Anyone know how Neidner and others made the little lines that they used to decorate bolts on bolt actions and breach blocks on single shots? I have had plenty of people tell me how they "think" it was done, but has anyone actually read how they did it, or done it themselves?

Like this

Mr Petrov?

Thanks,
John

I believe its called "worm track" but sorry, I don't know how to do it.

Dan

I remember a nice discussion three years ago aobut how it was done, with some examples. Do a search for bolt decorations, wormtracking or JBelk. I think G and Howe used this, and several English makers. I have thought this interesting, but not desirable, and have never tried to duplicate the look.

Cratex shaped tip in a foredom or dremel tool and go around the bolt ad nauseum. Don't even try to be neat with your lines.

Thanks,
Chic, you probably figured out why I was asking.

Just FYI, I found the pic on gunbroker. The rifle is a shelhamer stocked m-70 in .375. The ad also has a picture of the original invoice from Tom Shelhamer. He was getting $225 for a stock and a $2/hr shop rate. This was in 1965.

Worm-tracking looks awful...

IIRC, Belk suggested using a round ceramic in a drill press. The ceramic is ground to a point with the point slightly off center.

Looks like it was done with a dull pocketknife.

That pattern is caused by the interior finish of the bolt raceway. Looks to have a burr or two in there somewhere.

Worm tracks is the technical term for these marks. I asked Petrov about them once and if I recall correctly he thought they were made with an etching tool. They are meant to hold lubication on the bolt and are not uncommon on pre war sporting rifles. I have a G&H 1903 sporter carrying a version of these and a Clayton Nelson 1922 made in the pre war style with worm tracks. Will try to upload some pictures later today.

Forrest Bowers