I am sure the problem you are having will be resolved soon. I just want to say that I have owned M77’s, M77 MkII’s, and M77 Hawkeyes numbering in the 20’s or maybe the 30’s and have never experienced the problem you are having. I do however, as a rule, disassemble and clean the entire assembly on every bolt gun I have ever obtained before ever firing the gun. I am betting your problem is bolt cleanliness related.

If we live long enough, we all have regrets. But the ones that nag at us the most are the ones in which we know we had a choice.

Doug