Smoothing out a mauser action

Clayfish · November 16, 2005, 12:45 PM

I have sporterized a turkish mauser and am pretty proud of it. It shoots really good but I have one question. I replaced the bolt and of course had a smith to check the headspace but it's tight and a little jerky as I cycle the action. I know it will never be as smooth as my A-bolt or savage but is there anyway I can smooth out the action? Any help is apprecited.

mete · November 16, 2005, 01:11 PM

You can smooth it with lapping compound. If this is overdone you will remove the case hardening.Make sure ALL of the lapping compound is removed by a very thorough cleaning.

Clemson · November 16, 2005, 02:45 PM

There is a tool sold by Brownells and others that is used to polish the receiver where the bolt runs. It is much safer to use than lapping compound.

http://www.brownells.com/aspx/NS/sto...R+WAY+POLISHER

Clemson

Harry Bonar · November 18, 2005, 09:35 AM

Dear Turk Owner:
METE is right-on; listen to him.
However, I'm concerned: As you close the bolt down in locking position - if you feel a "bump" as its almost clear down you may have "set-back" of the lugs in the reciever. As METE correctly says, if it's just a slight "bump" the laping will cure it, but, if you lap too much you'll increase your headspace and also as METE says you'll remove the case in the action. A hard surface will always be laped by a soft surface, because the soft steel will retain the compound - as METE cautions rinse that action and bolt out good after laping!
Thanks METE ---Harry B.

November 16, 2005, 12:45 PM	#1
Clayfish Senior Member Join Date: May 19, 2005 Location: Valdosta, GA Posts: 953	Smoothing out a mauser action I have sporterized a turkish mauser and am pretty proud of it. It shoots really good but I have one question. I replaced the bolt and of course had a smith to check the headspace but it's tight and a little jerky as I cycle the action. I know it will never be as smooth as my A-bolt or savage but is there anyway I can smooth out the action? Any help is apprecited.

November 16, 2005, 02:45 PM	#3
Clemson Senior Member Join Date: March 9, 2001 Location: Greenwood, SC Posts: 875	There is a tool sold by Brownells and others that is used to polish the receiver where the bolt runs. It is much safer to use than lapping compound. http://www.brownells.com/aspx/NS/sto...R+WAY+POLISHER Clemson __________________ NRA Endowment Member, NRA Certified Instructor CWP Holder US Army veteran Gunsmith www.boltandbarrel.com

November 18, 2005, 09:35 AM	#4
Harry Bonar Senior Member Join Date: December 5, 2004 Location: In the Vincent, Ohio general area. Posts: 1,804	smoothing turk Dear Turk Owner: METE is right-on; listen to him. However, I'm concerned: As you close the bolt down in locking position - if you feel a "bump" as its almost clear down you may have "set-back" of the lugs in the reciever. As METE correctly says, if it's just a slight "bump" the laping will cure it, but, if you lap too much you'll increase your headspace and also as METE says you'll remove the case in the action. A hard surface will always be laped by a soft surface, because the soft steel will retain the compound - as METE cautions rinse that action and bolt out good after laping! Thanks METE ---Harry B.

November 16, 2005, 01:11 PM	#2
mete Senior Member Join Date: June 14, 2004 Location: NY State Posts: 6,575	You can smooth it with lapping compound. If this is overdone you will remove the case hardening.Make sure ALL of the lapping compound is removed by a very thorough cleaning.