44 y.o. Rem 700 Classic .30-06 Bolt coming out on its own

[pianoman9701]

I was showing my buddy CAB my sweet .30-06 last night while we had a few tasty bourbons. He was talking about how sloppy the bolt was on a gun another friend was going to buy (but didn't). So, I got the Remington out to show him how a real gun's bolt worked...and fail. Without pulling the trigger back, the bolt slides right out.

Is this a sear problem? Is it something an old idiot can fix on his own without special tools or do I need to find a gunsmith? Anyone ever have this happen? Is it expensive to fix? Tell me what you know.

[b23]

If it's been sitting awhile it could be that the bolt stop is sticky and not pivoting like it should and the bolt stop is stuck down.

[Special T]

A good deep cleaning is in order! Hop on you tube and be amazed at how much detail you can get!

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G930A using Tapatalk

[DaveMonti]

This happens to me on a few of my 700s after I leave them upright in the safe.  The bolt stop gets stuck in the release position after oil or solvent drips down into the action.  It doesn't take much to gum up the works. 

[pianoman9701]

Thanks guys. I'll work on it this weekend.