dpms magnum bolt

[matthew314]

Hey guys a relative of mine has started to shoot with me on the weekends and wants to buy his own semi auto rifle. He found a great deal on a dpms 300 saum and wants to get it. I told him that it is discontinued by dpms and parts could be hard to get if it breaks. He has checked with them and sure enough they quit making parts for them. So he has searched the web and found every part unique to the saum except the bolt. He doesnt want to buy it unless he can buy a few spares since the bolts seem to be one of the biggest problems with this gun, and wants to replace it every few thousand rounds or every new barrel. I told him I would ask here to see if anyone has any ideas where to find one. He was also thinking of asking a good machine shop if they could make a couple but I dont know if thats a good idea since they are hardened after machining and could be dangerous if not done right. Thanks for any help.

 

[bowslngr]

Re: dpms magnum bolt

Probably does not fully meet his intent, but DPMS will make (or maybe release) a replacement bolt if his breaks. At least that is what they have told me.

 

[matthew314]

Re: dpms magnum bolt

He said they said that the gun and parts were discontinued and no longer for sale when asked about if the bolt would break and need replacing dpms pretty much said your sol and check an internet forum for parts.

 

[WARDOG]

Re: dpms magnum bolt

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Matthew314</div><div class="ubbcode-body">...He was also thinking of asking a good machine shop if they could make a couple but I dont know if thats a good idea since they are hardened after machining and could be dangerous if not done right. Thanks for any help. </div></div>
I am a machinist, admittedly not for 35 years yet, but I wouldn't do it.
That would be <span style="font-style: italic"> A LOT</span> of work for just a few parts. If the machinist isn't familiar with steel alloys for heat treating, and the part isn't heat treated correctly, it certainly would be dangerous as you say.
I make custom BIG BORE cylinders for revolver conversions, but I don't do the heat treating. It is serious business, requiring serious equipment for specific times & temps.
You still see SAUM uppers for sale on occasion at ARFCOM.
I have an Armalite (TU in .300 RSAUM) and love it!

 

[bustin]

Re: dpms magnum bolt

It isn't just the bolt, the extractor is probably broken more.
Since the rim of the RSAUM is larger the extractor must move out more to snap over the rim, in the process it contacts a normal 308 extensions lugs so the RSAUM barrel extension has been modified so the extractor clears the lugs. I may have 10 RSAUM bolts we machined from 9310 alloy.

 

[matthew314]

Re: dpms magnum bolt

Thats what I thought about having one made but he would rather just buy a bolt rather then a whole upper but we may have to check that website out. Funny thing is I think thats the site that the dpms parts guy suggested to check out.

 

[matthew314]

Re: dpms magnum bolt

You have made some then would you be willing to sell a couple and tell me more about the extension. I was not aware of that problem.