bolt is hard to open after I fire it ,

Welcome to the forum!

First, check the bolt head and locking lugs for obvious burrs. Next, shine a light into the chamber and look for roughness or rust. Look at the spent brass case for signs of burrs or roughness. It could be hot ammo, so you may try a different brand. Finally, do a lug setback check.

1. Unload rifle
2. Cock bolt in gun
3. Turn safety to 12 o'clock
4. Open and remove bolt
5. Unscrew striker mechanism
6. Re-insert bolt body to the locked position

Take a Sharpie black or blue marker and run it along the rear of the receiver ring along the bolt body. You want to make a mark on the bolt where the bolt body enters the receiver. Pull back with medium force on the bolt handle and slowly open the bolt. Look at the mark and feel with your hand. If you feel a bump immediately after beginning the bolt lift and observe the mark to move forward; you likely have setback.

The .308 rounds may have pounded back the lug seats. The action was not designed for a steady diet of .308. It used the lower pressure 7x57. Many shooters report no problems, but some Spanish receivers have been reported to have softer steel. This setback can result from repeated firings of hot ammo. The cure is expensive and involves removing the barrel, lapping the lug seats, re-hardening(carburizing) the receiver, and then re-fitting the barrel/sights. The problem could re-occur.

Thanks Iwill give it a try.

I gave away the M1916 I bought from Samco, wasn't comfortable even shooting the SA 762 NATO in it. Sticky bolt on a very old rifle = not for me.

Regards,
Brian in CA

I had the stock redone, and i just found that the bolt arm was not comming down all the way. he set the stock crooked, so sanded the slot out under the bolt arm. going to shoot it friday to see if that was the prob. what ammo should I use and where can I get it. I took five shots last sat. 150gr 308 and was in a 2" circle at 100 yards. I had no problems with it before.the stock job. so I hope this is it..

lost, Be aware that commercial .308 is not the same as 7.62x51mm NATO.

Please take the time to read this article from the main site:

http://www.surplusrifle.com/shooting2006/308vs762nato/index.asp

and the reference info for the Spanish 1916 (Guardia Civil):

http://www.surplusrifle.com/1916guardiacivil/ammunition.asp

Welcome to the forum.