Bolt handle does not begin cocking first part of lift cycle

I just got a pawn shop donor for my project gun and noticed the bolt handle has free play in it for about the first 25% of the lift cycle. After that it engages and feels normal. I haven't fired it yet but it does dry fine just fine. I plan on taking it apart and cleaning and adjusting everthing tonite. What should I look for that would fix this problem? I have adjusted several savage bolts/firing pins through the years and have always followed recommended specs of around .035 for protusion and 2.6" for LA spring length with no problems. Is there some tweaking I can do to fix this? It is an older .223 built on a long action.

Thanks,,,,Floyd

I'll ask because I had this trouble, is the Bolt Action Screw tight?

Sean

Yes that was the first thing I looked at. Everything is tight. It is just loose. You can jiggle the whole bolt assy up and down with very little resistance until the cocking ramp engages the cocking button and starts moving the fire pin back. It is normal after that.

If you take the bolt out and all is normal, look at the cocking ramp on the sear. Also they may have tried to time it and done a poor job.

Got home and adjusted everything. All looks normal. Put it back together and it is better. Still seems to have more free travel than my other three savages but not as bad. I'm not concerned any more. It was very roughly machined and took some polishing. Now has a very acceptable lift and trigger. I'm happy. thanks for the concern and help.....Floyd