boy i got a real safety problem

[leserz]

 took my new to me H&R 22-250 varmint bull barrel fluted. i think there is a real safety problem. this is the first time i shot it. never shot a nef or h-r  so this is what happened today shooting off a front sand bag. i loaded a round in it then i shot it. then after it fired it the action was open about 1/4 to 3/8" nope i did not touch the brake open lever. so i trie3d another shot after making sure action was locked it was same thing happened . like a real dummy i tried a third shot same thing . said this is not right and packed up and went home. now im a kind of new shooter but i do not think this is what it should do. with out it being loaded i cocked it pulled the trigger did not open. the numbers on the receiver  and the barrel match. whats your opinion 

[trotterlg]

There is good information on pop opens in the FAQ's.  Bottom line is, however, while annoying, it really isn't a safety issue as the gun opens long after the bullet has left the barrel.  Larry

[quickdtoo]

Larry is right on, read the pop open medicine link in the FAQs, if those tips don't help, it needs to go back to H&R. They're usually caused by not closing the action firmly, specially on a new rifle. Oil on the latch/shelf(Handi Basics sticky) is another cause. Not full length sizing properly is another common cause if you're using handloads.

Tim

[kevinsmith5]

If it's a used gun I vote checking the shelf first. It amazes me sometimes what you can find on the used rack, I bought a 22 Winchester bolt action (Model 131) used for $40 that had obviously had the stock sanded and refinished without removing the action. That took some serious cleaning....

[petemi]

I had two that would pop open. If it's clean and dry, smoke the latch shelf on the barrel with a candle, snap it closed and open again.  If there is insufficient engagement, or partial engagement you'll see it and a touch with a light stone will fix it.

Pete

[leserz]

thank you for this info. i will check out the faq's i was using remington factory ammo. the rifle is pretty tight. don't think it was shot much at all.  going to wait till i get a bore sighter and wait a bit to cool down going to be 100 for the next week

[gcrank1]

Yep, snap it closed with 'authority' each time, very consiously. It is easy to get focused on shooting a group and just close it up. The good thing is that it will get better over time, and you are a lot better off, even if it needs a little hand fitting.
If the above doesnt do it, to your satisfaction, folks on this forum will help get you there.

[leserz]

 after opening and closing about 100 times still pretty stiff . so i took of the for end and it's loose that way. so i looked at the forend and seen where it buts up to the receiver i could see where it was rubbing  . so i got out some 220 grit sand paper and did a little sanding on the for end. kept sanding and checking with out not taking to much at a time i got it to where there is still i touch of rubbing yet. much better now as far as opening anc closing goes . be for i could tit the lever and the barrel would not drop with out me having to grab it and make it open. now i can push the lever and it will open with a little resistance. after i get a bore sighter i will go back to the range and see if it will lock up after the shot.

[petemi]

Of course, I don't know where you live, but I'd just step out the back door and put a round in the ground to see if it's gonna pop open and save a trip to the range if it needs work.

Pete

[leserz]

i live in town the range is only 9 miles away