Gunsmithing Surgeon Bolt?

KPK

Sergeant
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Minuteman
Mar 2, 2009
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Oklahoma
Can you leave a Surgeon bolt w/o coating and it not rust? I thought I read it was nitrited, but didn't know if that would keep it from rusting???
 
Re: Surgeon Bolt?

Thanks for the info. Kind of thinking it can't be much different than a blued rifle or even the bore of a chromoly barrel....keep it oiled and it won't rust...
 
Re: Surgeon Bolt?

Terry Cross (KMW) nitrides has the Surgeon bolts on the rifles he builds. However, I don't think all other builders are doing this. I could be wrong but my KMW is nitrided (generic term) and I've seen GAP build Surgeons that appear to be coated with something else.
 
Re: Surgeon Bolt?

Heat treated steels with a good finish on them seem to be less likely to "orange up" than soft/unfinished materials.

I'm not exactly certain on this, but it's just something I've noticed over the years. Nesika bolts are made from 4340 and heat treated to around 35HRC. We would lightly polish them (as they are ground to size so the finish is pretty nice to start with) during final assy and leave them in the white.

If you brush your teeth with it, it'll likely pit in the flute roots, but by and large they stayed in good shape. I think if you just use a light coat of good oil you'll be fine in most instances. Geography plays into this too so if your coastal be a little more liberal/frequent with the oil.

Good luck and hope this helped.

C.
 
Re: Surgeon Bolt?

Surgeon has continued to refine they way they produce and finish their bolts over the last few years. If you are unsure and need to know exactly what they are doing to them, contact Stephen Barrier at Surgeon.

Starting about 3 years ago, I am using Robar's NP3+ on bolt, firing pin and cocking piece. It has become my standard for now and I am having good results.

You just need to look at where the rifle will be going and how much maintenance will be allowed, then decide what fits your particular needs best.

Call Stephen for a start.

Good luck.
 
Re: Surgeon Bolt?

None of the bolts I've ever received from Surgeon were Nitrided. Although all UGSW bolts for the Model 911 are now Nitrided, I've not made it a practice of Nitriding the Surgeon bolts. I generally Cerakote or Birdsong the Surgeon bolts, but I've not known them to rust without any finish on them (or at least they haven't rusted while sitting in the shop waiting to be used).
 
Re: Surgeon Bolt?

Thanks for all the responses guys. I'm thinking I'll just keep it lubed for now and if needed I'll just coat it. May coat the handle and pin shroud and leave the bolt body uncoated....