Action Maintenance

[jdajr]

I just got my new Bat 3 Lug action yesterday. This is my first custom action. I have to say I am pretty impressed. My question for all you guys that have been around awhile is what do you do to keep you actions in top condition both during and in between matches? Whats your recommended cleaning and lubrication regiment? I have seen quite a few threads on barrel maintenance but not actions.

 

[Craigyboy]

Personally I make sure I grease behind the bolt lugs and any camming surfaces around the shround and bolt handle. I clean my bolt after every use and clean out my action and lug recess too, its pretty easy with a single shot action. Then apply fresh lube next time I take the rifle out.

 

[jb77]

I use high pressure air that has a filter to get the moisture out of the air and I give the bolt and the receiver a good blast then clean and lube with CLP.

Do Not use WD 40 it leaves a residue that can build up inside your bolt and on your springs and it attracts crud like crazy.

 

[ReedG]

Congrats on the new BAT. You have a sweet piece there.

I have a BAT 2-lug and it is a work of art. I keep mine lightly oiled,VERY LIGHTLY oiled) and never put it in the action without fresh bolt grease on the lugs. Between relays I wipe it down, lightly oil, grease the lugs, cams and bearing surfaces and clean the action recesses. You will find it well worth the price to buy a Sinclair action cleaning tool,or build something similar) to keep the action lug recesses clean. Think clean, clean, clean, lightly lubed and you'll enjoy the action for a long, long time.

If your's is like mine, the bolt will hardly go into the action without a little oil.

There are several brands of bolt grease in plastic syringes for easy application. I am not aware that any one is markedly better than the others. I find Sinclair's "red" grease to get really stiff in cool weather and hard for arthritic hands to force out of the syringe, but it works fine.