I would like to know if anyone have come up with a method of making sure that bolts don't get mixed-up.

I have several FN commercial actions in various levels of completion. Some of the bolts have had the handle replaced and a couple of others have the Serial number on the underside of the original bolt handle, but the majority have the original handle with no identifying markers of any kind.

What is the best method of marking the bolts so that I can make sure that they are in the correct receiver? I have thought of stamping the serial number or using an electric pencil(yikes!), but I thought I would check with the guys who know before I screw anything up.

Any ideas?

My Sako and Winchester bolts have the last three digits of the sn engraved on the bolt...that's from the factory. Looks like an electric pencil was the tool of choice in each factory....

Jason you simply have too many FNs send me a couple and I'll help you out.

Since I have a set of stamps If mine don't have the serial number or part of the number already on the bolt. I add the last 3 letter of the serial to the bolt.

quote:

JBrown: I have several FN commercial actions in various levels of completion.

I use a tag with a metal wire run through the vent holes to keep em straight whilst in the shop. I write the SN on the tag.

Steal some finger nail polish...different colors.

This also works for screws so you know what goes where when they look the same but index differently.

The best, as it does the least damage AND can't be seen when the gun is assembled is to use an electric pencil to put the last three numbers of the rifle on the underneath of the bolt body.

Just about where the handle attaches but on that underpart of the bolt body that runs in the receiver. That is how Parker Hale did it.

The advantage is that it is out of sight, also out of the rain, and if you want to make it "disappear" you can just rub cold blue over it.

Stamping is just too permanent and if done on the handle can cause damage.

I just had the same problem. Installed 6 Dakota safeties on 98's. Had to disassemble and blue all of them. Stamped the last 2 digits of sn on underside of safety. Laid out each bolt on a piece of paper with parts, and number wrote on paper. That way when I assembled they went back on the bolt they were fit to and action.

Tiny obscure prick punch marks.

I just don't like marking customer's rifles unless they give permission. Since I hate wasting time getting said permission I use non permanent means. For bluing, if needed, I use a small metal washer inscribed with the last 3 digits of the SN and attach it again through the vent holes with some mig wire. No flux of course.

I mark the last three digits of the serial no. on the underside of the root of the bolt handle unsing a Dremel tool and very small round bit.

Very effective, yet not noticeable.

I use my Hermes to put a diamond scratch of the S/N on the underside of the bolt. If you need it done, I can help.

Jim

I had to deal with this same issue the last time I worked on some Mauser actions. I had four of them I was working on at the same time.

So I stamped the last 3 s/n digits on the front forward face of the bolt handle root, with 1/16" numbers, once they were rough polished.

Final polished, and when in the gun, the receiver/stock hides the numbers.

I have also in the past used a electic pencil to carefully mark the bolts on the bottom side somewhere, but the stamping looks much nicer.


James Wisner
Metalsmith