Gunsmithing Savage .223 dbm problem

[ajwcotton]

Sorry if this has been covered before, but heres my problem,
When I went to mock up my savage 223 with cdi bottom metal using AI magsthe bolt throw is too short to allow the bolt to strip the round out of the mag. There seems to be a collar on the bolt that limits how far back the bolt can travel. Is it OK to shorten this piece to allow the bolt to go farther back?
Thanks in advance,
Adam

 

[bohem]

Re: Savage .223 dbm problem

Do you mean the rotating gas block between the bolt head and the bolt body?

If yes, then it can be altered somewhat however it's a multi-function item in the action. It serves to wipe debris off the bolt lugs during lockup and it also acts as a gas block/diversion in the event of a ruptured case/primer as well as the bolt travel stop. You don't want to trim it out too much, but taking some off to get enough travel for the bolt travel should be fine. How much additional travel do you need?

 

[ajwcotton]

Re: Savage .223 dbm problem

The 223 version has an extended part of the gas block that seems like it's only function is to interact with the bolt stop to limit bolt throw for the 223 size case, the other 308 bolts gas block seems to be the same size on both sides.

 

[bohem]

Re: Savage .223 dbm problem

Yep, we're talking about the same thing. I trimmed it on my old Savage 223 action and didn't have any ill effects.

 

[ajwcotton]

Re: Savage .223 dbm problem

OK cool thanks

 

[geargrinder]

Re: Savage .223 dbm problem

Just for information, it's called the front baffle. It's very ok to trim it. No problems.

In fact, the old CRF WSM and RUM's were notched to allow more travel.

 

["HeysKSFirefighter]

Re: Savage .223 dbm problem

You can trim the extended front bolt baffle, or you can replace it with a "standard" front bolt baffle.

 

[SJshooter]

Re: Savage .223 dbm problem

I did a build on a Stevens .223 action, and I had the same problem so I experimented with the .308 baffle and found that worked perfect. Just one less piece to swap out if you change calibers.