Gunsmithing Polishing my Savage bolt.

[RotARy15]

I just got my 110 BA Bolt handle that I'm going to install on my Savage 10 FCP-K.

Now that I have the bolt apart, I'm getting ready to polish it.

My question is, would it do any good or any harm to polish the part of the locking lugs that directly contacts the bolt raceways? I'm not talking about the backside of the lugs that actually lock the bolt. Just the parts that slide on the raceway. Mainly the lower rails since the tops don't show wear.

I ask because I see wear on them and figured I might as well polish anything that shows contact.

 

[Force_Multiplier]

Re: Polishing my Savage bolt.

just like the lug engagement surfaces, it would be better to lap them

 

[RotARy15]

Re: Polishing my Savage bolt.

On the subject of lapping, I have only seen people lap the engagement surfaces with the barrel out of the action. I don't have the tools or desire for this.

I don't know how I would clean out the lapping compound without access to the front of the action. Therefore, I haven't attempted it.

But I guess I could lap the raceways. Would lapping/polishing the raceway contact point even make any noticeable change?

 

[Force_Multiplier]

Re: Polishing my Savage bolt.

probably not... but Remington 40x bore cleaner ( mild abrasive suspended in oil) makes it easy to mild lap the action.... then clean it out w/ brake parts cleaner

 

[Casey Simpson]

Re: Polishing my Savage bolt.

You can polish the surface easily with a boot lace, and a leather one would be swell, with a bit of flitz or baking soda smeared on. Try 1500grit sandpaper lubricated with oil on the bolt body clamped down and using a shoeshine motion. If you're really nuts about shine, finish the bolt body with a leather belt using the same motion at the 1500grit sandpaper.

Clean completely, grease lugs lightly, and lube the body with an ever so thin application of earl (oil in the north).

Then, once its all shiny you'll feel like polishing your knob, but use a finer grit.