The Accurate Reloading Forums
Source for Bolt Handle
14 April 2023, 00:48
ClemsonSource for Bolt Handle
I have a customer who wants a bolt handle with a round knob on a Mauser sporter. I usually use Talley handles, but he doesn't want a teardrop. Do any of you have a source for a handle with a round knob?
NRA Endowment Member
US Army Veteran
CWP Holder
Gunsmith
I have 50 of them; PM me your address and I'll send you some. You will have to lengthen the shank, depending on how long you want it.
I know of no commercial source because no one wants the military ball.
Get it, Military Ball. Been to many of them.
14 April 2023, 01:21
ClemsonThanks for the offer. I have a sack full of military cutoffs. I was hoping to find something already "put together". The bolt has a forged military handle now that is way too stubby to suit the customer, but he likes round knobs. He is also economy-minded, so firing up the lathe and making one doesn't fit the equation either.
NRA Endowment Member
US Army Veteran
CWP Holder
Gunsmith
14 April 2023, 01:26
montea6bUnless you are purely a DIY person, (or bubba) I didn't think the terms "economy minded" and "Mauser sporter" went together?!

14 April 2023, 01:29
ClemsonBy the way, the last military ball I attended was in college (ROTC). When I picked her up at the girls' dorm, my date gave me a flower to wear on my uniform. Faced with uncertainty and a possible court martial if I wore the boutonniere, I took the only chivalrous course of action available: I chose to wear the damn flower! I got a lot of stares, and a few choice comments from the officers there, but they secretly sympathized with my plight and let it go. It was, subsequently, a GREAT night!
NRA Endowment Member
US Army Veteran
CWP Holder
Gunsmith
14 April 2023, 01:52
richjbuy a bolt with an unaltered handle ,
cut handle off,
sell bolt for $10,
Use handle.
from that famous site. M96 bolt
14 April 2023, 01:59
richjhow hard would it be to take the teardrop out of a talley seems to need a lot of mods anyway.
For $9 WTH
14 April 2023, 03:27
Bobster https://www.gunpartscorp.com/products/104120Looks plenty long enough. Cheap too.
14 April 2023, 06:02
copperlakeA talley and 15 mins in a lathe.
14 April 2023, 06:55
copperlakeI remembered I had some Talley-like handles I got off fleabay and just went and did it for the hell of it. I'm a round ball kinda guy myself. If you're interested, 2-7/8" long and ball is a bit over .70"
15 April 2023, 04:12
HipshootMy Balls are kinda oval!

Hip
15 April 2023, 07:54
BaxterBquote:
Originally posted by Hipshoot:
My Balls are kinda oval!

Hip
I've heard they get that way from lack of use.. wouldn't know myself, but...
15 April 2023, 23:56
copperlake"Balls!", said the Queen, "If I had them I'd be King!" But the King
only laughed, not because he wanted to but because he had two.
17 April 2023, 19:42
ClemsonI ordered a couple of those bolts that Bobster found on Numrich. I'll let you all know how they look when I get them in my hands.
NRA Endowment Member
US Army Veteran
CWP Holder
Gunsmith
24 April 2023, 00:19
Duane Wiebe (CG&R)YOU'D HAVE BEEN MONEY AHEAD TO TELL HIM YOU'RE BUSY THAT DAY.
24 April 2023, 03:31
setters5Duane, speaking of bolt handles, where are you getting your square shank handles these days?
24 April 2023, 20:55
ClemsonHere are the bolt handles as received from Numrich:
Bolt3 by
jakefromclemson, on Flickr
NRA Endowment Member
US Army Veteran
CWP Holder
Gunsmith
24 April 2023, 20:57
ClemsonA 13/32 collet will hold the handle shank for turning off the collar:
Bolt2 by
jakefromclemson, on Flickr
NRA Endowment Member
US Army Veteran
CWP Holder
Gunsmith
24 April 2023, 20:58
ClemsonThis shows a preliminary polish on the handles. I have not tried to weld on one yet, so I can only hope they weld OK.
bolt1 by
jakefromclemson, on Flickr
NRA Endowment Member
US Army Veteran
CWP Holder
Gunsmith