Gunsmithing Is having your bolt customized worth the cost?

9

9sigman45

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Feb 19, 2009
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King, NC
#1
GAP is working on my first CUSTOM boltgun (or atleast they have my components and will be starting soon) that will mainly be used for F-TR class matches. So far I'm having them blueprint my 700 .308 action and pillar bed it into my McMillan A5 stock. They'll also be installing a #9 contour x 28" Bartlein barrel, Badger lug, mount, M4 bottom metal & bolt handle and a Jewel trigger. As you can tell, the final price tag is going to be up there (at least for my wallet ;>). I'm considering asking George to bore the raceway and sleeve & flute the bolt. I have no ideal what this would add to the cost, so it may not even be doable (financially). This will likely be my only custom build for many years to come, so should I persue this upgrade or not? I really like the looks of a fluted bolt, and think that the rock solid feel of a fitted/sleeved bolt must pay dividens down range. Please let me know your thoughts, and if you have an ideal what this service should cost I'd love to know (George is out of the office for another week or so so I can't get a price from him at the moment).
Thanks
 
#2
Re: Is having your bolt customized worth the cost?

I have rifles with issued bolt's & raceways and I have them with reamed raceways and custom bolts. There’s a slight difference but nothing significant. The biggest advantage to this is the elimination of upward bolt body deflection during bolt cycling (closing the bolt) and downward during the firing process (release of the trigger sear and striker). On a 600 yard+ rifle, little things make a difference. In competition, you can’t give the next guy the equipment advantage.
 
#3
Re: Is having your bolt customized worth the cost?

Roscoe's right, there is value in the details but from my experience, sometimes the gains from the type of work you are describing can be hard to measure.

The work you are describing can cost a lot to have done right and a better option might be to trade your action to George for one of his customs and pay the difference. Probably be close to a cost neutral option if you consider the cost of said machine work.

Once, on a simular type build, I measured the bolt raceway with a plug gauge and had PT&G grind me a custom dia bolt. I was very happy with the out come and would go that way again if I had a 700 with a real sloppy bolt. If I was starting from scratch and had to buy an action, I would go with one of the more economical customs.
 
#4
Re: Is having your bolt customized worth the cost?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: mdesign</div><div class="ubbcode-body">If I was starting from scratch and had to buy an action, I would go with one of the more economical customs. </div></div>

Thats what I tell people all the time. In the end, the custom is going to be cheaper in cost and much better in quality.
 
#5
Re: Is having your bolt customized worth the cost?

My custom rifles had a basic treatment of squaring the action. They shoot real good!! Depends on what your after as to whats right for you. If you play in the desert I wouldn't want the tight tolerances, as your gun could fail. Bench guns will have those ever so tight tolerances not tactical rifles (usually) Lee
 
#6
Re: Is having your bolt customized worth the cost?

remember what you are doing here.....this rifle is nothing more than a tool...

have a reason to hang any aftermarket trinkets on said tool.....read....it got to make a difference and it got to allow for something.

of course...if all you are after is a safe queen or pretty pictures of pool-side gun porn....then, the world is your oyster.
 
#7
Re: Is having your bolt customized worth the cost?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: mdesign</div><div class="ubbcode-body">a better option might be to trade your action to George for one of his customs and pay the difference. Probably be close to a cost neutral option if you consider the cost of said machine work.</div></div>

There you have it!

You are on your own on the bolt fluting. Its pretty I guess.

Consider overall weight in your build process and if you are close to the weight limit bolt fluting may be worthwhile (as would a fluted barrel-although personally I'd go shorter and stiffer vs fluted and longer) to shave ounces and a AI/Anschutz phenolic (plastic) ball bolt knob is lighter than the "tactical" counterparts.

As BR said-its a tool and the outcome will be best if its designed for the end function.
 
#8
Re: Is having your bolt customized worth the cost?

The 1st sentence in my original post states the purpose of this build. F-TR class matches. It will not be a safequeen, and it will not be an AKM.

The Templar action is VERY interesting, and with the amount of money that I'd aready planned to spend on this buid, it may be a good option. I'll call Kerry tomorrow to see if work has already begun, and if not I'll ask to have George call me upon his return. Thanks for this option guys, with 2 other 700's (.223 & .308) already in the safe at home, it may have been just the anwser I was looking for.
 
#10
Re: Is having your bolt customized worth the cost?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: BOLTRIPPER</div><div class="ubbcode-body"> ....and sell the original bolt.</div></div>

Selling the original bolt can cover about half of the cost of the above kit. At least in my case it did and I didn't have to pay for all the machine work and welding to get it put together.
 
#11
Re: Is having your bolt customized worth the cost?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: BOLTRIPPER</div><div class="ubbcode-body">is a must (for people of my ilk) </div></div>

Did I miss where the handle is <span style="text-decoration: line-through">tig-welded then </span>reinforced with hardened screws, for people of your ilk? (oops, just read the download and saw the tig weld bead-you'd still need reinforcing screws though!)

In all seriousness that looks like a nice bolt. I like the reduced diameter ejector and firing pin holes.
 
#12
Re: Is having your bolt customized worth the cost?

I spoke to Kerry today, and I'm gonna be the owner of a Templar!
grin.gif


I offered my Remington action to them as payment towards my build, but I'll have to wait for George to get back in town to see if he's interested. If not, I may have a .308 factory 26" barreled action for sale soon.
wink.gif


Thanks to all for your comments, I think there's no doubt that I'll be absolutely satisfied with my decision.
 
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