The Accurate Reloading Forums
Rough bolt actions
30 August 2017, 20:17
xausaRough bolt actions
I have two LH Zastava Mausers, a .223 and a 7X57. Both are really rough. I cannot cycle the bolt from the shoulder as I am accustomed to do with my other bolt action rifles, including Mausers. Is this a problem I can deal with myself, without access to machine tools, or should I turn it over to a professional?
30 August 2017, 20:51
stradlingguns of that quality
I would
a good mauser man will polish the action up such that, you will not believe it was even possible
a little rubbing by the right guy on those 2 rifles
and you are a made man
Anyway it matters not, because my experience always has been that of---- a loss of snot and enamel on both sides of the 458 Win----
30 August 2017, 21:18
Brian Canadayou can do it yourself if you want to. It's a bit tedius and most people would rather have a gunsmith do it.
If you DIY, don't do anything with the locking lugs other than a light polish.
The cocking ramp is an important place to smooth up.
Google for the "how to".
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30 August 2017, 23:17
Gary MacDonaldIt all depends on your ability . Usually what I've found , is if your asking , it means you should take it to a smith . It could be a simple fix or a complete stoning . If it's hard to cock , that's a fairly simple fix . If it's hard to raise the bolt , it could be a lug setback issue or a cocking cam finish issue .
31 August 2017, 08:22
mlfgunsI have 2 LH Zastavas and spent countless hours, using valve grinding paste in different gritts and sand paper. A couple of times daily I run the bolt trying to smooth it.
It has gotten much better but not yet to my satisfaction. If you have a smith that can make it slick as glass, I would do it in a heart beat.
31 August 2017, 08:28
dpcdIt cost more than the original rifle cost, to have a professional polish it. It takes a lot of time and patience, and knowing where to polish.
No, I don't have time.
31 August 2017, 10:25
A7Davequote:
Originally posted by dpcd:
It cost more than the original rifle cost, to have a professional polish it. It takes a lot of time and patience, and knowing where to polish.
No, I don't have time.
Where's the "like" button.
Dave
01 September 2017, 02:17
ColoradoMattFind Bitterroots post on on slicking up CZ550's. It's pretty straightforward and, even though the actions are a little different, you'll likely have good results.
Matt
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01 September 2017, 03:35
lindy2A few years ago there was an extremely good post on here about polishing actions. I can't remember who posted it, but I did save a couple of photos from it. Here is one of them.
If I remember correctly, the poster said that for the interior polishing of the rails he used very soft polishing stones that he somehow attached to small pieces of wood. For some of the work he would actually shape the stone to fit where he was going to polish.
01 September 2017, 03:53
xausaquote:
Originally posted by stradling:
guns of that quality
I would
a good mauser man will polish the action up such that, you will not believe it was even possible
a little rubbing by the right guy on those 2 rifles
and you are a made man
OK, I'm convinced.
Who do I send then to? Volunteers, anyone?
01 September 2017, 06:32
375sunriseI think the post that Lindy2 is referring to was by Jack Belk back in 02. Very informative.
01 September 2017, 08:43
NakihunterThis is what I did to my CZ 550 Mag in 416 Rigby with help from Wayne at AHR.
If you want to do it yourself just email or phone Wayne. He is just amazing and so very helpful!
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01 September 2017, 16:05
Charles_HelmWith my two Interarms Mark X rifles, I just worked the actions 1000 or more times each while watching television. I kept them lightly oiled in the process.
01 September 2017, 16:25
p dog shooterquote:
Originally posted by dpcd:
It cost more than the original rifle cost, to have a professional polish it. It takes a lot of time and patience, and knowing where to polish.
No, I don't have time.
For sure at todays wages it can cost a lot to have simple work done by a professional.
I have slicked up a few actions some needed a lot of time and effort others just needed the right burr removed at the right place.
02 September 2017, 04:28
JBrownquote:
Originally posted by 375sunrise:
I think the post that Lindy2 is referring to was by Jack Belk back in 02. Very informative.
I had Jack Belk do a great job on an FN action(Mauser type). I asked him how he got it so smooth and he said that the action was not perfectly machined as it came from the factory and that it needed some attention in a couple of specific areas.
Working the bolt back and forth with polishing compound will often work but some(many) actions need "specific intervention" by a qualified gunsmith.
Jason
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02 September 2017, 06:37
bluefishFWIW dpcd worked over my lh zastava and it's quite lovely.
02 September 2017, 07:06
stradlingquote:
It takes a lot of time and patience, and knowing where to polish
the guy that posted this is just the kind of man you want working on your rifle
its when done up right -- which includes making it feed reliably not a simple fast job
not just any one should be trusted to it
left hand mauser 98 actions don't grow on trees
Anyway it matters not, because my experience always has been that of---- a loss of snot and enamel on both sides of the 458 Win----
02 September 2017, 18:44
jeffeossoa little flitz on the bolt, work it a couple hundred times, polishing the surfaces, NOT really adding slop