Drill Rifle Bolt

[Mike D]

Wondering if these bolts that have had the striker hole welded are safe to use if the hole is drilled out and the face smoothed?

Information

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[Rick the Librarian]

I personally wouldn't use it, but I know opinions are divided. As I recall, I think they were soldered, not welded, but I'm far from an expert on this.

If you desire a "shooter"-type bolt, replacements aren't all that expensive, and I would go that route.

[KenK]

Wondering if these bolts that have had the striker hole welded are safe to use if the hole is drilled out and the face smoothed?

We have smoothed the weld and redrilled the firing pin hole. It is tough to drill the hole as the weld is super hard. Maybe a carbide bit would help. The one I have in a rebuilt drill rifle has had hundreds of rounds with no sign of trouble. We all make our own decisions.

[Chuckindenver]

removing the weld, usually over sizes the hole, and may give you primer issues..

[Kirk]

Bolts are cheap & plentiful; the cost of reforming the hole probably exceeds the cost of a new bolt. Plus, there is the risk that the heat softened the locking lugs; there is no way to know how hot the bolt got.

[Turk36]

new one from sog for 12.95