Christensen Arms 6.5 very stiff upward movement of the bolt

[platoonDaddy]

Update: check post 13 for pics & issue

Visited a friend today who was shooting his new bolt action Christensen Arms Model 14 Ridgeline with a 16" barrel 1-8, chambered 6.5 Creedmoor. For the 1st 10 rounds, cleaned after every shot. Then after every three shots. I left when he was in the 40's, he will continue cleaning after every three shots, until he reaches 50.

Following each shot, to raise the bolt to eject a round, required a lot of upward pressure, with three different brands of ammo.

Anything come to mind?

Cut & pasted from their web site: The Ridgeline Titanium Edition combines a precision titanium action with our signature carbon fiber barrel at an impressive price. The firearm features a titanium radial brake, spiral fluted bolt, and a carbon fiber composite sporter stock with a Metallic Grey with Black Webbing finish.

Thank you

[grizzman]

Is bolt lift stiff only after firing live ammo, or also when dry firing? It might be a cock on open design, so lifting the bolt is compressing what might be a stiff striker spring. If this is the case, it might compress more easily after use.

[platoonDaddy]

Is bolt lift stiff only after firing live ammo, or also when dry firing? It might be a cock on open design, so lifting the bolt is compressing what might be a stiff striker spring. If this is the case, it might compress more easily after use.

Dry firing doesn’t have the issue…

[VIP3R 237]

We’ve had to send back a few Christensen Ridgeline rifles with out of spec chambers. Tight bolt lift is usually a sign of chamber/headspace issues. CA took care of them but it’s frustrating to have to do that with a fairly expensive rifle.

[graffex]

I would avoid anything they make. See problem after problem reported with them all over the interwebs.

[grizzman]

It definitely seems like an excessive chamber pressure situation. Since it's occurring with factory ammo, I agree that it's probably an out of spec chamber.

How does brass look after it's been fired?

[Coal Dragger]

Well on the bright side if it’s under SAAMI it could be cured with a chamber reamer if that pitting/scratches are in a spot the reamer will correct.

I’d just send their trash back to them though.