Model 14 - First Firing Questions

[ccounter]

This rifle is in excellent condition, and I would like to fire the rifle again soon. The previous one owner was military, and given the condition, shine, and history, I feel that it has been well maintained. It has seen a good many deer kills given all the notches on the stock, but I don't think it has been fired in close to 20 or more years.

I have had the barrel cleaned. The action is smooth, and it seems to be lubricated ok. I have done as much reading as possible on this forum, and I would like to fire the rifle again. I have newly purchased .30 Remington cartridges (170 gr.), but I have not been able to locate any information on the rifle's bullet capacity, loading directions, etc. This rifle has a trigger and thumbnail safety.

I would like to know from the experts here about loading specifics for this rifle and any other safety checks that I need to go through before firing.

Thank you, Colby

[Rickster]

If the rifle is in the shape you described, there should be no problem with shooting it. The only safety concern I have had with the 14s is that if they have a lot of internal wear, the triggers can become unreliable. I have seen 2 rifles with that problem. If you search back through my posts, you will find more discussion on the subject.

Regarding loading, do you mean reloading spent cartridges or loading cartridges in the rifle?

[ccounter]

Thanks Rickster. Regarding loading, I mean loading cartridges in the rifle. I'm not an expert, and the manual for the 14 didn't tell me much in terms of operation. Thanks again for your help, Colby

[ccounter]

Load one cartridge in the loading gate, cycle the action briskly - got it. Thank you for the tip about briskly cycling the action too.

So just to clarify loading successive cartridges without firing - after cycling on the first cartridge, push the button on the bolt, load a second cartridge, and cycle the action. Repeat until 4 or 5 are loaded (I will probably stick with 4).

Also, after firing the first shot, I'm assuming I will need to cycle the action to fire a second shot.

Please let me know if this is all correct. Thanks again for this info - this is the information I was needing.

[ccounter]

Ok, I understand now - thanks for the clarification. I'm glad that I asked and received a response back. The way that this rifle fires and is set up is very new to me.

I haven't had much luck with a direct call to Remington, but I will check out the website info just to make sure it's not any different than what I already have.