Schultz and Larsen Headspace - Legacy 223

[Tentman]

Hello Folks. I have a S&L 223 Legacy model, it's a wonderful wee rifle to hunt with but my example has a frustrating "issue". It frequently fails to fire with "normal" ammo, both factory and reloads. Careful testing has lead me to think this rifle has headspace right at the "long" tolerance limit. It won't close on a no-go guage, but the only way I can get it "reliable" is fireforming brass, which is then 'tight" in all the other 223s I have here. I have also checked firing pin protusion, it's normal and there is nothing inside the bolt or sear etc that looks out of place.

My gunsmith has confirmed the headspace "issue", but fixing it is a bit more complicated than the usual "set the barrel back" approach. The locking lugs are in the detachable barrel assembly. An examination with a bore scope reveals what looks like a join between the barrel and a barrel extension, but it's impossible to see if the extension is truly integral, threaded on or sweated on as are some other European rifles.

Any thoughts on how to fix this?

Thanks
Foster

 

[Scipio]

Hey Foster

I suggest that you call the factory directly, or write them, and tell them your story. They are not a huge company and they might well take the time to read your mail and respond.
They might also themselves be interested in getting to the bottom of this issue, or at least have the know how to share that can help you solve it

Best of luck! .-)

Claus

 

[HonestJohn]

Email Morten - info@schultzlarsen.com

He will reply with solution same day.

They have the highest standards in rifle production so I can guarantee you they will either tell you how to fix it properly, or resolve for you.

Let us know how you get on

 

[Tentman]

Well I did do that and you are right, Morten has already replied with instructions which I have followed to the letter! I'll get to the range and test-fire tomorrow.

 

[Heym SR20]

You have the instructions. My guess is give it a damn good clean. Possibly carbon build up at the neck of the chamber making rounds difficult to chamber.

Light strike - likely to a gunked firing pin - old oil, powder residue etc etc. strip the bolt and give it a damn good clean as well.