Polishing Rifle Bolts

[Snowman]

So the wife got me a rotary tool for Vday. I want to polish my bolt on my 7mm an 243. I don't like the bluing that's on there. Wanna make it so they slide easier. Anyways my question is, is sanding the bluing off going to hurt it? Like I said have a rotary tool with thin flex sanding wheel.

[addicted]

How to Jewel a Rifle Bolt for a Custom Look

probably start with a bluing remover. I would like to see photos of whatever process you choose.

[AWS]

I don't think sanding a bolt would be a very good thing to do.  It would remove way too much material.  A Little lapping compound in the raceway would be more effective, be sure to keep it out of the locking lugs as you will change the headspace if you remove material from the back of the lugs. Sometimes a rough feeling bolt is just the bolt draggin across the follower.  If just have to remove the bluing I'd do it chemically and the buff with a cotton wheel and polishing rouge, go lightly these are precision parts.
AWS

[coop2424]

I polished the bolt on my remington 700 and it is much smoother and no more play in it than before polishing it.  I actually just used 750 grit wet sand paper and did like they did in the video tell it looked like I wanted. 

[Snowman]

Thanks Addicted. That's exactly what I want to do. Will let ya know what method I do and will put some before pics an after ones. Looks like I got a project this week! LOL

[carpsniperg2]

i don't see a problem with it i know people that have done it but i have not messed with it on any of my guns. if you do you should take a few before and after pics for us.

[Snowman]

coop. Yeah thats what I got for my rotary tool. Will do pretty much what I want. The bluing they use on the 700 rems I got is fairly rough an my 700 270 has a jewled bolt an is way smoother opening an closing.


Carp will do. Going to go get started on them. Will post some pics this eve.

[coop2424]

Yep that is exactly my case also my old 700 was jeweled and was very smooth.  Then when I got my new one it was not as smooth so I wanted them the same and with polishing it I got what I wanted...

[Snowman]

So wife has my camera an my 243. LOL So guess I will get started when  she gets home. But did do a little polishing test on my 270 bolt and wow shiney, so going to do the rest of it later.

Coop yeah the 270 is great, nice smooth glide to it. The 7mm is now my primary gun an looking for that good remington smoothness I know it has. All my bolt actions are the 700 adl line. Like them very much. 

[addicted]

So wife has my camera an my 243. LOL So guess I will get started when  she gets home.

wish my wife would carry around a gun.