I have a Remington 541S bolt-action .22 rimfire sporting rifle that I bought new in the mid-70's. It's an excellent shooter, but has had a problem from the beginning that I have never been able to diagnose. When I take it to the range after some time in the gun safe, chamber the first round and press the trigger, the rifle always goes 'click' instead of bang. The trigger feels normal when I release it, hence the quotation marks around "trigger" in the subject line, and I both hear and feel the striker release. When I lift the bolt handle to re-cock the piece it will fire normally and continue to do so for the rest of the day. When I store it for a few days between trips to the range it does it again.

Does anyone have experience with this fault?

Best,

Trad A. Non

First suggestion: disassemble the bolt if you know how and thoroughly clean. If you don't have the above skill wash the bolt thru all the openings with carburator cleaner spray, blow out till dry and relube with proper lubricant. Sounds like you have some gunk that breaks loose when things start moving, but the idea is for the first shot to do the job. Here endeth the lesson. Goatwhiskers the Elder

Thanks, Goatwhiskers, I'll have a go with it.