bolt jeweling

[TimT]

I've a bolt on a Rem 30 aka 1917 that is left out on being attended too on a rebuild. Have the rifle restocked out of an English blank and and barrel rebored to .338-06 and the barrel/action hotblued. Leaves the floorplate and bolt shroud.

Is there any additional benefits to jeweling outside of cosmetics? Is this process done to the bolt more resilient to wear than just polishing it?

If this is "actually" a good thing then I would like a recommendation of known artists or "smiths" with a site or ph # that have a good turn around and cost. Living in Alaska leaves little choices although they are eager to get the business it is just questionable after you have gone to for there services and getting a bum deal.

appreciate any input on this

 

[eastwood44mag]

I think it's just cosmetic. I haven't known it to damage anything, since it's just a surface job, and has almost no depth.

I don't remember who does it, but there's a guy in gunbroker who sells his services. Not cheap, though.

 

[PotatoJudge]

I've heard it makes the operation of the bolt smoother or that it holds lubricant better. I don't know about that, but I like the look on some guns. Most shops seem to charge around $75-95 for a bolt.

 

[Jim K]

The original purpose of engine turning, aka "jewelling" was to provide a surface that would hold oil, and it was usually done inside an action. Today, it is almost purely cosmetic. There are tools made just for the purpose; the tools, as well as the brushes and grit are sold by Brownell's.

FWIW, I don't recommend it. It looks great for a while, but the bolt inevitably wears and after the jewelling gets a few wear lines and rub marks, it looks (IMHO) far worse than an unjewelled bolt.

Jim

 

[TimT]

had my last .270 in a Model 70 Ftwght Classic that I had used extensively and had the jeweling and now that "wear" is obvious I can see where your statement could be true. It has that "friendly" feel of an ole partner nonetheless. Had PacNor rebarrel it to a .338-06 and I had NECG's installed front and rear and full length bedding-just don't use it anymore, weird.

I am hoping this other rifle will be the champ, have the bolt sleeve enroute for jeweling-hope it turns out '"cosmetically".

remarks are appreciated-thanks.