Iv'e been looking at tactical bolt handles by GA Precision and Badger, how hard are they to install. How are they installed may be a better question, I have access to a machine shop and have done quite a bit of machining so I intened to make my own knob, Installing it is where you guys come in, can you give me some pointers please. Regards Steve
Posts: 76 | Location: Los Angeles | Registered: 26 March 2003
The simple method is to clamp the bolt body in a pr. of v-blocks and in a mill vise with the handle pointing up. I then use a boring head (with cutter set to cut outside) to turn the bolt handle down to 5/16. I then use a die holder that can be guided on a mandrel to cut 5/16-24 threads on the shaft. This allows you to use different knobs of your choice. Alternative is to buy or make a bolt handle and remove the factor handle and replace it. This requires skill with silver solder, torch, etc. Another idea is to cut the knob from the original handle and weld on something. My choice is TIG but some use MIG.
Posts: 275 | Location: NW USA | Registered: 27 May 2001
The Remington bolt handles are silver soldered to the bolt bodies, so unless you are going to remove the bolt handle to make the modifications, be very careful how and where you apply heat.
Jay, What a great idea on how to turn down the Remington 700 bolt handle to accept a new knob! I've done dozens of them and I've used a gringer to turn the bolt down by hand and then treaded. But your method will allow me to leave a shoulder for a much better looking conversion. Can't wait to get out to the shop and try it. Thanks!
Thanks so much all of you guys that replied, Jay what a great idea man, it seases to amaze me the talent and creativity of the human mind. Best Regards Steve
Posts: 76 | Location: Los Angeles | Registered: 26 March 2003
Navrunner speaks the truth. Jeff "Celt" Hicks at HD Rifles will install a Badger knob AND do his signature bolt handle modification for $140. IT'S A STEAL. The bolt handle mod consists of three threaded pins that solidly attach the bolt handle to the bolt so it's a more secure attachment than silver solder alone. Celt did the bolt from my LTR last month and his work is superior. There is another option from a guy in Louisiana whose name I don't remember. A hollow steel handle instead of Badger's solid lightweight alloy. I personally like the Badger knob better. It's smooth instead of ridged and just feels better to use.
Posts: 257 | Location: Radio Free Texas | Registered: 20 September 2001
My dad has fitted a Badger knob on his 700 6.5 WSM and his 338 WSM both. They both turned out great. Grinder, die and some time to do the work was all they took. He also used JB weld with black die to secure it for good.
He's also had a silver soldered 700 bolt handle come off on him too. Tig welded that one back on for good. Celt has a sweet way to fix this problem I like a little better.
Personally, I think you should get Celt to do the job. I have seen R700 bolt hndles come off several times, and can tell you that the factory silver solder job is not heavy duty. Jeff's work is as heavy duty as such things can be made.
Bolt handles shouldn't come off.
They do it when handloaders load their rounds for too much pressure, either intentionally or otherwise.
Typically, if the bolt lugs lock up, you have other problems as well. Usually this involves galled bolt lugs. Proper lubrication of bolt lugs can reduce the frequency and severity of the problem, and cautious handloading can eliminatte it completely.
