Rem 700 bolt lock and safety

[TomVan]

I have an older Remington 700 BDL that requires you to place the safety into the fire position before you can open the bolt.  I do not like this feature and my other two newer 700's do not require you to place the safety into the fire position to open the bolt.  I have also heard rumors that Remington had a recall on this feature and that the rifle can be taken to any gunsmith for a repair/replacement.  Can anyone confirm and provide details?
Thanks in advance
TomVan

[Chuck White]

Tom
I recommend that you contact Remington before you take it to a repair shop!

If you have a shop in your area that is an "Authorized Remington Repair shop", ask them about it!  Maybe you can get it done without actually going through Remington!

I've asked about this before and it seems that it is a very minor modification to correct the problem, but I wouldn't do the repair myself!

[Iowegan]

Check Remington's web site for details on the safety modification. http://www.remington.com/Safety_Modification_Program/700_safety.asp

[gunnut69]

This is a very simple alteration. The safety plate which rides on the side of the trigger housing is removed and a moto tool with a cutoff blade is used to cut off the ear which protrudes thru the cut in the receiver to lock the bolt.  Mark the place where the ear protrudes into the rear receiver ring so that it can be totally removed.  Leave the part of the ear that doesn't enter the bolt way to provide support to the safety plate and a bit smoother operation. Don't do it on the gun as the particles are sure to contaminate the trigger assembly.. Remove the safety plate and do the cutting..bevel the edges and touchup the bluing before re-installation...   Test the rifle after modification for safe trigger action and that the bolt can be opened with the safety remaining in the safe position..