Gunsmithing 22/45 bolt experiment

[MlimA]

Greetings all, I’ve been Trying to come up with a solution to the horrible bolt serration/ fins on my 22/45. I haven’t seen any that I really like without spending a bunch on a whole new bolt, so this is what I got so far. First I turned the fins down to match the bolt’s OD. Then I cut a half inch slot 200 thou deep on the rear face and put two 6-40 threaded holes evenly spaced from center. This will hopefully accept the charging handle I am working on in the solid model below. I decided that it would look cool and hopefully increase bolt speed and reliability when dirty so I put some straight flutes on the bolt body where I could fit them. Has anybody tried to lighten up a mark bolt? I’m curious to see if it will help the problems I’m having. Thank for looking??

 

[GH41]

The side charger is cute but I wouldn't have lightened the bolt unless all I shot were subs. With S/V ammo it is liable to be less reliable if it cycles at all. If you are able to machine it I would make the charging handle out of tungsten to get back as much weight as possible. The weight of the bolt isn't your problem. A dirty gun is. If you don't like to clean just shoot it wet with BreakFree CLP.

 

[MlimA]

Thanks for the input. I’ve been shooting exclusively subs and running it wet, don’t plan on doing anything else with it. When I run the gun with subs and a can till it gets dirty enough to start malfunctioning sv will still cycle great. That’s why I figured lightening the bolt might help that a bit. If not I picked up a spare that’s brand new from eBay so I’ll see what happens. I do clean my guns pretty religiously but just want to get a bit more out of it in between??

 

[99106]

Didn't lighten but I polished the crap out of mine with flitz to smooth it up.

 

[MlimA]

I’m thinking that’s next, or jewling. Did that help function fo you?

 

[GH41]

IMO polishing would be a waste of time unless all you are after is bling. At least jeweling would hold oil much better than polished. That pistol will never be anything other than a mass produced low cost Ruger no matter how much you polish it. Polishing might make it feel smoother but function won't improve. If surfaces were perfect and tolerances tight you probably couldn't shoot ten rounds before it stopped running. Fouling has to have a place to go.

 

[99106]

Yes it smoothed out the cocking. I just did not like the zipper feel.

 

[MlimA]

This is what I got so far, want to get the handle anodized or coated. I decided attempt jewling for the first time and it turned out pretty good imo, very hard to get a good picture with the lighting right now though. I function tested and it ran great

 

[GH41]

This is what I got so far, want to get the handle anodized or coated. I decided attempt jewling for the first time and it turned out pretty good imo, very hard to get a good picture with the lighting right now though. I function tested and it ran greatView attachment 7235886View attachment 7235887View attachment 7235888

While your at it polish the guide rod. It doesn't have to be mirror shiney. Probably 600 wet. Looks good!

 

[101stinfantry]

Looks good! Idk if it matters in a semi-auto, but I know on a F/A a light bolt could lead to, or exacerbate bolt bounce leading to problems.