I am posting this question for my brother. He has a stainless Ruger 77 Mark II in 270 Win that he has been hunting with for about 10 years. The action has recently become so rough that it is difficult to cycle quickly without hanging up.

This rifle is not heavily used and only has maybe 10 boxes of ammo through it. I looked at the action and it apprears to have galling in the bolt raceways.

How can this problem be fixed and what metal treatments will prevent its return.

I was on ROBAR's website and they state that their blackened stainless steel finish prevents galling. Any experience with this finish?

Thanks
jnc91

When gun makers first made stainless steel guns there was a problem of galling [ cold welding ]. This problem was solved or at least I thought. There are a number of lubes specifically developed for preventing galling such as RIG +P.

Bump

Okay, I'll try. No guarantees, though.

If it's the same as "thread galling," it happens when, usually, stainless steel is pressed together under great pressure, as in an overtightened screw. The pressure between the two mating surfaces breaks down the protective surface oxides. With the oxides missing, the high points of the metal can sheer and lock together.

I'd try lubricating it with a specialty product for galling and see if that works. Polishing the lugs and raceways might help.

Think of this answer as a helpful "btt," rather than a solution...

Jaywalker

Have you contacted Ruger to see what they advise? That would be one of the things I would do. They are touted as having pretty responsive customer service.

Merry Christmas

SS actions will never be as smooth as Cr-Mo, and it does not take a lot of pressure to cause SS on SS to gall. A lubricant must be used where the metals contact. If I were considering Robar or other low friction coating, I would just have the bolt coated - probably lots cheaper than doing the receiver also.