Bolt handle modifications

[Dusty Stevens]

Its all about how it gets “handled” that matters!

 

[FNSafari]

If i raise the scope up high enough to clear the bolt it's sitting way to high off the action.

Like is already pointed out if the bolt handle is correctly timed for initial and secondary extraction of the fired case you don't want to change that and need to look for other solutions or get a different bolt handle that will do what you want without sacrificing proper timing.

The issue with lots of variable scopes is the large diameter of the eyepiece power ring, which further limits the use of very low rings. I would love to use low rings on my model 70 but with the scope I choose to use I have to use medium height rings or the bolt handle can't clear the eyepiece.

 

[Alex Wheeler]

Like is already pointed out if the bolt handle is correctly timed for initial and secondary extraction of the fired case you don't want to change that and need to look for other solutions or get a different bolt handle that will do what you want without sacrificing proper timing.

Yep, that handle is not designed correctly. I cant swing it down without loosing primary extraction. I will either bend it down or replace it all together.

 

[Eagle Six]

I built this rifle for myself very early on. This was when I was trying out a bunch of different handles to correct timing. Obviously this handle, when timed for maximum primary extraction sits way too high. I never scoped the rifle, a buddy wanted it, he never scoped it either. So I missed it. A mistake on my part. Im taking care of it though.

Excellent response and customer service.

 

[cahunter805]

Yep, that handle is not designed correctly. I cant swing it down without loosing primary extraction. I will either bend it down or replace it all together.

PTG definitely botched that handle. Had the same problem with one.

Awesome gesture Alex!

 

[Ggmac]

It is, but the longer the handle the higher the propensity to bind the bolt when cycling.

From my experience, if the angle of a long bolt is slightly bent to the rear it will not bind and how you finger it . At least mine don’t.

 

[Ray123]

Looks like I'd clear with higher scope mounts...and/or smaller dia optic, as it appears close to not interfering.
I have a old factory 338 Rugger 77 for hunting and a 1" 2-7x barely clears between the bolt handle and scope, with a low mount.
Or send it all back to the gunsmith to fix it for ya.
The reason I do my own gunsmithing...don't have to wait on someone else...and fix it myself...if it's really close grind or mill clearance on the bolt handle, reduce the size. Heat and bend except if its brazed on, the handle will come off ...and that is more difficult to deal with...I'd try high scope rings to see if that helps...it will definitely clear if the rings are high enough!

 

[rijndael]

From my experience, if the angle of a long bolt is slightly bent to the rear it will not bind and how you finger it . At least mine don’t.

Good to know. I don't think I have any 700'ish bent knobs left, all of mine are straight.

 

[Curmudgeon]

Remington doesn’t match bolts to raceways, if you have other 700 short actions see if they cycle and compare bolts. We might lap lugs and clean bolt face but bolts fit well enough to compare. It’s not till you reload for specific rifle and assign brass to chamber things change.

 

[codybrown]

Remington doesn’t match bolts to raceways, if you have other 700 short actions see if they cycle and compare bolts. We might lap lugs and clean bolt face but bolts fit well enough to compare. It’s not till you reload for specific rifle and assign brass to chamber things change.

It's a long action, but I did try other bolts without issue. The problem is being resolved, sent back to the builder today and he's going to fix it.

 

[codybrown]

I wanted to provide an update on this issue. I shipped the rifle to Alex and he modified the handle, got it re-cerakoted, then shipped it back to me. It was significantly better, but it still hit. I was using Seekins low rings. I ordered a set of Nightforce mediums and got everything remounted today. Without the throw lever on the scope it clears perfectly. With the throw lever it barely touches but the bolt will cycle. I plan on taking the lever to a buddy at a machine shop to have him mill it down a little.

I bought this rifle used but unfired from a guy who bought it from Alex. A scope had never been mounted so the issue was never caught. Alex could have told me to pound sand, but instead he went above and beyond in my eyes and took care of me. He has proven to me that he stands behind his work and is a true professional. When I'm ready for a new custom he'll be the one I turn to.

Thank you again Alex for everything!!

Cody

 

[Dusty Stevens]

Thats great. Glad you got it fixed

 

[Eagle Six]

Thank You for the update. Throw levers are pain in the ass, at least for me. They either block the bolt travel or so close to my fingers to drag or they hide the windage or elevation number from behind the gun! Anyway, it appears when you get the lever trimmed you will be all set. Would you be kind enough to give us an update how the gun shoots when you have tested it out?

 

[gunsandgunsmithing]

Used to be a common sight when putting a NF BR on a Panda. Most people just scalloped the handle a little more. Harrell's offset rings work great too, in BR.