I've read a lot of very helpful information on snipershide about barrel break-in (or not) and barrel cleaning. But I haven't been able to find much information on the bolt. Does anybody have any advise on how to properly maintain, clean and lubricate the bolt, rails, etc. thank you.
Gunsmithing Advise on precision rifle (AI AX) bolt cleaning and lubrication
- Thread starter sweet17
- Start date
Wipe it off, a little bit of white grease like TW-25 put on clear not heavy.
You can use Froglube, again really light, shooters choice all weather grease.
Honestly you don't need to do much with it.
You can use Froglube, again really light, shooters choice all weather grease.
Honestly you don't need to do much with it.
surprisingly little. this is my first bolt gun, and i'm just surprised at how little (apparently) they need in the way of cleaning and lubrication. i have a SCAR 17 and the forums have tons of detailed write-ups, pictures, drawings, 3D renderings, animations, videos, etc. explaining where, when, why and how to tear everything apart to clean and lubricate 
i'm just surprised at how these precision rifles seem so different. almost like shoot it, throw it in the dirt, stomp on it, throw it in the back of the truck and if it happens to rain or snow on it then wipe it off. but not too much or your groups will open up. LOL.
i'm just surprised at how these precision rifles seem so different. almost like shoot it, throw it in the dirt, stomp on it, throw it in the back of the truck and if it happens to rain or snow on it then wipe it off. but not too much or your groups will open up. LOL.
I keep mine lightly greased. The emphasis is on "light" - this isn't an automotive wheel bearing, although I do use the same type of grease
I have one AI out of several that i have never taken the bolt apart and I have never applied anything to it.
There is no need to touch it unless you submerge the rifle. If you are doing normal shooting, even if it rains a bit, I don't see a reason to take it apart.
If you want to consider it, once every 8,000 rounds you can take the bolt apart and clean it. Otherwise leave it alone.
Really light rim oil on the springs more like wiping it off than on.
There is no need to touch it unless you submerge the rifle. If you are doing normal shooting, even if it rains a bit, I don't see a reason to take it apart.
If you want to consider it, once every 8,000 rounds you can take the bolt apart and clean it. Otherwise leave it alone.
Really light rim oil on the springs more like wiping it off than on.
Bolts need cleaning, both inside and out. Everyone will clean the outside and put some grease on it but few take the time to remove the firing pin assy and make sure the bore of the bolt hasn't filled with crud. For those who haven't had it happen consider yourselves lucky. For those that want to make sure that the rifle is 100% reliable, a periodic internal cleaning is in order. You don't have to break the bolt down to all it's component parts, but at least clean the firing pin channel and inside bore. Flush any crap that has accumulated on or around the spring off as well. A small amount of lube on sliding surfaces is all it needs when it gets reassembled.
[MENTION=59903]Deadshot2[/MENTION]
You're an over cleaner, and more rifles have been ruined by over cleaning than shooting.... shoot more clean less.
I can post images of that bolt that has not been cleaned and I guarantee it perfect... There is no reason to break it down that often.
You're an over cleaner, and more rifles have been ruined by over cleaning than shooting.... shoot more clean less.
I can post images of that bolt that has not been cleaned and I guarantee it perfect... There is no reason to break it down that often.
There's a difference between "Cleaning" and "Overcleaning". I said "periodic" not after every session. Considering that I shot over 10K rounds through my last barrel and only cleaned the bolt 6-7 times I don't think I'm an over-cleaner.
You also need to consider that different rifles, used in different circumstances, can need more or less attention. I've seen more than a few bolts that have never been cleaned and by the same token saw more than just a few that kept giving light primer strikes. Seems like their owners had never cleaned them and both carbon and small particles of brass from the case being "hooked" by the extractor had been pounded into a fairly thick "washer" in the firing pin channel.
Again, you can either spend some time on "periodic" maintenance or you can wait for a failure due to lack of maintenance. Choice is always up to the owner.
You're changing your story and I don't believe your 6 or 7 times, I bet 10+ you're under playing it.
If you shoot 10k rounds 4x is more than enough, 2x is periodic when it comes to breaking your bolt down.
Sure your individual circumstances might change that slightly, but generally speaking. It's unnecessary.
If you shoot 10k rounds 4x is more than enough, 2x is periodic when it comes to breaking your bolt down.
Sure your individual circumstances might change that slightly, but generally speaking. It's unnecessary.
I am personally have not cleaned all my AWs or AXs since I purchased them. I have an 09 AW that hasn't seen a cleaning rod or a brush since 2011. I shoot in south Texas where the fine dust manages to get into everything. These rifles are built for such environments. Shit these bitches are expensive and in that respect they are expected to sustain abuse. I bought them for that particular reason, and they are accurate as hell with GAP barrels. Just shoot brother and forget. Shit you can probably afford to clean it when you install a new barrel .
I hear what you and others are saying. It's good to know these rifles are so robust that they can get by fine with seemingly little mantenance. I just figured I have plenty of spare time (I'm retired) and I actually enjoy cleaning and maintaining all of my guns. I'm almost disappointed that I don't need to clean and lubricate the AI AX more often I understand and agree with all the explanations from very experienced hide members about "minimal" barrel cleaning. But I figured I could at least pay some attention to the bolt from time to time by wiping it off and applying a very small amount of grease to appropriate areas.
I understand and agree with all the explanations from very experienced hide members about "minimal" barrel cleaning. But I figured I could at least pay some attention to the bolt from time to time by wiping it off and applying a very small amount of grease to appropriate areas.I'm certain you've had bolts let you down in the field because you didn't clean them enough, right?
