Custom Bolt Work

[JohnyRingo]

I kicking around having some custom bolt work done on my Browning XBolt Stainless Stalker, if I can find someone who can do the work.

My first priority is to have a custom bolt knob installed because the factory knob is too small and too tight to the stock. I am no machinist, but this doesn't look easy because of the shape of the factory XBolt bolt handle. I have emailed quite a few guys who do this kind of work to see if they can do it and I'm waiting to hear back.

While researching bolt handles, most of these guys also do bolt fluting, which is purely cosmetic. I did read somewhere that after fluting, the bolt will need to be timed.

Am I just messing with something that shouldn't be messed with or has someone with an XBolt had this work done?

 

[lancetkenyon]

Fluting a bolt will not require timing it at all. Like saying jewelling it will require timing. It is cosmetic, but does have the benefit of channeling debris to help prevent binding of the bolt.

 

[Rick Richard]

Seems like most gunsmiths don't like to mess with Browning products. Good luck on finding one.

 

[CA48]

You might try Chad Dixon of Long Rifles LLC or Karl Kampfield of Kampfield custom. If they won't do it they might know someone who will.

 

[howco]

What CA48 said. If those two won't do what you want, I'd be very cautious of anyone else that says "no problem "

 

[The Oregonian]

You might want to ask @J E Custom if he knows of anyone who works on Brownings...

 

[waspocrew]

Looks like LRI will flute an X-bolt bolt body, but not sure on if they will modify the bolt handle.

 

[T3ninja]

Feel free to PM me . Just sent mine off this morning to a smith.

 

[foul bore]

Seems like most gunsmiths don't like to mess with Browning products. Good luck on finding one.

You are right, I wonder why?

 

[JohnyRingo]

Twisted Barrels said he could put a tactical knob on my XBolt but couldn't flute the bolt. I don't care about fluting the bolt as much as replacing the knob. He gets good reviews so I may go that route.

 

[Jaciii]

LRI did my bolt and knob work with a quick turnaround. They were super easy to deal with and if they cant do what you need they can point you in the right direction.

 

[elf]

Greg Tannnel is highly rated for action and bolt work, but I have never used him. You can give him a call -
http://bulletin.accurateshooter.com/tag/gre-tan-rifles/

 

[Vol1975]

Fluting a bolt will not require timing it at all. Like saying jewelling it will require timing. It is cosmetic, but does have the benefit of channeling debris to help prevent binding of the bolt.

I kicking around having some custom bolt work done on my Browning XBolt Stainless Stalker, if I can find someone who can do the work.

My first priority is to have a custom bolt knob installed because the factory knob is too small and too tight to the stock. I am no machinist, but this doesn't look easy because of the shape of the factory XBolt bolt handle. I have emailed quite a few guys who do this kind of work to see if they can do it and I'm waiting to hear back.

While researching bolt handles, most of these guys also do bolt fluting, which is purely cosmetic. I did read somewhere that after fluting, the bolt will need to be timed.

Am I just messing with something that shouldn't be messed with or has someone with an XBolt had this work done?

No no. Bad experience on my end!!

Several years ago I had some work done to a Remington bolt. Not going to get into the work or who but when it was all said and done I had to buy a new bolt. The guy that did it was well known throughout the gun community and as far as I am concerned cost me a lot of time and aggravation. Lesson learned the hard way. Cluster.
Anyway, It's like any thing else once you work on it it will never be the same whether it's good or bad. So if the thing shoots leave it alone is my advice. If u want an fancy bolt then buy the complete gun with already one installed.

 

[JohnyRingo]

I think I am going to leave well enough alone. I don't need to mess with something that is working.