Bolt Handle: a big one! - who and what

[Samgotit]

Bolt Knob: a big one! - who and what

Well, my fat, little fingers would really like a bigger bolt handle. I have a Howa Supreme Varminter.

Please recommend a smith. Also, can you give me an approximate cost for the work and site(s) that sell handles. I've seen Midway's selection up to now.

I found R&D Precision from a search. His price is 75-85 bucks for a Remy (they are not taking new work at this time). Is that about what I can expect? R&D's "seamlessness" is what I'd like:
http://www.rdprecision.net/gallery/Gen2.jpg

I'd rather not have the drilled and tapped set screw type.

Show me your customs if you like. I'd like to see them.

 

[Big Az Al]

extending a bolt handle

Brownells and Numrich, sell handles.

You did not give even a general geographgical area, so how can we reccomand someone?

If you are in AZ I would say myself, and several others.

 

[Samgotit]

New Orleans/Baton Rouge area.

I'd be willing to ship, though. Local recommendation would be a bonus.

Thank for Brownells. These are in the area of what I'd like:

http://www.brownells.com/aspx/ns/store/ProductDetail.aspx?p=23248&title=OVERSIZED BOLT KNOB

http://www.brownells.com/aspx/ns/store/ProductDetail.aspx?p=23973&title=TACTICAL BOLT KNOB

Also, what I understand now is that I need a Knob, not a handle - thread title changed.

 

[Clark]

I made a big bolt handle on the lathe, TIG welded it to a VZ24 bolt body that I opened up to 300WM.

 

[Samgotit]

Wow Clark, maybe I should've left that exclamation point out of the title.

Now that is a big bolt handle. You think I could do that with a 24pc mechanics tool set from Sears? I wish I had the skills (and the tools).

 

[GunTech]

I had Terry Cross do mine:

 

[mrmeval]

Weld on a steel bearing.
http://www.thehighroad.org/showpost.php?p=4410833&postcount=17

Any handle can be used just weld on a rod and bend it and thread on what you want.
http://performance.accuratetechnologies.com/product_info.php?cPath=14&products_id=25

Drill and tap a some big brass ones
http://www.hooverprecision.com/html/brass_balls.html

There really is little limit other than aesthetics and function. A little more serious than the other links are these and they are made to fit and look very good.
http://www.boltknobsbybill.com/Photos.htm

Some standard ones
http://www.midwayusa.com/ebrowse.exe/browse?TabID=9&Categoryid=10401&categorystring=10636***10561***

 

[Samgotit]

Bill's Bolt Knobs are a work of art, and I love the logical progression of those links! Thanks!

I going to be bold and contact Terry Cross to see if he wants to even be near a lowly Howa. Maybe I get some local sympathy.

Anyway, I'd like more smith recommendations if you would. Bill's Bolts have a few close-ups shots. This one is a good example:

http://www.boltknobsbybill.com/Images/photo6_big.jpg

It's a seamless transition from bolt knob to handle, and that's what I'd like. Should I simply try a local machine shop?

 

[mrmeval]

Wow I just priced Bill's tactical one and it's *cheap*, $30

"Art metal worker" would be a blacksmith to us. You may find one willing to work on it but it won't be inexpensive or quick and quality may vary.

Machinists are usually pretty specialized and welding shops don't usually have an understanding of the process.

A gunsmith who specializes in custom bolt guns combines the skill of all three specific to what you want.

It is possible to do most of it yourself but it does take some work. I've done some minor things with bolt guns. I now have another item on the list to do and it's to get one of those knobs put on one of the Mausers.

This technique seems crude at first but looks fine when finished. I have no idea about durability or longevity. I would like to try it though.

http://www.gswagner.com/

Mauser bolt handle with solder
http://www.gswagner.com/bb/mauboltssolder/mauboltssolder.html

mosin-nagant bolt handle with solder
http://www.gswagner.com/mosin-nagant/bolt/mnbolt.html

He just uses a knob, any knob you can thread on.

 

[Samgotit]

Wow I just priced Bill's tactical one and it's *cheap*, $30

That's what I said! Thanks for the link.

I emailed him and got a reply. Basically, Bill can do anything you want. The color and finish combinations are endless. You can have a knob any length you like. The standard tactical is 2 inches.

Hell, I probably order another just to fit a different mood.

I just don't have the balls to experiment on my own bolt, but those are interesting links