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Reshaping military bolt knobs to teardrop shape
Reshaping military bolt knobs to teardrop shape
Most of my sporterized and semi-custom Mauser 98 & 96 rifles have bent military bolt handles modified for scope clearance. I have heard that the round military bolt knobs can be carefully reshaped to replicate custom/commercial teardrop shaped knobs. This seems like a good alternative to the expense of fitting new bolt handles. Has anybody done this? Any guidelines and pics would be appreciated.
24 July 2008, 17:51
Dall85Jack Hamrick has done one for me. He stretches the bolt slightly while contouring for the scope then grinds the bolt into a teardrop shape. I am certain many other g'smith's do this, but Jack really does a great job. I will try and post a picture later.
Jim
24 July 2008, 18:47
clowdisI have always thought that a military bolt that is just bent to clear a scope was too short. I haven't tried it but seems like it would be better to extend the handle a bit and then attach a teardrop knob. Reshaping the knob may give it a better feel though, making the handle seem longer. I'd be interested in hearing someone's thoughts on this too.
"Peace is that brief glorious moment in history when everybody stands around reloading".
In my shop It would probably be cheaper to weld on a new, nicer handle. The time to bend and do a good job filing a the stock knob would eaisly be as much or more as just putting a new one on with better lines. Not that it can't be done, it's just a time thing.
25 July 2008, 00:28
gunmakerI've used a 4-jaw and a cup center to set up the bolt in the lathe and turn the bubble off the knob. It is easiest to setup on a straight bolt.
25 July 2008, 01:15
CheechakoRound knobs can be functional and attractive with the right treatment. Here's one that I made plus a teardrop shaped one also.
Ray
Arizona Mountains
25 July 2008, 01:50
clowdisCheechako,
Those look pretty darn nice. Looks like you've inserted a checkered ball or something into the ends. Very unique and attractive approach.
"Peace is that brief glorious moment in history when everybody stands around reloading".
25 July 2008, 02:32
Cheechakoclowdis
How those are made is a very closely guarded secret. I will reveal it only to anyone who asks.

Ray
Arizona Mountains
25 July 2008, 07:10
GunCatquote:
Originally posted by Cheechako:
clowdis
How those are made is a very closely guarded secret. I will reveal it only to anyone who asks.

Ray
I'll be standing over here listening carefully when someone asks

How about cut off flipped over and rewelded. Though it's not pear shaped.
quote:
Originally posted by clowdis:
I have always thought that a military bolt that is just bent to clear a scope was too short. I haven't tried it but seems like it would be better to extend the handle a bit and then attach a teardrop knob. Reshaping the knob may give it a better feel though, making the handle seem longer. I'd be interested in hearing someone's thoughts on this too.
25 July 2008, 08:12
WestpacThose knobs look like they could have been checkered and the brass ring added to disguise the border. It looks pretty clean.
_______________________________________________________________________________
This is my rifle, there are many like it but this one is mine. My rifle is my best friend, it is my life.
25 July 2008, 08:37
CheechakoThose knobs are made the same way that many of the custom knobs were made by the old masters. I'm sure you've seen some of those knobs and wondered, "How did they do that checkering, with no border and no over-runs?" Well, they were made the same way that Ivory or silver, or gold inlays were. They were seperate pieces that were glued in.
For mine you need a lathe, of course. The knob is hollowed out and the brass ring (sleeve) and checkered part are glued in.
Westpac hit on another method. Checker the knob and then cut a circular recess into which you fit a ring or sleeve. The sleeve can be some exotic material if that suits your fancy.
Now you know.

Of course, some of the REAL masters actually checkered them in one piece, with no border and no overruns. I wish I could do that.
Ray
Arizona Mountains
25 July 2008, 09:18
WestpacI wonder how a glass eye would look in one of those?

_______________________________________________________________________________
This is my rifle, there are many like it but this one is mine. My rifle is my best friend, it is my life.
Thanks for the comments. I guess if one asked a gunsmith to reshape the military bolt knob, the cost would be equal to- or more than having a whole new bolt handle welded on. I was thinking of reshaping the knob myself (cost = $0) with files and my Dremel tool. Some time ago I found a DIY article on the Net detailing how it was done on a M96 knob...can't find it now.