Machine finishes rifle bolts purpose?

[redrum]

G'day,

This popped into my head randomly so don't have a picture of a particular example, but I expect you'll know what I'm talking about...

I think the term is a 'machine finished' bolt for rifles where the cylinder of the bolt has a pattern machined into it. Typically something like a spiral down the length of the bolt.

Make sense? Know the one?

Does that do anything in terms of working the bolt for a smoother action etc?

Or is it purely cosmetic?

Cheers.

[Baldrick314]

Fluting is the term for it. It looks attractive and will save you a couple grams of weight. Otherwise no advantages I'm aware of

[Chronos]

There's bolt fluting as baldrick has said. Its main purpose is to give any grit or sand somewhere to go when you lose the bolt, helping keep a precision fitted bolt functioning in dirty field conditions.

What you may also be referring to is a "jewelled" finish as seen in some rifles. This attractive finish is often added to custom guns and dies help the bolt hold into the lubricating oil

This process can be seen here.

http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=37mveyw2buI

Chronos

[beepar]

It makes your rifle look ruuuurl perty

[wheedle]

God Larry Potterfield has a ridiculous smile

[Chronos]

God Larry Potterfield has a ridiculous smile

Hey, don't be dissin uncle Larry.

Lol

Chronos

[roob]

God Larry Potterfield has a ridiculous smile

He might look corny but he knows his way around a rifle.

Quite a few good vids up from Midway USA now.