worn cocking pin

[zap]

While I was taking my bolt apart to clean it, I noticed a groove worn into the cocking pin where it rides along the bolt body.

Is it common for the pin to wear after only 500 rounds ?

Will that worn area cause any problems ?

When I put it back together, I turned the pin 180 degrees to have a good area of the pin riding the bolt body surface. I don't know if it will stay in that position though.

[1jonzmith]

Zap,

IMHO you should put it back as it came out. The surfaces have "wear lapped" themselves and have matching surfaces. If you replace the pin or turn it you will match surfaces that don't match each other and the wear will be accelerated. At some point you have no choice because the pin will fail when worn thru.

The wear surfaces on the pin and cocking ramp should be lubricated with a very stiff grease. Almost tar like consistency. If you look at those surfaces with a high power magnifying glass you will see that metal is being "dragged" in the contact patch. With lube wear will be very fast.

You heard me say IMHO....right?

HTH

John

[zap]

I use Sinclairs "red grease" in that area. I would imagine that the previous owner did not use any in that area.
I have always greased that contact spot on my other rifle (.223) and it has over 1800 rounds through it. I may just take the bolt apart to see how much wear is on the pin on it .

The surface on the bolt body appears to have NO wear at all, and looks pollished.It is as smooth as the outside of the bolt body. I am guessing that it is much harder than the pin. That is probably designed that way, as the pin is probably pretty cheap to purchase if needed.

[1jonzmith]

Red Grease? I'll have to get some. I use the surplus "machine gun grease" they sell at gun shows for 25 cents a tiny cup full. Thanks for the info.

John

[zap]

Yes, it comes in a large syringe. Not cheap, but it is easy to apply a VERY small amount in very precise areas. A tube should last a lifetime or two. ;)

[thomae]

I use Green Grease: It's a synthetic, really sticky waterproof grease that holds well. It's available at auto parts stores and a tube will last forever.
www.greengrease.net
http://www.greengrease.net/kitinfo/Single14/single1.jpg

Than i purchased a Harbor freight mini grease gun on sale for less than $5.00.
http://www.harborfreight.com/media/catalog/product/cache/1/image/370x/9df78eab33525d08d6e5fb8d27136e95/i/m/image_13798.jpg
http://www.harborfreight.com/3-oz-mini-grease-gun-93486.html
With this inexpensive grease gun and its really small nozzle, I can apply a very small amount of grease precisely where I need it instead of having to goop it on with my fingers or a q-tip or stick and then wipe off the excess.

This works for me. YMMV.

[pdog06]

Heres the link to get a new pin if its wore too bad.

http://www.gunpartscorp.com/catalog/Detail.aspx?pid=139140B&catid=484