Changing firing pin spring on BAT action

[bsumoba]

I noticed that on my mag bolt which must be an older bolt assembly since I bought it off another person on AS that had no need for it, the bolt requires much less force to lift up during extraction. I can actually do it with one finger and not have to use the bolt shroud to get more leverage.

I have to believe this is due to the much stronger spring used in the newer BAT actions because the two that I have are newer and require me to use the bolt shroud to get more leverage to lift the bolt.

Has anyone decided to replace their firing pin spring to make it easier to lift the bolt with more or less, one finger, without disturbing the set up?

 

[Dave Berg]

Mine have all been changed as recommended by the 'smith that built the rifles. It helps some. The 'smith also said that if you go to too light a spring you can wind up with vertical. His credentials are much better than mine.

 

[Kyle Schultz]

Has anyone decided to replace their firing pin spring to make it easier to lift the bolt with more or less, one finger, without disturbing the set up?

I have a circa 2009/2010 BAT M action. .308 BF. In 2012 I bought a magnum BF bolt and have been running it ever since. In Oct 2015 I bought replacement firing pin springs from BAT. Both the .308 and magnum bolts use the same spring.

Finally got around to changing out the spring in the magnum bolt last week. Comparison pic below.



The old spring is on the right and was about 1/4" shorter than the new spring. I'm assuming the difference was due to compression over time.

Followed video procedure on BAT's website. No problems.

Post replacement, the caming force is unchanged. HTH

 

[Alex Wheeler]

They went to a heavier pin and stronger spring for a good reason. I would use the newer firing pin assembly, and deal with the heavier lift. It will give you more consistent ignition.

 

[BT1]

I had 2 early model Bat "M" actions and for the first year or so saw no problems with ignition. Then with a .308 bolt face firing a Dasher started to get a very noticeable click - bang on several shots. Rounds completely out of the group. Bought 2 new complete bolt assemblies, all problems solved. New springs and firing pins are not suitable replacements for the older bolt assembly. You have to purchase a complete new assembly. Great actions.

 

[bsumoba]

I don't have any ignition problems with the older one and the new ones are just fine. I lived with the extra bolt lift and have no problems with it and understand it is most likely providing better ignition and consistency. I just didn't know if changing to a lighter one would then change anything to my load or groupings.