rem. 7400 "dust cover"

[rp85]

hello;

have a "new", made in 1987,  rem. 7400, .30/06 cal., shooting reloads, 180 gr. speer, 51.5 ww760, shooting @1 1/4" groups.  noticed the plastic cover on the outside of the bolt is cracked.  is there a problem removing the cover, order a new one from rem.?  thanks for any input.

rp

[dingleberry]

The 7400 and the 742 have always had a problem with the dust covers flying off.  The best bet is numerich or gun parts, they are on the net.  I forgot the web address but I ordered a lot of six for less than $5.  Most people want $5 just for one.  This way you have plenty of spares.  All the dust cover does is keep dirt out.  The rifle will function without it.  The plastic covers are not that expensive and can be easily found.

[targshooter]

Never owned a Rem 7400 (I've owned three) that did not have this dust cover develop a crack. The plastic just seems to do that. Owned one with a crack for ten years and it never flew out of the rifle or influenced the functionality of the firearm. The bolt must be removed to replace this thing and it is either a trip to Remington or a tedious do it yourself job. I would vote for leaving the cover alone and in place.