1903a3 Bolt Bending

[PBWalsh]

Hello,

Trying to find a good SH gunsmith to bend a bolt handle on a 1903a3 bolt and possibly install an Ed Lapour 3 - position safety as well. I've already spoke to PVA and Meredith Rifles, both of which were not comfortable in doing this. Not a slam against them, it actually made me respect them for that. But anyways, who can do this for me? If it matters, I'd like to have it bent straight like you'd see on a Defiance, Mausingfield, Bighorn TL3, etc. and it needs to be able to clear an SWFA 10x or similar eye piece housing.

Oh, emailed National Match Armory, just waiting to hear back from them.

Posted this in the bolt-action section but didn't get any answers, thought this section might be better.


Thank you,

- PBWalsh

 

[pmclaine]

Try a Google search for Chuck Moline aka Chuck in Denver he builds 03s.....or....try the CMP armorers I think the bend/scallop to replicate A4 bolts they may be able to help you out.

 

[PBWalsh]

I'll call him tonorrow when I'm free, he sounds like he's good with older firearms.

 

[pmclaine]

Good luck.

 

[sandwarrior]

I don't know where you're at so as to who I could suggest to do this for you. But, as a matter of gunsmithing, I would prefer to cut the handle off and TIG weld the one you want back on. Bending a bolt i a jig is always a bit of a crapshoot. The smith can always get his heat right, but you don't know how that's going to affect how the bolt was originally heat treated. By cutting it off (with coolant) and welding it back on (with a heat sink) you totally control what the finished dimensions are.

In the past, I've had two out of four bolts being bent in a jig, f'd up and not the dimensions I wanted. I specify, "cut, and re-weld by TIG", now.

 

[PBWalsh]

Still need to call Chuck, I'll mention it to him and see what he has to say.

 

[pmclaine]

Party in this CMP thread bent/scalloped his bolt for an A4

http://forums.thecmp.org/showthread.php?t=180185

Maybe he takes work.

 

[kraigWY]

I've bent several bolts over the years, including for my 'A4.

I just figure out the angle, and where I want the bend. Coat the bolt with "HEAT STOP" (Brownells.com) and fire up the torch.

I use to hang around a gun smith that had me cutting and welding bolt handles. He'd finish polishing and bluing. Started harassing me about my rough welding. I fixed him, I used stainless steel rod one time. He didn't notice until he got then out of the Hot Bluing tanks. Never bitched again.

Heat Stop is amazing stuff.

 

[PBWalsh]

Got in touch with Chuck, definitely sending my barreled action to him when I can. He was super nice and answered all my questions and thoughts.