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Skeletonizing a Rem SA bolt

beachhair234

Sergeant
Full Member
Minuteman
Aug 19, 2010
105
0
43
Austin, TX
I'm considering having my Remington 700 SA bolt skeletonized to reduce weight as much as possible without compromising integrity. Off the top of my head I'm thinking about fluting, milled bolt handle, alum bolt knob. Anyone know how much weight can reasonably be expected? As a comparison the stock bolt weighs 13.1 oz. Recommended gunsmiths?
 
Re: Skeletonizing a Rem SA bolt

There are a few options. Consider a new synthetic stock. Ones designed for hunting are going to be your best bet. Aluminum rings and base, and the type of scope will make a diffrence. Target/tactical scopes tend to carry more weight, so do ones with more bells and whistles like illumination, variable power, larger tube and objective diameters...ect.

Fluting is less about weight savings and more about increasing surface area. For bolts, it reduces the chance of freezing in cold climates and allows dirt to go somewhere besides the rails. Fluting a barrel allows more surface area to help barrels cool faster, and its also said to increase rigidity. If saving weight is your concern, you get more taken off by fluting the barrel. Remember, that bolt holds back tens of thousands of psi per shot, keep that in mind if you want somone milling away material that cannot be put back.

Remember everything else you put on as well. Sling, bipod, brake, stock pack, and all the other tidbits not though of. TBPH, your average bolt gun with a sporter barrel is good enough for most. Dont take it the wrong way, when I read your post I thought of all the import tuners I use to see at the track removing most of their interior to shave weight.


You didnt mention your intentions for the rifle, or the caliber its chambered in.
 
Re: Skeletonizing a Rem SA bolt

Don't have a clue on weight but I got mine done up here: http://www.kampfeldcustom.com/ Top Notch Machining and great service.


Here's mine, just needs some Cerakote!
DSC01522.jpg
 
Re: Skeletonizing a Rem SA bolt

I'll 2nd Karl at Kampfeld Customs. I had him do the bolt the same as BBsteel's bolt. Mine is a Gander Mtn Guide rifle in 243. The bolt on my scale weighed 12ozs. After Karl did his thing and I replaced the bolt shroud/firing pin with a Gre-tan lightweight unit, it now weighs 9.45ozs. Just the fluting doesn't do much on weight, the Gre-tan shaves the most weight. But Karls work looks cool so you get the bling factor:)
 
Re: Skeletonizing a Rem SA bolt

Yes go with Kampfeld for sure. I was going to have one done by Karl until I found a steal of a deal on a Rem 700 Titanium in 7 Mag and that was light enough for what I wanted.
 
Re: Skeletonizing a Rem SA bolt

Another vote for Karl @ Kampfeld! Top quality work! Fast turn around, too! He received my bolt for a fluting job on a Friday, and had it on its way back to me the next day. Got it back Monday. Just to give you some perspective, Karl's in Michigan, and I'm in Florida!