Damage to new Savage bolt...thoughts?

[Wannashootit]

Third time out with my son's new .308 on Sunday.
Get home from the range and disassemble to clean, he shows me the bolt:

In battery, it lines up with the edge of the horizontal lug.

Natch, I have to call Savage tomorrow, but I was wondering if anyone has seen this before, and what a possible cause might be? Are these bolts cast, or machined?

 

[mwroseberry]

Re: Damage to new Savage bolt...thoughts?

Never seen or heard of that before but savage will send you a new bolt head. Easy to install and the part isn't that expensive at all.

Good luck,
Merritt

 

[-Snyper-]

Re: Damage to new Savage bolt...thoughts?

Not saying that it did, but it almost looks like something got between the lug and the guide in the gun. Is there any marks in the guides on the inside of the action?

 

[Danley]

Re: Damage to new Savage bolt...thoughts?

While it should still be close, I would recheck the headspacing when swapping boltheads.

 

[Wannashootit]

Re: Damage to new Savage bolt...thoughts?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Danley</div><div class="ubbcode-body">While it should still be close, I would recheck the headspacing when swapping boltheads. </div></div>

Good idea. I'll order a set of gauges.

 

[rezmedic54]

Re: Damage to new Savage bolt...thoughts?

Almost looks like it was hit with the edge of a hammer head. Also looks like the pin for the ejector has been beat on has he had it out for any reason??

 

[Wannashootit]

Re: Damage to new Savage bolt...thoughts?

No, not that I'm aware of...

 

[mscott]

Re: Damage to new Savage bolt...thoughts?

If it's brand new I'd guess something happened during assembly at the factory. If it were mine I'd file or stone those spots off and get on with shooting it.

 

[bama110]

Re: Damage to new Savage bolt...thoughts?

Looks like a flaw in the casting at the ejector pin. I think I would send the s
Whole rifle back and make them head space it if you can so without it. Otherwise it is easy to change and head spacing is also easy with a savage

 

[Hawk45]

Re: Damage to new Savage bolt...thoughts?

If it runs fine and the pin isn't protruding, I'd just keep shooting it. Did you notice if it was like that when you got it or after shooting? Maybe a file to any sharp edges. If it's shooting fine.. why pay and take the time to have a few burrs taken off. Now if it is not running smooth or hanging.. then yeah.. get it fixed.

 

[Quickdraw40]

Re: Damage to new Savage bolt...thoughts?

I assume if you get a new bolt head, you will have to recheck head spacing. $0.02

 

[sandwarrior]

Re: Damage to new Savage bolt...thoughts?

Wow!, in another thread we (some of us) were all over Remington for poor quality control (sticking the wrong gun in a box).

I think it's pretty obvious that someone missed while driving that pin. I'd get a hold of Savage ask them how they plan to make this right? Unfortunately, you've shot the rifle so it's also pretty much how nice you are as to how much they'll do for you. Plan on bringing that sugar/honey along for the vinegar you may have to serve.

 

[Jim See]

Re: Damage to new Savage bolt...thoughts?

A couple little ding marks in the edge of the bolt head???

use a needle file and smooth them up, not thaqt you need to they affect nothing.

It's a production gun if thats all that is wrong with it consider yourself lucky.

 

[Wannashootit]

Re: Damage to new Savage bolt...thoughts?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Hawk45</div><div class="ubbcode-body">If it runs fine and the pin isn't protruding, I'd just keep shooting it. Did you notice if it was like that when you got it or after shooting? Maybe a file to any sharp edges. If it's shooting fine.. why pay and take the time to have a few burrs taken off. Now if it is not running smooth or hanging.. then yeah.. get it fixed. </div></div>

That would be my vote...
No protrusions or burrs...it doesn't look like it could in any way affect the integrity of the bolt locking lug- correct?

Stupid question #1- I don't know anyting about the internal workings of the bolthead. Does the striker assmembly prevent the firing pin from falling if the bolt is not in battery? If that's not it's purpose, what is?

Is that small cross-pin that's showing now, in danger of running "through" the bolt now and causing any sort of problem?

Just want to do what's safe. Cosmetically, I could care less about a ding in a $20 bolthead.

If I'm better off replacing it, I'll see if Savage will just send me one. Then, what do I need to headspace? Go and No-Go gauges and some sort of special barrel tool?

I (rather, my son) doesn't want to be without the rifle for an extended period by sending it away unless it's necessary.

 

[Jerkface11]

Re: Damage to new Savage bolt...thoughts?

You shouldn't have to send it away. If you need a new bolt head you can change it yourself. Though as pointed out you should probably check the headspacing if you do.

 

[Quickdraw40]

Re: Damage to new Savage bolt...thoughts?

I thought you were worried about the dings in the locking lugs. I wouldn't worry about that casting flaw near the pin. Shoot it, enjoy it. $0.02

 

[Wannashootit]

Re: Damage to new Savage bolt...thoughts?

Thanks guys.
He wants to take it to 200 (longest available locally) next weekend for the first time. He'll be happy to hear the bolt head isn't an issue.