I've got a M96 that's been rebarreled into a 7x57. It's a great shooting gun but the spring in the bolt is incredibly stiff/strong. One gunsmith told there's nothing can be done, it's part of the design.

Any suggestions? It's become a safe queen and I'd like to make it easier to use. It's a handy little gun with a 20" barrel.

Wolf Springs has replacements but they a stronger than the factory. I wonder if you have one of those springs and would be happier with an original?

There may be a [censored]-on-opening conversion. I used to see it advertised but I haven't in a long time.

Thanks RR, I found a couple different kits on Midway and Brownells.

Well, I guess thats good but I'd urge you to read any reviews that might be available. I don't recall what I was told about the conversion kits but it made me think I'd study it more if I ever had a rifle built on the 96 action. Hope it works out for you as you'd like.

The M96 is a [censored]-on-close design. There is a covnersion that can be dome. My dad has two custom rifles built on M96 actiions htat have been converted to [censored]-on-open. If that gunsmith says it can't be done he's one of two things: 1. lazy 2. Incompetent with Mauser actions I'd take it somewhere else.