Bolt handle upgrade
- Thread starter rayzorloo
- Start date
The lollipop style handle can be machined away, the resulting shank threaded, and a new knob installed. The body diameter and back sweep angle are such that my PT&G R700 bolt handle jig worked just fine for doing the conversion on the 783 bolt.
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Handles may be purchased from various suppliers. Threading the shank for a knob is the big part of the job. I turned the smaller knob from a piece of CRS.
The larger knob was made from the breech section of a scrap R700 barrel breech. This knob is neatly hollowed out on its large end - the shoulder and neck portions of the '06 chamber. I knurled this one. Both knobs were blasted with aluminum oxide grit, then cold blued. Made a decent match with the finish on the bolt. Truth be told, when I am doing a bolt handle alteration, I can't be bothered ordering a knob, they are quick and easy to make. Can be any desired size and shape. I thread the shanks and knobs 5/16-24.
The larger knob was made from the breech section of a scrap R700 barrel breech. This knob is neatly hollowed out on its large end - the shoulder and neck portions of the '06 chamber. I knurled this one. Both knobs were blasted with aluminum oxide grit, then cold blued. Made a decent match with the finish on the bolt. Truth be told, when I am doing a bolt handle alteration, I can't be bothered ordering a knob, they are quick and easy to make. Can be any desired size and shape. I thread the shanks and knobs 5/16-24.
It is a pretty straightforward job. Jig in the 3 jaw chuck. Clamp the stripped bolt in place. CAREFULLY set up the bolt in the jig. You are cutting a part that is not readily replaceable. Double check the setup. Use a center drill to drill a spot in the end of the knob for the tail center so the shank will be well supported. Start turning off the knob. Go easy, double check the setup. Turn to desired diameter. Set the lathe up for threading. Cut the threads. Check the fit of the knob, including the transition from the knob to the shank. Some will cut or grind off most of the knob to speed up the turning operation.
There is also a jig that allows a vertical mill to be used.
Some folks have cut down the knob by hand. It is do-able.
There is also a jig that allows a vertical mill to be used.
Some folks have cut down the knob by hand. It is do-able.
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A common problem with machining the casted remington bolt handles is that there can be cavities due to pockets of air introduced during the casting process.
LRI explains it here: https://www.longriflesinc.com/colle...services-m700-tactical-bolt-knob-installation
Just something to keep in mind, if you plan on machining the bolt. There is a very real possibility that you will encounter this problem.
LRI explains it here: https://www.longriflesinc.com/colle...services-m700-tactical-bolt-knob-installation
Just something to keep in mind, if you plan on machining the bolt. There is a very real possibility that you will encounter this problem.
I've seen the occasional void in the casting. It does happen.
A threaded stud as shown in the link would work. Or, the replacement knob could be made with a threaded stem which could fit a hole drilled and tapped in the shank. Only downside that I can see to threading the shank internally is that the threaded hole is less than a quarter of an inch in diameter. There is not a whole lot of steel in the shank.
I have seen 700 handles altered by cutting the shank and welding, not unlike the conversion done on a Mauser bolt, except part way down the shank. One would have to be extremely careful to protect the brazed joint if this is done.
I've also altered Savage 110 series handles. The handle is a separate piece, so it can be mounted directly in a lathe, no jig needed. The knob area might need to be annealed before machining.
A threaded stud as shown in the link would work. Or, the replacement knob could be made with a threaded stem which could fit a hole drilled and tapped in the shank. Only downside that I can see to threading the shank internally is that the threaded hole is less than a quarter of an inch in diameter. There is not a whole lot of steel in the shank.
I have seen 700 handles altered by cutting the shank and welding, not unlike the conversion done on a Mauser bolt, except part way down the shank. One would have to be extremely careful to protect the brazed joint if this is done.
I've also altered Savage 110 series handles. The handle is a separate piece, so it can be mounted directly in a lathe, no jig needed. The knob area might need to be annealed before machining.
Hollow Point
CGN Regular
- Location
- New Brunswick
Go Big Tactical has assorted bolt knobs from anarchy outdoors. i'm not sure if the threads are the same, you would have to ask.
https://www.gobigtactical.ca/online-store-1/?store-page=Anarchy-Outdoors-c36230112&offset=16
https://www.gobigtactical.ca/online-store-1/?store-page=Anarchy-Outdoors-c36230112&offset=16
