Bolt handle hitting scope

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05-06-2015, 12:47
cfortune

Bolt handle hitting scope

Was hoping someone could help talk me through a little dilemma I have. I bought a Remington 700 off a guy on gunbroker. It has a PTG fluted bolt. I took a SWFA SS 5-20x50 and slapped it on the rifle. With the scope on, the bolt handle (not the knob), hits the ocular tube of the scope, to the point you can't actuate it. These bolts aren't cheap and I hear the wait on them is pretty long. So I don't really want to trash the bolt altogether. It also appears to have the handle welded on, not certain on that though.

I heard bending the handle mentioned in my preliminary searching as an option but I'm having a hard time wrapping my head around that. Higher rings isn't going to do it because it'll just hit the bolt knob.

I do have another R700 and have no trouble actuating it's bolt in this rifle. The handle is almost flat and bends at a sharp angle where the PTG handle is more of a mellow curve and has a flat cutout but is rounded near the knob.

Any ideas?

If this would be better suited for the gunsmithing sub forum, feel free to move it.
05-06-2015, 12:49
ray1970

Taller rings?
05-06-2015, 12:53
cfortune

Quote:

Originally Posted by ray1970

Taller rings?

I don't think that is going to help. The scope actually hits the handle, before the knob. So if I raise the scope, I think it's going to be even more of a problem. I'm running what I think are Seekins low rings, so going lower probably isn't an option either.

Should have mentioned this but I have and want to leave the cat tail lever on the scope. I tried with it off and it still doesn't allow the bolt to turn enough to be released. So you can imagine the amount of travel it's lacking with it on.

I'll throw up some pictures when I get home.
05-06-2015, 20:15
Spdu4ia

I need pics before putting my 2 cents worth 1 in
05-06-2015, 21:04
henpecked

If you need it bent let me know and well get it taken care of
05-06-2015, 21:17
Irving

Spleify had this issue on one of his rifles, but I don't remember what his solution was.
05-06-2015, 23:21
brutal

Blow torch and BFH?

On second thoughts, Bert.
05-06-2015, 23:59
cfortune

Quote:

Originally Posted by Spdu4ia

I need pics before putting my 2 cents worth 1 in

Won't actuate:
http://i.imgur.com/BNLt6lS.jpg

Will actuate:
http://i.imgur.com/MphqCdL.jpg

PTG bolt is on the right:
http://i.imgur.com/bfY6ZAG.jpg

Will:
http://i.imgur.com/gv7jmYV.jpg

Won't:
http://i.imgur.com/b4y0PTw.jpg

Quote:

Originally Posted by henpecked

If you need it bent let me know and well get it taken care of

Take a look at the pics and let me know if you think that will do the trick. Shoot me a PM with details if you think it's doable.

Quote:

Originally Posted by brutal

Blow torch and BFH?

On second thoughts, Bert.

I thought about this lol. I'd hate to f that bolt up though. Is Bert back in business? I'm right down the road from him.
05-07-2015, 06:14
Spdu4ia

Won't fit ever you should just sell me that PTG bolt ;-)
05-07-2015, 06:27
MBsnow

Take the throw lever off and see what happens?
05-07-2015, 06:50
Hoser

I agree. Cat tail is gonna have to go.
05-07-2015, 08:56
Delfuego

SWFA redesigned their cattail and made a thinner one.http://swfa.com/SWFA-SS-Switchview-T...er-P50882.aspx
Not sure if it will clear, but worth a try.
05-07-2015, 08:57
henpecked

looks do able...pm coming
05-07-2015, 10:06
henpecked

second PM coming
05-07-2015, 10:55
cfortune

You can't even get it to cycle without the cat tail. I may have to compromise by not using it and have some of the handle shaved off.
05-07-2015, 11:03
Delfuego

What's the point of the PTG bolt? If it ain't broke...
05-07-2015, 11:17
smchop

Seems like the timing on the PTG bolt handle is off for your needs. How far does it sit in the pocket of the stock with the bolt closed?
05-07-2015, 11:33
Spdu4ia

Can you feel a difference between the stock and PTG bolt? If not just use the one that works and sell the one that doest.
05-07-2015, 13:47
cfortune

I have two 700's. This one came with the PTG bolt. The other one is just for reference out of my other gun.
05-07-2015, 18:58
XC700116

Quote:

Originally Posted by Delfuego

What's the point of the PTG bolt? If it ain't broke...

For reference it depends on the application. I recently had a rifle built with one because it was cheaper than fluting, bushing the firing pin hole, and then upgrading the handle. Mainly because I wanted the small firing pin/hole due to building a 6X47L which commonly has some issues with a full size Rem 700 FP hole. That said, I don't have the problem cfortune is having.

The one thing I'd kind of wonder is if it's a 1 piece bolt or a standard bolt that was then timed/clocked by the smith that built the rifle. If it's a 2 piece it could be re-done, if a 1 piece, you're probably looking at heat and bend, or enlarging the relief cut in the handle to accommodate.
05-07-2015, 19:50
Hoser

Wish I had an answer for you short of bending the handle or cutting off the handle and re-welding.

If you call PTG, ask for Dave and only Dave. The girls that answer his phones are not knowledgeable in any way shape or form.
05-08-2015, 14:21
cfortune

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hoser

Wish I had an answer for you short of bending the handle or cutting off the handle and re-welding.

If you call PTG, ask for Dave and only Dave. The girls that answer his phones are not knowledgeable in any way shape or form.

I might still do this but last night I got fed up with it, removed the cat rail, and ground off enough to clear the scope, then blued the handle. Thanks all.