Small Ring Mauser Bolt Shroud Question

[mdwest]

I've got a rifle built on a small ring mauser action, and am in the process of building another rifle on a large ring action that I have decided to go with timney featherweight triggers that include a safety.

This allows me to remove the "flag" safety on the bolt shroud.

For the large ring, I think I can probably find a commercial FN bolt shroud and replace the original military one, which should make things look nice and sleek..

For the small ring, Im looking for some way to either plug the hole created by removing the flag safety.. or find a commercial shroud (I am not sure one exists.. I have looked pretty hard already)..

Any ideas or suggestions?

 

[ChrisG]

I've got a rifle built on a small ring mauser action, and am in the process of building another rifle on a large ring action that I have decided to go with timney featherweight triggers that include a safety.

This allows me to remove the "flag" safety on the bolt shroud.

For the large ring, I think I can probably find a commercial FN bolt shroud and replace the original military one, which should make things look nice and sleek..

For the small ring, Im looking for some way to either plug the hole created by removing the flag safety.. or find a commercial shroud (I am not sure one exists.. I have looked pretty hard already)..

Any ideas or suggestions?

Do you know anyone skilled with a TIG welder?

 

[mdwest]

I do actually.. welding didnt even cross my mind for some reason.. that might be the best/easiest overall solution if there isnt something pre-fab already out there (a plug, or a replacement part, etc..etc..)..

 

[ChrisG]

I do actually.. welding didnt even cross my mind for some reason.. that might be the best/easiest overall solution if there isnt something pre-fab already out there (a plug, or a replacement part, etc..etc..)..

Yeah maybe a thin steel rod the size of the hole, TIGged into place then sanded flush to match the rest of the shroud, and then reblued. no one would ever know it wasn't a factory made part.

 

[Shootist43]

Is this what you are wondering about? I had a 6.5x55 Swedish Mauser (small ring Mauser) cut down for use by my grandkids. It has a Timney Trigger and slide safety.

 

[mdwest]

thats exactly it @Shootist43 !

Did you go the TIG weld route? or is that a commercial shroud?

 

[Shootist43]

Honestly I don't know. The work was done by Dick Williams Gun Shop in Saginaw Michigan. Their phone number is (989) 777 - 1240. Sorry I can't be more helpful. Ask for "Doug" he owns the place now that his father is passed. They do all of my Gunsmithing, even though they are located about 100 miles from me. Good folks to do business with. You can mention my name (Art Lambart) to Doug.

 

[mdwest]

Just reporting back on the solution I found (will figure out this weekend at the range how well it works )..

I found a little piece of carbon steel that fit the hole perfectly (the bar that was on the timney 2 position low profile safety that I originally tried, but didnt like.. I just used a cutting wheel on a dremel and cut the bar off.. its the perfect length and width since it was designed to fit in that exact hole..).. I then ground it smooth/flat.. and used a buffing wheel on my bench grinder to polish it nice and clean.. then used the same alumahyde finish (dark parkerization) on the end of it that I used on the barrel/action/bottom metal of the rifle..

I put a little steel JB Weld on it, and inserted it flush inside the hole...

Since this is on the back end of the bold shroud, heat shouldnt be an issue (JB Weld can withstand up to 600 degrees).. and I dont think pressure will be a problem either... (JB Weld can withstand up to 900 PSI direct against the joint)..

The piece is really just cosmetic and offers zero functionality otherwise.. so as long as repeated recoil from a moderately loaded 7x57 doesnt cause the bond to break, I think this should do the trick just fine..

Thanks for the inputs and assistance.. Not sure why I didnt immediately think about finding a small piece of bar stock.. but am grateful you guys showed me the error of my ways

 

[Shootist43]

Good luck, hope it works.

 

[mdwest]

Reviving a 2 1/2 year old thread to update...

The solution mentioned above worked perfectly...

I've only got about 125 rounds through the rifle at this point.. but the rod + JB weld fix (then covered/hidden by Alumahyde) has held fast and looks very nice (cant tell its a "bubba" job at all).. The rifle has been to the range for a few sessions.. been on a couple of hunts.. etc.. and there have been no issues..

Im going to pick up a little bit nicer of a scope for the rifle (probably going to get a Leupold VX3 for it).. Im guessing it will become my primary deer rifle for local hunting after that... The 7x57 is a great little round for TX whitetail.. and the rifle I built is a nice compact package thats easy to maneuver in a stand/blind (the barrel is just 21".. the SR action is short.. and the stock I put on it is just a 13.5" LOP)..