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Gunsmithing Minor damage to Surgeon bolt

excess

Sergeant
Full Member
Minuteman
Oct 27, 2009
880
104
50
St Louis, MO
I just picked up a new Surgeon 591 action. After closely inspecting it I found a little bit of damage on the bolt. It looks like either something fell on the bolt, or the bolt was dropped. The package was opened when I got it; I imagine the gunshop that handled the transfer decided to play with it and caused the damage. Here is a description of the damage. On the front face of the bolt, nearest the extractor "rivit" it looks like something hit at about 45-degrees. I am at work and don't have calipers or anything like that with me, but I am guessing it created a ridge of about 0.005" or less on the cylindrical portion of the bolt. My thought is just to knock this down with some fine emery paper. The second thing I notice is at one side of the ejector retaining pin hole. The metal gets pretty thin in the hole where it is closest to the lug, and this has been smashed in ever so slightly. This is the one I am less confident about. I think I need to use something like a reamer or drill bit to remove the intrusion in the hole. Probably just a drill bit of the right size turned with my fingers only?

Any advice on these two issues? If I left them alone the ridge at the bolt face probably wouldn't be a problem, and I could just drive in the ejector pin from the other side, but I figured I'd try something to help it out.

Thanks.
 
Re: Minor damage to Surgeon bolt

I'd just call Surgeon and ask them.

Since it's already yours, you can ship it directly to them if repair is needed. They can ship it directly back, without any ham-handed goons at the dealer messing with it!

They may just want the bolt, which would be even easier.
 
Re: Minor damage to Surgeon bolt

Take a good sharp file and knock off the bur on the bolt body or emory cloth...whichever you feel more confident in.

The firing pin ratainer hole is an easy fix, just take a drill bit that will fit throught the other side and knock the burr off...or just put the pin from the other side.


Dont sweat it, I would definitely not take the time to send it back to Surgeon if the burrs are as slight as you describe. You are going to ave to finish with some coating anyway......
 
Re: Minor damage to Surgeon bolt

Thanks Gunjunkie, exactly what I was thinking, just wanted to hear it from someone.

And for the rest of you and your generous offers - who needs enemies with "friends" like you!
smile.gif
 
Re: Minor damage to Surgeon bolt

32.50
Metal moved in, just need to move it back out.
Funny thing about metal, they used to form horse shoes and other things out of it.

Call them first.
might be covered under shipping damage.

Once you drill or ream material out, it is harder to put back in.
 
Re: Minor damage to Surgeon bolt

I would put the PAIN on the people that caused the damage. I work for a busy dealer, and nothing like that happens, ever! We would be paying for it out of our paychecks if it did. Sorry to hear that. JPG
 
Re: Minor damage to Surgeon bolt

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Silverbullet-2</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I would put the PAIN on the people that caused the damage. I work for a busy dealer, and nothing like that happens, ever! We would be paying for it out of our paychecks if it did. Sorry to hear that. JPG</div></div>

I gave a new (to me) shop a try as I recently changed residence. My old dealer would NEVER open anything of mine without me present. These guys didn't even need to cut open the package to see the serial number as it is clear plastic. I guess they jus wanted to work the bolt a few times. Jackasses.

Funny how that works though - they are big Sig dealers and I thought about seeing if they would deal on a 556. I guess a missed sale will be the pain they get.
 
Re: Minor damage to Surgeon bolt

My local FFL never opens anything for me, he just has me let him know where it's coming from and then writes my name on the address label when it shows up. He hands me the utility blade to open the package when I get there. Find a new shop.

Before you do anything I'd call Surgeon to ask them what their advice would be, this way you don't risk any warranty issues.