Sticky bolt problem..need help

[Aardvark]

I just had my M98 action rebarreled with a #3 contour barrel and am trying to get it mounted properly in a nice walnut stock. I spent hours filing and sanding the barrel channel to get a good fit there and now it is free floating all the way to the chamber area.
 the action area is a bit of a snug fit and when i go to seat it by turning the screws at the floorplate, the bolt gets hard to operate. A little more tightening and the bolt won't operate at all.
 Shouldn't I be able to screw the action down tight? What else needs to be done?

[safetysheriff]

I'm a guessing, without being there, that you're bending/flexing the action by over-tightening one of the screws.     If you've got a three-screw set up, which I don't know since I don't work with mausers, the middle screw would be the likely culprit.    If you've got a two-screw action then I think you need to see where you're tightening the action and flexing it.    If the barreled action fits down into the stock all the way, such that tightening the screws does not draw the action or barrel any further into the stock -- then you should have a good setup.    If you can't get the barreled action seated into the stock without the screws drawing it up further then you might have to relieve the stock some more to eliminate the flexing.

Just my thoughts,

SS'

[savageT]

I believe if your Mauser 98 is like my Swede, it is a two screw action with the rear screw (behind the trigger guard) passing through a hollow post which establishes the action position in the stock.  If the hollow post is an incorrect length.....ie. too short, it will allow the action screw  to drive the receiver into the stock when you tighten down, in effect binding bolt problem.  Also, did you say you free-floated the forearm back to the chamber area?  I believe the recoil lug is just ahead of the chamber.  That is supposed to be supported by the stock bedding.  Sound like you are going to have to do some epoxy bedding to fix this.
Mikey is the guy to guide you through this job!!

[Aardvark]

As I'm kinda new to the game of building guns, this being my first, I appreciate all the tips and chips of wisdom form those of you in the know. I'm going to take these ideas and correct this problem one way or the other...Thanks fellas...
 Yes it is a 2 screw setup, the same as the Swede. I have one of those and it is the best shooter I own. Carl Gustafs 1900 M38. :wink:

[gunnut69]

Are you certain the rear action screw isn't coming through the action and binding on the bolt..  Even with a relativily spring mauser action bending one enough to lock up a bolt would require a lot of force!.   Check that the rear action screw isn't coming thru the action too far..

[Aardvark]

After hours of filing,chiseling, and rasping, I finally got to the root of the problem.
  There was a high spot in the barrel channel, one under the magazine, and one under the bolt shroud.
  The action now rests firmly in the stock and the bolt operates smoothly, even with the screws all the way tight.
 I wish to thank those with helpful input and ideas. It will be nice to have the gun operating in a normal fashion at the range Wednesday. :grin: