How many times can a mauser bolt handle be changed without ruining the heat treatment of the bolt?

The reason I ask is because every once in awhile I run into a real nice (except for the bolt handle) Mauser Rifle for sale that has had the bolt handle either changed or bent.

Everything else about the action is good, but these bolt handles are ugly. Some have been bent using heat and then had that bolt cut off and another ugly bolt welded on.

How much can a mauser bolt stand before its ruined?

Indefinitely as long as Bubba didn't commit one or both cardinal sins; heat the thing so much that the actual front lugs are softened (which is actually hard to do, even for the most rank amateur), or, distorted the internal threads. Using a heat sink might help....
If he used a TIG welder and a quick hand, even the cocking cam wouldn't be softened. If he did soften it, they can be re-hardened; I use Kasenite, which is no longer made.
If you have a small acetylene torch you can heat only the very edge of the cam and it might not even need more carbon. Depends.
Anyway, don't be afraid of them.

I agree. I always used a heat sink threaded into the bolt body but you're right, there are some bubbas out there that have no business breathing. I had one bring in a vintage Parker dbl.that the bbls were starting to separate so he arc welded them back together + couldn't understand why I was upset. It wasn't my shotgun after all.

I figured a heat sink couldn't hurt, and they were cheap from Brownells at the time.

quote:

Originally posted by Atkinson:
I figured a heat sink couldn't hurt, and they were cheap from Brownells at the time.

Wait til you get a PORFESSIONAL bubba that ends up welding in the heat sink! I've seen it all....

Whew! that would be a good reason to shoot first and ask questions later...