Gunsmithing Accurize the bolt or replace it?

[freedomfighter]

I recently got a Rem 700 SPS in .308. I'm planning on putting some coin into this rifle over time. Just put a Nikon Monarch 5-20X44 on it (it ain't a Nightforce but i'm not rich either), next step is a H-S Precision Pol. Sniper stock, green camo me thinks.

Then its going to be time to look at the bolt. I've read that a lot of people have their bolt accurized by a gunsmith. I'm not exactly sure what that entails but i'm curious as to whether I should do that or just buy an aftermarket bolt, I know MidwayUSA has PTG bolts for around $300 but I don't know how good they are or if they would be as good or better than having my stock bolt reworked by a gunsmith.

So I guess what I need are opinions on accurize vs. aftermarket and who makes quality aftermarket bolts as i really have no experience to judge that, only what their ads tell me and they are trying to sell products so OF COURSE theirs will be the best.

I figure this is the best place to come for expert opinion on this matter.

 

[300sniper]

Re: Accurize the bolt or replace it?

don't waste you money on bolt work just yet. when it is time to rebarrel, at that point it makes sense to have your receiver and bolt trued. i wouldn't spend the money on an aftermarket bolt unless you were changing to a cartridge with a different bolt face.

a true bolt in a crooked receiver is still an untrue action.

 

[bohem]

Re: Accurize the bolt or replace it?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: 300sniper</div><div class="ubbcode-body">...a true bolt in a crooked receiver is still an untrue action. </div></div>

Well said, and that doesn't account for the headspace headaches that can be created too.

When you're ready for a re-barrel job have the receiver cleaned up and get the factory bolt done. If you're changing calibers or you want to go to a 1 piece bolt handle then get a PTG.

Figure in the costs that you're putting into the rifle over time though too. Does it make sense to pay $150-$300 here and there about 8+ times to chase down the quality (and never quite get there) which you'll get from a semi-custom receiver from the start?

 

[gunnergirl81]

Re: Accurize the bolt or replace it?

The bolt/receiver interface and thier orientation to the bore is what produces the accuracy on thier part. The rest depends on the quality of the barrel. Its a 6 of one half a dozen of another situation. Stock or aftermarket the bolt will have to be lapped to the receiver, and the face trued. So as above, why waste money on an aftermarket bolt you would have to do the same work to? Unless you're changing calibers and need a different dia bolt face.

I spend my upgrade money in this order- Good stock, good tube, good glass. My hubby does the work so I can skip good smith. Good luck!

 

[freedomfighter]

Re: Accurize the bolt or replace it?

All good stuff, thanks. I've got a lot to learn about this but its a process and its ongoing. Thanks again.