[Sven]

Thought I'd post this here for the experts.

Sending my M1A receiver off to Krieger to be fitted with a barrel. I have a large selection of M1A bolts, including two New-In-Wrap TRW bolts... really nice. Here's my question:

Should I send _two_ bolts to Krieger to be headspaced, for drop in replacement?

I'm happy to send both bolts off to be lapped (and to pay extra labor), as I have a goal of having a properly-headspaced, drop-in bolt for redundant failover - just in case.

Are there any disadvantages to having this done, other than cost? Do most barrel makers consider this to be a 'normal' thing to have done?

;)

Thanks.

[critter]

Question is, will bolt #1 last long enough and cause enough lug wear in the receiver that bolt #2 will then no longer be properly headspaced? I don't know the answer to that.

[HSMITH]

If one bolt maintains proper headspace the other will too. It has to.

For non full auto operation I would not worry about a bolt failure, but that is me.......

[Jim Watson]

It is hard to argue with a spare fitted bolt, IF they will do it. Headspace is normally "adjusted" by barrel fit and chambering, not by messing with the bolt.
Ask Kreiger.

[HankL]

Sven, The two bolts will need to be exactly the same for this to work. The barrel will be indexed and then chambered to come up with the correct headspace. There is enough variation in bolts that to headspace a prechambered barrel the builder simply swaps bolts until the correct headspace is obtained. I suppose some tweeking of the bolt rollers could be done but I have no knowledge of that.
HTH

[Gun Plumber]

Tell them to 'Field headspace' the second one. That way, you have best of both worlds. First bolt will be a 'tighter' fit (ie go gauge) and the back up will still function in worst case scenario.

[Sven]

The two bolts I sent in were both New In Wrap (NIW), from the same manufacturer (TRW), same heat treat lot, and same package.

Theoretically they are the same, but who knows. Krieger said to send them both in and they would do their darndest to make them both work... if the variance is high, they said they would just pick one bolt to go with.

They've got the receiver... said it should be done in 2-3 weeks... fast turntime, eh? McMillan has my order, and they said that they are also catching up - 8-10 weeks for a new stock.

[HankL]

Sven, Sounds like this is going to be one great rifle. Don't worry about having a TRW, or most any other USGI bolt going South before you need or want to screw on a new barrel.

[BigG]

My understanding is they fit the bbl to the bolt, not vice versa. If both bolts were exactly the same, they would swap.

[Gun Plumber]

Actually, it's the BOLT to the receiver. I have hand lapped a couple of M1's and way too many M-14 bolts. Doesn't take long (generally less than an hour) but the older I get, my hands start getting stiff.

For all you older gunnies out there, if you occasionally have stiffness in hands, knees, elbows, etc. and are looking for a natural way to help, try ARNICATED OIL. It's made from a flower. Just a little dab'll do ya. Rub it in. It promotes circulation and works like a champ.

Every once in a while after a long day of hand work (like lapping two or more bolts) I wake up with stiff fingers. Rub a little arnicated oil in an viola, I'm good to go. And the stuff I buy doesn't smell.

I found out about this from a silver smith (jewelery maker) at a gun show. I bought my at the local 'health food' store. The 4 oz bottle I bought about three years ago costs me $11 then. I have used about one third of it during the past three years.

Old age is NOT for whimps! And I am one(a whimp), so I should know!

[Sven]

Krieger just sent me a receipt - the barrel will be here in 2-3 weeks!

They indicated that - if they can get the second bolt to fit - there may be additional charges. Not surprised based on what was said above regarding how much effort it takes to lap a bolt to fit.

Will keep y'all posted. I feel like a kid on Christmas Eve.