Gunsmithing Finding a Stronger Bolt Stop Pin?

[tdow]

I recently disassembled my Sako 75 and found that the bolt stop pin had been broken. The stop had still been functioning normally.

I have since read that this has been a problem for people using Sakos in the past. I have already bought a replacement pin and a spare, but I would rather find something that has less liklihood of breaking.

Could anyone recommend something that would be stronger?

The diameter of the pin is .079 and it is .647 long.

 

[2156SMK]

Re: Finding a Stronger Bolt Stop Pin?

Without seeing how all the parts interact, my first suggestion would be to drill the parts out for a larger diameter pin and then install a larger diameter pin.
I don't have a gun in front of me to see if that's feasible though...

 

[tdow]

Re: Finding a Stronger Bolt Stop Pin?

I'll put some pics up tonight or tomorrow morning when I get the chance.

Thanks for the idea.

 

[Keith Johns]

Re: Finding a Stronger Bolt Stop Pin?

Maybe there's a way to elongate the hole so the pin isn't what's taking the blow when the bolt hits the stop. Some work like that.
No idea what yours looks like though. Probably not possible or they'd be doing it.

 

[SONIC SAAMI]

Re: Finding a Stronger Bolt Stop Pin?

How did the pin get broken?
Was it from ripping on the bolt handle?
If a stronger pin is installed what part of the rifle is next in line for breakage?

 

[Mr Joshua]

Re: Finding a Stronger Bolt Stop Pin?

This happened to my friends TRG. He cut the shank off a 3/32 drill bit and used what was left of the TRG threaded portion of the pin to hold it in place. Held up until the back-ordered pin came from Brownells.

 

[tdow]

Re: Finding a Stronger Bolt Stop Pin?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: DaveD</div><div class="ubbcode-body">How did the pin get broken?
Was it from ripping on the bolt handle?
If a stronger pin is installed what part of the rifle is next in line for breakage? </div></div>

Yes, I've always been under the impression I didn't need to baby it. Maybe it's too much spinach, not enough beer.

I suppose if the pin held up, the stop itself and the receiver would be taking it. But if the pin breaks and the rifle shows no symptoms as before, won't those parts be taking the abuse anyway?

Sorry I didn't get around to posting pics. I thought I already had some, but I just had one of the broken pin. No time today.

 

[tdow]

Re: Finding a Stronger Bolt Stop Pin?

I was lucky enough to get replacements from Brownells in a few days.

Is is possible that there is some replacement out there, maybe like your drill bit, that's stronger than the factory part?

 

[former naval person]

Re: Finding a Stronger Bolt Stop Pin?

Hobby shops sell 3 foot lengths of "music wire" in diameters up to 1/4". Harder and tougher than a landlords heart. Have to cut it with a carborundum or diamond disk.