[BsChoy]

If I was going to have a small ring mauser d&t'd for a scope what should be the average cost for the holes and bolt handle work to clear the scope? I really want to do this but only if economically sound. I have heard 25$ per hole but, I have nothing on the bolt handle work.

[Jim K]

At least $10-15 per hole for drill and tap. A harder receiver, like the M1903A3 would be more. Then at least $35-40 for forging the bolt handle down, $15 more for welding on a handle.

Jim

[frogomatic]

D&T can be as little as $20/hole, or as much as $50/hole. Depends on the steel, and who's doing the job.

[pete f]

arrrgh i hate this program. I had a nice answer all written out and it timed me out....

Anyway,

It also depends on the gun you bring me.

a POS yugo Mauser that I can replace for 100 bucks if I snap off a drill bit in the receiver ring or it the bolt handle cracks. I can get away charging 15 bucks or so a hole, and 25 to forge the bolt.

You bring me in a 1939 Custom Shop, SuperGrade, Model 70 that your granddad bought new from the factory and you still have the box and hang tag and its in 7.65 argentine, well you are going to get hit with a grand a hole or more, because if I eff it up, I will never ever find you another one.

It used to be everyone did this kind of work, and it sent many a gunsmiths' kids to college on the work. However since every rifle made since 1970 and probably 1960 was drilled and tapped from the factory, people have kinda stopped doing this work and its getting to be a lost art. I know a guy who asked someone about welding or forging a new bolt handle and the guy said no one would do that because of the risk of a torch around ammunition....I just laughed at that one, but the guy was serious, he could not believe that you would weld around a gun shop.

[guncrank]

I charge 7.50 per hole an 25.00 to forge or weld a bolt handle. That is in KY