Gunsmithing How do I install a Savage bolt handle?

[Creature]

I just acquired a large target style bolt handle and need to swap it out with a small, older style handle on my Stevens 200. Savage said they are interchangeable.

There's a Allen wrench head on the rear of the bolt and I'm assuming I need to loosen that in order to remove the bolt handle. I tried to do this but couldn't get it loose. I'm sure this is a easy process but I'm just missing a minor detail. Can some one give me the run down on how to swap this out?

 

[Keith Johns]

Re: How do I install a Savage bolt handle?

That allen screws comes out. Left = loose.

Theyre tight, but believe it will come loose.


Hit the wrench with a hammer... seriously


Keith

 

[mbrittan]

Re: How do I install a Savage bolt handle?

I take the bolt out of the rifle, and put the allen wrench in just a little to the right of the bolt handle when looking at it from the back (handle at 12:00, allen wrench at 1 or 2). Set the bolt on the bench or the floor with the allen wrench up off the bench, and give it a solid wack with the palm of the hand. I have never had one not come loose doing it this way. Plus, you don't need any vises or anything else accept for the allen wrench. Then once the bolt is removed, the old handle slides off. Put the new handle on. Replace bolt and tighten.

 

[geargrinder]

Re: How do I install a Savage bolt handle?

Put the allen wrench in at an angle. Put it on the floor and step on it.

It's also a good time to install a bolt lift kit. It's 357 or 38 pistol case trimmed down to the case head. Glue in a small ball bearing (5/32" if I remember correctly)into the primer pocket. Grind the end of the bolt screw by the thickness of the case rim and protrusion of the bearing. Drop the "kit" into the cocking sleeve apply a bit of grease and re-install the bolt screw.

It will noticeably reduce the bolt lift (cocking) effort.

 

[AXEMAN]

Re: How do I install a Savage bolt handle?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: geargrinder</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Put the allen wrench in at an angle. Put it on the floor and step on it.

It's also a good time to install a bolt lift kit. It's 357 or 38 pistol case trimmed down to the case head. Glue in a small ball bearing (5/32" if I remember correctly)into the primer pocket. Grind the end of the bolt screw by the thickness of the case rim and protrusion of the bearing. Drop the "kit" into the cocking sleeve apply a bit of grease and re-install the bolt screw.

It will noticeably reduce the bolt lift (cocking) effort. </div></div>

anyone have a pictue of this process? i kinda get it, but pictures would really help.

 

[sapper12b]

Re: How do I install a Savage bolt handle?

make sure make sure the bolt is against the floor and the position the allen wrench and then steep on it

 

[Queequeg]

Re: How do I install a Savage bolt handle?

Axe,

You can buy that lift kit too from various vendors like Stockys, Northlander and othe Savage suppliers.

 

[AXEMAN]

Re: How do I install a Savage bolt handle?

i know, and its really cheap, like $8. i dont think i have ever seen 5/32" ball bearing ast my local hardware store. is it a ball or a sealed bearing? plus i hear if you have the action trued and timed you wont need the kit. still, id like to see the process and or the kit. i think i can get the case from a neighbor. found some pics

so do i trim the cocking piece sleeve that the shell case fits into or the bolt assembly screw?

 

[Dolomite_Supafly]

Re: How do I install a Savage bolt handle?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: AXEMAN</div><div class="ubbcode-body">

so do i trim the cocking piece sleeve that the shell case fits into or the bolt assembly screw? </div></div>

People say you need to but I did not when I did mine and I felt a big difference.

The way I did mine was a little different though.

I took the sheel casing, drilled and tapped the primer hole to 8-32. I took a hardened 8-32 setscrew, rounded and polished the end that rides on the bolt assembly screw. Next I screwed the setscrew into the casing just enough for the rear piece to ride on without hitting the casing. This makes the setup much thinner than the ball bearing trick and probably the reason I didn't need to trim the cocking sleeve. Make sure you locktite the setscrew in place and let it set long enough to cure.

Dolomite

 

[AXEMAN]

Re: How do I install a Savage bolt handle?

so its pivoting on the set screw or ball bearing. hmmm. may have to try that. after i get the new bolt handle

 

[geargrinder]

Re: How do I install a Savage bolt handle?

The BAS shown in that picture is the toughest one to modify. The end after the threads needs to all come off. Plus you need to shorten into the threads by the thickness of the 357 case rim plus the amount the bearing protrudes.

I've also noted that blue BAS will dent a bit where the ball rests. The stainless ones I've done have not.

To answer your questions.

Yes it is just a ball.

Trim the BAS not the cocking sleeve.

If you get a T&T from SSS, it will get a lift kit. Fred is the one who invented it. It is part of the T&T.