdf/manuals/Centerfire_Manual.pdf]

[MuleyontheWall]

part 12b - rear baffle assembly....something someone would take off for a reason??

[River]

Sounds like maybe someone broke one and needed a replacement.  Maybe that's why you're getting a good deal from someone?  Don't know.

[MuleyontheWall]

on the rifles i've looked at this piece is very loose, with everything locked down you can still move this piece around..when the bolt is open and slid back it seems like you could just pop it right off...like i said..just a dumb archery guy trying to learn...

[KillBilly]

on the rifles i've looked at this piece is very loose, with everything locked down you can still move this piece around..when the bolt is open and slid back it seems like you could just pop it right off...like i said..just a dumb archery guy trying to learn...

Posting a picture might help us help you.

[MuleyontheWall]

First pic is the 308, the second two are my 7mm with the piece missing...

[croix]

The missing part appears to be the rear baffle. It has a couple of purposes, including a safety funtion in the event of a case rupture.
Found the following on the internet:

"Finally there is another baffle behind the bridge and between the bolt handle base that partly encircles the bolt body. (A baffle of this design works because the bolt head or locking lugs detach from the bolt body.) It also covers the lug raceways from the rear, giving a finished look, but also helps in keeping foreign objects out of the action. And it serves as a last resort “wall” to protect the shooter from any possible gases that might have managed to get past the front baffle and gas vents"

As for why it would be missing, I read about instances where the rear baffle can make the bolt difficult to rotate, but the general fix would be to polish the bolt in the area the baffle rides on.

I'm no gunsmith, but IMHO this part should be in place. I may shoot normally without it, but the safety function alone makes it pretty important.

I found the part available at a couple of different web sites including Savage, Midway USA, and Brownells. Not sure - but I don't think you need a FFL to order.

Hope this helps. Good luck.

[Slenk]

It also serves as you primary extractor.
It has a detente ball and spring to keep it in place on the bolt.
Do not fire the rifle without it.

Savage contact info.
Joe DeGrande
Director Of Customer Service
Savage Arms, Inc.
413-568-7001 (ext 4139)
jdegrande@savagearms.com

Slenk

[croix]

Slenk - can you explain how it works as primary extractor?

Not callin you out by any means. I agree that the gun shouldn't be shot without it. Just questioning my own knowledge.

[Slenk]

Go to this site and do a search. Under the Center fire Rifle section on primary extractor they explain it better than I can . But the little ramp on the rear baffle is what does extraction.
http://www.savageshooters.com/SavageForum/index.php?www;um=
Slenk

[croix]

Thanks Slenk. Here is part of what I found:

"Unlike more conventional actions, the extraction cam is part of the rear baffle instead of a ramp cut in the receiver bridge."

Although the baffle itself is not the actual extractor, baffle placement affects extraction timing. So in addition to being part of a safety measure, lack of a rear baffle can cause extraction failures.

Muleonthewall - of course you should verify all of this with a gunsmith, but IMO your rifle NEEDS to have that part.