Gunsmithing Benefits of a ptg bolt

[taseal]

Just curious what kind of benefits I'm getting on a ptg bolt compared to a regular R700 bolt...

Lugs are squared off, the bolt face is true, and of course the bolt is one piece and already threaded for a knob. The fluting as well.

Oh, and better extraction system which I probably can't install myself. Lol

Anything else I missed out?

I'm sending my rifle to a smith, and he's gonna lap the lugs, but that's it. Then I was gonna have kampfeld customs put a ti flute on the bolt.

Trying to see if it's worth the extra ~150 bucks to get a ptg bolt instead, or if I should spend that money on some other equipment for the rifle (like 500 bullets, or Chucks IOTA attachment for dry firing)

 

[EZaccuracy]

Re: Benefits of a ptg bolt

I have installed PT&G bolts in the last 4 rifles I built. The main benefit I see is being able to order the bolt body in and OD you want. I have been using their raceway reamer which opens up the action to .705. Then I order a bolt in .703. The end result is a nice tight fit. I have been very happy with the results.

 

[customshooter]

Re: Benefits of a ptg bolt

same here....

 

[bohem]

Re: Benefits of a ptg bolt

You can get PTG bolts with milled flutes for a few bucks over the cost of a baseline bolt.

The cost comparison is essentially a wash between that and having the bolt fluted (unless you were part of Chad Dixon's group buy from a couple months ago).

I would order the PTG bolt with a Defiance mini-16 extractor, the extractor kit, and a bolt handle to have it welded on and properly timed at the time of barreling. Pull the guts from your current bolt and install in the new one, then sell the current bolt body, you'll recover about $75-$100 on here (depending on condition, bolt face, etc.)

If your gunsmith doesn't do welded handles that's not a big deal, there are several who do on this place and I'm sure you can arrange to get it done.

If the 'smith is only going to lap the lugs in place instead of actually re-cutting the mating surfaces then my suggestion is that it is time to shop for a new barrel fitter.

My advice is based upon the assumption that your rifle actio has not been "trued up" at this point.

 

[Emilio]

Re: Benefits of a ptg bolt

I'm with EZaccuracy, especialy since he builds my rifles.

 

[STR]

Re: Benefits of a ptg bolt

I agree with Bohem. Lapping lugs only is not the way to go. Don't mean to step on toes, just advising there is much more to it than that. Just ask the smiths on this site. BTW, yes, the bolt is worth the cost if done properly. Good luck with your build.

 

[The Animal]

Re: Benefits of a ptg bolt

Depending on your economic situation, another option to consider is selling the barreled action you have and getting a Stiller or Surgeon that's already perfect. You won't be out much more money and the actions need "zero" truing work to them.

 

[STR]

Re: Benefits of a ptg bolt

I 100% agree with starting with a custom action like a Stiller. You will save money, depending on who does the work.