Really Tough Finish For Moving Parts?

[cox3497]

I was wondering if ya'll knew of a very tough finish I could refinish my bolt with. I have a Winchester Model 70 post-64 rifle I am customizing that started off as a very crude gun. It was given as a gift to me as my first high-powered rifle and because of this it holds sentimental value. I have already dropped several hundred dollars into aftermarket parts and stock and such. The original jeweling on the bolt wore mostly off and looked rather poor being jeweled in some areas and not others. I had my gunsmith rejewel the bolt once already, but it is already starting to wear again. Is there some type of tough finish that will hold up relatively well to the bolt being cycled in the action? I don't really care what color it is (black, chrome, or what have you) as long as it is relatively resistant to wear. Do you know anything that might work? Thanks for all your help -- I appreciate it much!

Benjamin

 

[dfariswheel]

The most durable finish for a high-wear area like a bolt is hard chrome.

This will not only keep the bolt looking good, it'll make it smoother to operate.

 

[cox3497]

dfariswheel,

Thanks for the response! Do you know of any good outfits for getting it hard chromed? I realize a bolt is a pretty small part and it will be likely given less attention than some other customer's entire gun; however, I would like to get it done properly as I have put a great deal of money into this gun. Do you have any suggestions? I know Wild West Guns will hard chrome an entire gun -- will they do only a bolt? Any others that you know of? Again, thanks a lot for the response. I really appreciate it!

Benjamin

 

[Kruzr]

Virgil Tripp at Tripp Research is regarded by many as "the best hard chromer in the business."

http://www.trippresearch.com/

 

[dfariswheel]

Most platers offer parts plating on a bulk price, which is much cheaper than the whole gun price. They just run your small parts through with bigger batches.

They take the same care as they do for bigger jobs, by necessity. Hard Chrome plating requires care to do, and a bad job is readily apparent.

There are a number of platers around, many of them offer different types of final finishes running from very dull silver-gray to fairly shiny stainless-look.

Metaloy and SS Metal-life are popular, as is Accurate Plating and Weaponry.

 

[cox3497]

Kruzr,

Thanks for the info on the hard chromer. I appreciate the the advice, and will check him out. Thanks again!

dfariswheel,

Thanks for the scoop on how hard chroming works! I did not know about the bulk price bit. Also, I checked out the chromers you listed and am thinking that I might want to go with Metaloy, but am not quite sure just yet. I really appreciate your taking the time to respond -- it is much appreciated!

Benjamin

 

[mete]

Any plating job requires a chemically clean surface otherwise it will peel. Make sure you send it only to someone who regularly plates guns.

 

[cox3497]

Mete,

That is a point well-taken. I have noticed that there is some difference in plating guns verses plating bumpers and such. I am told that it is a much more time-consuming and tedious process to plate the guns. Thanks for that bit of info! I appreciate your help!

Benjamin