Cooey Bolt Disassembly

Ten90

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I just put this on the Gunsmithing forum, but maybe it's more appropriate here:


Is it possible to take apart an old cooey bolt?

Specifically, I would like to swap out the bolt handle.

Thanks!
 
I traded my Cooey a long time ago, but I seem to recall that the bolt handle was threaded on and could be twisted off.

I never fully stripped the bolt down, so I have no advice about total disassembly.
 
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There is no need to disassemble a Cooey bolt to swap out the bolt handle. As mentioned, originally, these were threaded into the bolt but may be very tight.

However, before you do that, be aware that the original bolt is also the locking lug for the rifle action. That flat part on the bolt root is what holds your bolt locked, and also provides the headspace for the rifle.

Not sure exactly why you want to change the bolt handle, but the knob should be screw threaded also, so if you want a longer bolt handle or larger knob, a threaded extension or larger knob can be made and threaded on.
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I keep on learning, tuition free! I always thought they were brazed on, but have never had call to remove the handle. The knob is threaded, but I only know that because I've seen them loose, at shows.

As stated, they are the only locking lug, so switching them will probably involve some fitting. If you do proceed, take pics of your project...be a good addition to the Cooey makeover thread, or even a cool sticky of it's own.
 
Thanks for all the helpful tips.

The reason I need to replace the handle only is because I inherited an old 39 from my late grandfather and have done a pretty decent job restoring it.

At some point when owned it, he must have lost the ball on the end of the handle. To fix this, he must have had someone braze a small nut on the end and somewhat build it up with brazing metal. It looks like crap.

I recent bought an old broken bolt from the EE (great transaction). The bolt is not the same size but the handles are identical.

I'm gonna heat the bolt first and try to screw the handle from there. I'll post how it goes..
 
Be careful heating the bolt. From what I have been told, if you heat it too much you will take the spring out of the spring. Not sure if this is true or not.
 
I doubt you would need to get it that hot...just more that you wouldent wanna touch it with bare fingers should be plenty
But do heat it quickly so the heat has not much time to transfer to the threaded part your removing
May also be wise to have the bolt already tightened up in the soft jaws of a vice before heating


I have never removed one myself...but have removed a great many stuck fasteners ofer the years with heat
 
Thanks for all the helpful tips.

The reason I need to replace the handle only is because I inherited an old 39 from my late grandfather and have done a pretty decent job restoring it.

At some point when owned it, he must have lost the ball on the end of the handle. To fix this, he must have had someone braze a small nut on the end and somewhat build it up with brazing metal. It looks like crap.

I recent bought an old broken bolt from the EE (great transaction). The bolt is not the same size but the handles are identical.

I'm gonna heat the bolt first and try to screw the handle from there. I'll post how it goes..

Your terminology is slightly off...
Bolt knob and bolt handle are two different things... the bolt handle controls the headspace and removing/replacing one is probably beyond your capabilities.

However the bolt knob is easily replaced.
 
Like camster said, you can either clean up or completely recreate the screw threads for the bolt handle. You'd need the right thread pitch/size die from a tap and die set.

There's also one of those Midway USA videos on YouTube I stumbled upon going over completely cutting off a bolt knob and replacing it with another. Pretty involved though and involves welding! Actually these days with the right welding wire and methods it seems that you can patch up or fill-in almost anything metal.... kind of like what someone tried to do on your "repair".
 
I'd be careful heating any bolt, I've read that when they weld a new bolt handle to a Mauser they use a heat sink inside the bolt body. It may be different for a Cooey though.

If you mess up that bolt you can always find a used one at Numrich (minus the extractor):

http://www.gunpartscorp.com/catalog/Detail.aspx?pid=1223440&catid=8123


Here is the Cooey Model 39 page:

http://www.gunpartscorp.com/catalog/Products.aspx?catid=8123

Unfortunately, they are sold out of the new bolt assembly.
 
The last time I made a bolt handle knob (ball) for a cooey, I believe that I used a 12-24 tap, if he is able to successfully remove the nut, which is now brazed on the end of the bolt handle, he would probably still need to use a threading die to clean up the threads on the bolt handle.
 
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