Bigbulls, it is only my opinion, but I feel that the bolt should operate the same with the intermediate safety on or with it totally off (ready to fire). However your explanation on why there is difference makes perfect sense to me. That said, I’ve used my friends Ruger 77 which has a similar 3 position safety and his bolt operates exactly the same with the intermediate safety set or not.

To answer your other question. This was my first time out hunting using my M70 and I found what I thought was good spot. So there I stood waiting and watching. After a while, I decided to survey the map in my pocket and maybe move to better spot. Rather than put the rifle down to look at the map, I choose to put it over my shoulder, using the sling. I probably should have gone on full safety, no argument there. When I did so, the bolt lifted the rest of way and slid completely back, expelling the round. This is when I noticed how easy it was to lift the bolt with the intermediate safety set. I only used the gun at the range to set up the scope where I was loading one round at a time. I’d take one shot, open the bolt and I’d put the gun on the rack, to let it cool down. Then I’d use my other rifle while it cooled, so there was no need to use intermediate safety.

Obviously, I’m no bolt action rifle expert and that is why I purchased from what I thought was a reputable gun shop. If I was a rifle expert, I would have noticed this in the store and probably gone with the Browning X-Bolt instead For what it’s worth, the gun smith at the store agreed with my concerns, even if they are most likely unfounded. I’m sure, Winchester will agree with you Bigbulls, that there is nothing wrong with the bolt on my rifle.