I have a parts mauser that my father and I are working on to gain some "gunsmithing" experience. The receiver is Chinese and I have no idea where the other parts are from. All the parts are pitted and worn. We have polished the bolt and extractor so that it moves semi-smoothly in the receiver.

The problem that is driving us crazy is that the bolt throw is so hard. We think it is because of the contact between the camming surface on the bolt and the cocking piece. We have stoned and polished both contact surfaces, but no luck.

I have the same problem with my K98 mauser (CAI parts gun) and my 1945 Mex mauser (all matching). However my FN Columbian in 30-06 is as smooth as glass and requires no effort to eject a cartridge and cock the bolt.

I have ordered Kunhausen's Mauser Shop Manual book. In the meantime, can anyone explain to me what is going on? Even my Remington 798 is smoother.

Thanks for the advise.

Al

I had polished my cocking ramp as well. Found that using a compound and lapping it helped. Also check the extractor collar. If it is hard or in a bind it will increase the bolt lift as well.

Sounds like the cocking cam on the bolt need rehardening.

Proper heat treating of the cocking cam and cocking piece is important for smooth, trouble free performance. Another less thought of area to look at is the tunnel where the firing pin moves through the bolt shroud as it is cocked. Also, look at the condition of the threads between the bolt and bolt shroud. Lap them in if necessary. A rough surface here exacerbates cocking problems. Also, it wouldn't hurt to apply a little lube (Moly grease) to all friction points.