M98 husqavarna bolt question

[mctrigger]

Picked up a used husky 9.3x62. But noticed some possible wear that may be concerning on the upper bolt lug. It tapers down a fair amount. There is a thumb cutout on this receiver, so perhaps it made lots of contact there. As well as possibly a worn or chipped extractor face. I’m new to Mauser actions. Any advice would be great. Is it a concern? Locks up fairly tight.

 

[Hitzy]

I don't see any abnormal wear on that, or I'm not noticing what parts are worn that are concerning you. Extractor may have a chip but probably works fine. Any standard 98 extractor will work if you feel the need to replace it.

 

[mctrigger]

Ah sorry pictures don’t show the depth I suppose. Second picture on the right side is the upper portion of the left lug. It’s dipped down on the leading side. Not much but certainly has wear. Back side of lugs are fine just that portion is of my concern.

 

[guntech]

What does that portion you are worried about do? Nothing really...

The extractor needs replacing if a qualified person can not regrind it and make it work so it will pop over a chambered round.

 

[riversrest]

I would replace the extractor for sure or better the whole bolt/rifle. Looks like really nasty grind marks on the one locking lug as well. Would like to see how the locking channel looks, lol. There must be a reason they have done that to the bolt.

 

[riversrest]

And I would take no excuse if it didn't come like this AS ADVERTISED.

I would not want a bolt like pictured in any of my rifles, period.

 

[Philthy1]

Clearly missing some material on the lug, but the actual locking surface could potentially be ok.

 

[riversrest]

Ma****t style, yeah.

 

[Warden70]

Clearly missing some material on the lug, but the actual locking surface could potentially be ok.

I agree, material looks as though its been sheared away. I'd check the top section of the lug raceway for any burs or damage. I would also replace the extractor claw. They are relatively cheap. the bearing surface of the lugs appears to be ok.

 

[mctrigger]

Thanks for the input. Race way on the reciever seem fine. No noticeable wear or material removed.

 

[Potashminer]

Only guesses what is going on with top edge of that bolt lug? Wear from poor operator technique? Ground away on purpose to allow poor technique? Odds are that chip from the extractor claw occurred from trying to force bolt closed onto a cartridge or a gauge or a "snap cap" that was inserted directly into the chamber - you said there is a thumb cut-out, so a military pattern mauser - MUST be loaded from the magazine - not made to insert one cartridge into the chamber and then close the bolt. A single cartridge must be snapped into the magazine and then the bolt will feed it into the chamber - from below. As GunTech mentions, some can grind that extractor claw to allow it to "snap over" a cartridge rim, but not how it came "from factory", nor how NOS replacements will be made. Compare to a M1917 - it WAS designed for single loading - much larger, different shape "claw" to it.

 

[mctrigger]

I think as mentioned above it’s poor operation. Torque on the bolt hits the milled portion of the thumb cutout. As it’s slightly lifted off the rail. Pretty bummed over it. Waited a while for this rifle but this wear on the bolt is a shame. The extractor I could deal with. Bore looks mint. I might have try to have it sent back.

 

[Potashminer]

If bolt lug is rising off the rail and that top surface of the lug is hitting that thumb cut out, might want to also inspect the underside of the bolt and the bolt body bearing surfaces underneath that rear receiver ring. For that lug to rise up off the rail, has to be some corresponding wear in opposite direction further back??? I had read in Roy Dunlap's "Gunsmithing" book that he would tap with punch downwards on the thin bottom of the "duck pond" (under the rear sight) on the M1917's to "tighten up" the bolt travel on those rifles - no idea at all if similar can be done on a mauser. Might not matter - for the lug to rise up, something behind that has to allow the bolt body to go down too far, to "tilt" it.

 

[9.3mauser]

I think as mentioned above it’s poor operation.

I don't know how many times I've cycled a mauser action over the last 35+ years, and I've never worn the top of the lug down like that. That was done with a grinder.

 

[mctrigger]

Thanks for the input guys. I think what has been mentioned Shows this is not normal. Much appreciated. The gun was fortunately able to be returned. The hunt continues for a unmolested 9.3x62.

 

[SHELL SHUCKER]

Tradeex has a few at present.
http://www.tradeexcanada.com/content/husqvarna-commercial-fn98-93x62-11

 

[BeaverMeat]

I’d wager it was modified. I’ve had a few Husqvarna rifles pass through my hands with questionable modifications.

 

[Hitzy]

Thanks for the input guys. I think what has been mentioned Shows this is not normal. Much appreciated. The gun was fortunately able to be returned. The hunt continues for a unmolested 9.3x62.

There are always the new Zastava M70's... decent rifles for the price.

 

[mctrigger]

I have a particular look in mind. M98 receiver ideally sporter military but commercial would likely be fine. With a barrel band and preferably schnabel forend. There are a few out there for sure. Just gotta find them.