Questions about my new 1919A4

[Holyfield]

I recntly picked up a 1919A4 308 in a trade and I have a few question about it. I have notice that when I charge the weapon and let the charging handle go the bolt locks into battery and cannot be opened back up until I dry fire the weapon, is this normal. I would also like to know if dry firing the weapon will break or damage any parts? Forgive me if these are rather dumb questions as I am new to the 1919. Only thing I really know about this type of variant was that my Grandfather was a watercooled machine gunner with the 2nd ID in WWII and he used to talk about his watercooled. Any information would be greatly appreciated

[Pirate]

the action should open without firing it.

[Kali Komrade]

Like he said you should be able to open it without dry firing it... Is the gun going into complete lockup... Sounds like something's up... Have you pulled the guts out of it yet...

[Dan Wilson]

Headspace a notch too tight perhaps? Try opening it up by a click and I bet your problem will go away.

Dan

[Holyfield]

Thanks for all the help on this. The problem was actually the trigger bar itself had some roughness on the end it which was causing it to hang up on the rear of bolt. I used some stones to smooth it out and it works fine now.