S&W 76 / MK 760 Bolt Handle


During the firing cycle the bolt handle makes violent reversals of direction for each round fired. The cantilevered portion extending outside the receiver (the finger piece) is subjected to inertial forces and actually flexes back and forth on each shot. After a period of time, fatigue sets in and the finger piece breaks off. Not only can you not cock the 76 / 760, the bolt has lost the guide which keeps it properly positioned in the receiver.