Gunsmithing model 700 bolt lapping

[maddawg]

Hello Gang
I have lapped a few Mausier actions in my day , however right now I am working on my 700 rem, say will some one fill me in on their methods?
best regards Maddawg

 

[hntbambi]

Re: model 700 bolt lapping

I have been using one of the lapping tools brownells sells.

 

[Mgordon]

Re: model 700 bolt lapping

I'm sure you know the point of lapping lugs, You just need to make sure you are not putting a taper on the lugs too much. I have seen lugs that look like they have been lapped for days.

Check frequently and ensure your only lapping to get the contact that you need. Make sure you push the bolt forward and compress the cocking piece when you are lowering the bolt handle the first time so your not wiping off the compound.

Use Machinist Layout Blue to check the contact, that will give you a more accurate reading where the contact is, also do not degrease the metal, just wipe clean when checking so you dont gall the lugs.

Mark

 

[Keith Johns]

Re: model 700 bolt lapping

OP,

Are you planning on lapping with the barrel on? Using the firing pin assembly as the rearward pressure?
I hear about people doing this to factory actions because they aren't ready for truing work and rebarrel yet.
I advise against it. Bolt lapping should be done to polish up a truing job. Done with the barrel off, and the pressure being applied by a tool that screws into the action face.

Doing it with the barrel on, to an untrue action, isnt helping you one little bit IMO. Not only that but if you remove .001" to .002", you now have to worry about headspace.


If you are talking about doing it to a stripped down action, with the barrel off and truing done, then do it to it with 600 grit lapping compound and even rearward pressure pushing back on the bolt face. Firing pin assembly removed. Like Mark said make sure you dont remove the lapping compound/oil inserting the bolt.
I feel lapping should be done after truing, to simply polish the surfaces to a mirror finish. I remove almost nothing when I've lapped bolts.

 

[69icarus]

Re: model 700 bolt lapping

Good Info.. I just had an action trued and have been waiting on the barrel. it makes sense to do it with the barrel off..

 

[maddawg]

Re: model 700 bolt lapping

well unfortunately i have the barrel on, so i will have to lap it this way... any more ideas?

 

[customshooter]

Re: model 700 bolt lapping

why are you doing this? a little more info would help to ascertain your purpose so that we may provide the best guidance...