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Winchester Model 54 bolt question

6K views 4 replies 2 participants last post by  Brad4 
#1 ·
I have an early production Winchester Model 54 in 30-06 that I have owned since 1960. In a misguided attempt to improve the creepy original factory trigger I sent the piece to Timney who installed a modified Model 70 aftermarket trigger. They also altered the original bolt which, when returned to me, lacked ANY bolt stop. After a lot of arguement Timney restored my original factory trigger and installed a different bolt assembly.

The action originally worked as smooth as a knife thru butter; the replacement bolt seems to hang up on the receiver sleeve before sliding into position. Is this a question of applying lapping compound and "smoothing" the action? Any suggestions will be appreciated.

Moral: leave well enough alone!

Brad4
 
#3 ·
30-30: That is correct...the bolt came completely out of the receiver when cycled after a shot. Apparently Timney milled off part of the original bolt in their effort to force fit the model 70 trigger assembly. After a LOT of conversation, threats etc, Timney located a DIFFERENT bolt obviously from another used Model 54 that would stop when the original trigger was re-installed.

My problem is that the replacement bolt does not function smoothly in the rifle receiver sleeve. I have had the rifle looked at by a local smith who pronounced it safe to shoot and suggested lathering the bolt with lapping compound and simply working it a lot. Before I proceed any farther I thought I would ask for additional opinions/suggestions.

Brad
 
#4 ·
Wow what a shock to think such a respected company would destroy your old bolt. Sounds like an " EARN WHILE YOU LEARN" senerio. The lapping compound solution is an industry standard cure for sticky actions. It is standard to fill the inards of a new revolver with toothpaste , then spend the evening working the action, Then just rinse out the toothpaste. Lapping compound is more aggressive so not as much action working should be required. This however will remove the bluing on all moving contact parts. One thing you should try first is to completely coat the bolt with a majic marker then work the bolt 1 time and see what parts have been rubbed clean of marker. This will show you where to apply the compound. After it is smoothed up just clean the action and barrel. By the way the original 2 stage triggers should be easily change to single stage and anyway once practiced with a 2 stage trigger is easy to master. Message me if you have any other questions.
 
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