when the bolt is closed on a live round sometimes the gun goes BANG...not exactly safe, however when the safety is on, the gun no matter how fast or slow or "jerky" you are with the bolt it will stay safe until the trigger is pulled (ive even tried hitting the side of the rifle pretty hard)

http://www.gunpartscorp.com/catalog/Products.aspx?catid=4279

here is a link to a parts list/breakdown........some of the old guys at the range told me to retire the gun but that would break my heart, so if anyone has any suggestions as to what parts i should replace it would be greatly appreciated!!!

thanks guys,

Brad

What's a gunsmith say? Sounds like there is a fix in there some how.

I'm not familiar with the 511 personally, so I can't say for sure, and its difficult to diagnose without seeing the gun. I'm guessing from your description that you've had the gun a long time. Which means there is probably a good deal of wear. The problem you're describing indicates that the sear is not getting adequate engagement on the striker. It's just barely holding and sometimes the vibration of closing the bolt can cause it to override and fire. This can be due to a number of things. It could be that the sear has worn to point where it has become rounded or has negative engagement with the striker. Sometimes it can be reworked. Or it may need a new sear (trigger). Or it may be due to general play in the whole action because of wear. It may need work on the striker, or a new striker and/or bolt. Lot's of possibilities. Again, all I can due is guess without seeing the gun.

I'm certain that its fixable. Its just a question of how much time and money its worth. Sounds like you'd hate to give the gun up, so its at least worth have it looked at to determine what it is. It could be as simple as 5 minutes work with a file or replacing a $10 part. Or it could be much more involved. Of course, you can play the hit or miss game. Just start replacing parts until it fixes the problem, starting with the sear/trigger.

By the way, it doesn't happen on safe, because on most bolt actions, the safety blocks the striker, usually backing it completely off the sear.