I have a standard issue (1943 model) Mosin that I'd like to convert into a sniper version copy. The question that I have concers the bolt. I know that the straight bolt needs to be converted to a downward turned bolt. Is it possible to heat the bolt handle and bend it down, or would this destroy it?

quote:

Originally posted by kodmag1:
I have a standard issue (1943 model) Mosin that I'd like to convert into a sniper version copy. The question that I have concers the bolt. I know that the straight bolt needs to be converted to a downward turned bolt. Is it possible to heat the bolt handle and bend it down, or would this destroy it?

You can buy that part of the bolt with the handle already altered. Look here....
http://www.mosinnagant.net/Boltman/Boltman.html

IF you heated that part of the bolt, you might soften the cocking cam surface. The heat has to be confined to the handle portion only!

I hunt and do gunsmithing with a retired machinist who has hunted with 91/30s for 44 years.

He says there is no part of a 91/30 bolt that is hard.

I know when I converted one to 45/70, but bolt face was easy to cut.

Someone welded a 91/30 bolt handle for me 10 years ago and did not take the bolt apart. The firing pin spring was completely annealed.