CM bolt rusting - need help deciding coated vs uncoated?

[hkfan45]

For my next build, I have a decision to make. I am deciding between a Borden (to be built by Jim Borden) or Defiance action (to be built by Accurate Ordnance). Both bolts are CM, but with the Borden bolt, Jim does not cerakote (or other protecting coating), probably because of the tight tolerance his bolts are built for. With the Defiance, Accurate Ordnance will parkerize the bolt.

The reason this is very important to me is that my current Pierce bolt (uncoated) started to oxidize, despite me applying lube. I had to have Pierce fully coat the bolt in cerakote.

I'd prefer the Borden bolt for the "Borden bumps" and Jim's expertise in building tube guns, but I am concerned about having another uncoated CM bolt.

Any advice?

 

[Preacher]

I would have the bolt Melonited if your having problems with it uncoated...

 

[watercam]

No denying Melonite is great. One less expensive option - try auto paste wax. I apply two coats to CM barreled actions that are going hunting in rainy conditions and it works great. Also had corrosion issues with a Barnard that stopped with wax job. Not as permanent but works.

 

[LCazador]

I have had several bolts cerakoted and I did not like the 'wear in' procedure required. After 'wear in' the bolt surfaces were once again exposed to the elements. For factory rifles or actions with loose fitting bolts, it is OK. I use the auto wax procedure and it works great, just don't get it in your Jewell trigger.

 

[hkfan45]

Any specific auto wax that works the best?

 

[akajun]

Old school was to have the bolt hot blued then Jewelled. The little swirls would hold oil to prevent rusting.

 

[jonbearman]

I think the bluing and jeweling would look really nice being two toned like all the 45 pistols are today.

 

[Changeling]

Yes, there is a specific brand of wax that is better for high humidity and constant wet, and long lasting. It is a coating that is used in the boating industry, but the name escapes me right now. I'll go down to my barn and get the name and post it for you later.

Having the bolt Jewelled as akajun said would probably help also.

If you don't mind my asking, where do you live that the humidity/rain is that bad? Would really like to know.

 

[hkfan45]

I live in the Southwestern Ohio/Northern KY area. Part of the issue was that I kept the gun in my Pelican case. When I opened it up a few days, there was condensation all over the gun, including the bolt, which had pitted. I now know not to do that, but it would be nice to have some corrosion resistance on the bolt.

 

[KMart]

Changleing

Maybe this?

Meguiars Flagship Premium Marine Wax

 

[watercam]

Any decent paste wax works. Liquid may need more coats.

 

[Changeling]

Hi hkfam45 Well hear it is, however I think it would be way over kill for what you want to do (it's expensive).

If I was you I would just get a paste wax that was heavy with Carnuba at Walmart such as the Meguiars. There products are pretty good.

Something else I would recommend would be a cheap Hair Dryer (small) that would fit in your Pelican case. When you come back from a rainy day, always dry the gun thoroughly before you put it in that Pelican case, those type cases will trap the moisture in the case, that's what happened to you.

http://www.autogeek.net/collinite-fleetwax-.html

 

[old leghumper]

Hard chrome.

 

[hkfan45]

Thanks everyone for the help. I know it's probably silly, but the coating of the bolt is what my decision between Borden vs. other action makers has come down to.