Fun and Games.....an old problem

[muffett.2008]

That's great info from PL, but when we don't have access to the correct gauge, we are not setting up a new bolt, and we are not part of a Field or Base workshop and it's not 1940 but 2019, than we do the best with what we have.

The Gauge, Inspectors bolt ensured that the rifle in question had even bearing on the lug recess and showed up damage to the small lug recess, in this instance we are checking a previously fitted bolt for contact on both lugs, even contact across the small lug recess and contact of the large lug and the size, length and condition of the corresponding lugs and mating surfaces of the bolt.

So whether the bolt being tested is the correct bolt for the rifle, or a used replacement, we can be sure that the spec's of the bolt we are playing with will have a percentage of wear, both lugs and body diameter will be different, that is why we try several bolts to get the best possible fit without the need for excess stoning(I'd prefer not to stone at all)


The reason I prefer to use the spring loaded case adaptor or a fired case and cleaning rod, is to reduce a false reading due to excess slop in the fit of bolt body to receiver
by letting the rifle barrel set down on a cleaning rod and case, we apply pressure directly to the rear, as opposed to holding back on the bolt handle which twists the bolt body to one side if excessive clearance in the bolt channel is present.

Just light finger pressure to open and close the bolt is sufficient and gives a better result than by pulling back and cranking the bolt.

Now back to the small lug recess....I use whiteout as opposed to bearing blue because I want to know how much of the small lug recess makes contact, the whiteout is thick enough to get a visable marking and where the lug pocket is not contacted due to wear or hammering, it will leave a measurable skin that can be removed and checked, so I know early if I am just wasting time on a stuffed receiver.

We are trying to keep these old clunkers going for as long as we can before they resort to wall hangers, but SAFETY is the overriding factor, wear, fatigue and our own stupidity are the things that determine how long we can keep this up.