It sounds like the clip tried to eject and the bolt hit it. I would try new or known functioning clips and then maybe the clip latch spring.
Take the rifle out of the wood and pull the op rod back and see why it won't latch. I have no idea what's going on there, but it's very simple to see how it's supposed to latch (click) onto the op rod when fully retracted.
I wish I was nearby, I'd come help.
Phillip McGregor (OFC)
"I am neither a fire arms nor a ballistics expert, but I was a combat infantry officer in the Great War, and I absolutely know that the bullet from an infantry rifle has to be able to shoot through things." General Douglas MacArthur