Bolt polishing paste?

[cdschoonie]

My new Savage 6.5, is perfect for my ‘wants’ in a rifle. The only issue I’d like to improve, is I’d like to make the action smoother.

I’ve seen several videos of guys using J-B, they wipe a little all over the bolt, then just work the bolt, anywhere from 300-400 to 1000+ times. Then clean everything up, re-oil, and they work like butter. The issue for me is, the only one I can find in stock is $23+ s/h.

If it were just the bolt, I’d just use some Emery Cloth, but the idea on the paste is obviously so it finds all the contact points in and through the bolt travel. I know I just need a very fine, slightly abrasive polish, so I’m wondering if maybe the Lucas Gun Metal Polish or Nu-Shine, I use in my tumbler, or even Brasso might work for this? I also have Mother’s Mag Polish, and Eagle One Wheel Polish on hand, plus all the ones I have are cheap.

I know most, if not all of you have done this for one gun part or another.

Thoughts? Ideas? Concerns?

 

[Gunbuffer]

Savage bolts are like throwing a hotdog down a hallway, don’t bother

 

[Boehlertaught]

Though the metal on bolt actions is very strong the surface of the receiver may not be hardened as a manufacturing standard. This doesn't mean that the receiver is not safe it just means the surface of the metal is not hardened. If the surface is not hardened you may not ever make it smooth no matter how much you polish it. And over polishing can open tolerances so be careful.

 

[mr ed]

You could always find the old standby "simichrome" polish at auto parts store or ace hardware. the "go to" before Flitz.

 

[cdschoonie]

I wiped a lot of grease on the bolt and receiver, worked it a couple hundred times. Cleaned all that out, then re-oiled, it’s not butter, but definitely warm toothpaste smooth. I’ll try it at the range. If I want more, I’ll try one of the polishes I have. Thank you for the comments!

 

[SPDguns]

Valve grinding compound available at NAPA

 

[OHJEEZE]

Though the metal on bolt actions is very strong the surface of the receiver may not be hardened as a manufacturing standard. This doesn't mean that the receiver is not safe it just means the surface of the metal is not hardened. If the surface is not hardened you may not ever make it smooth no matter how much you polish it. And over polishing can open tolerances so be careful.

"If the surface is not hardened you may not ever make it smooth no matter how much you polish it."

False!

Soft metal can be made smooth and polished to look like a mirror!

However it scratches easily!

"And over polishing can open tolerances so be careful."

True!

The polishing process removes metal!

 

[Boehlertaught]

I cave on the specific fact you can polish soft surface metal smooth. I don't believe it will stay Smith and give a continuous long term slick action.

 

[GC7]

The safest way might be to collect enough carbon residue from fired cases, other gun chambers, and then mix it with gun oil and then coat the bolt with that and then cycle the action while you're watching TV or something.

Metal polishes and valve grinding compound will work, but both are typically not present in a rifle action and you could easily overdo it. If you are only using that carbon + oil mix to smooth things out, it practically can never get any more aggressive than the metals were designed for (if that makes sense).

Back when ammo was cheap, my break-in procedure for any new gun was 1000 rounds without any cleanings, only adding lube when necessary. The action would feel like it was gliding on ball bearings afterwards.

 

[PBramble]

Use toothpaste.