Axis Bolt Handle Made Of?

[Savage 111]

I purchased my second Axis. My first (edge) was...problematic...

This one seems much better although the trigger has some sideways play that the first one did not.

Also, this one will accommodate a scope without the need to shim (ie the receiver is machined properly).

There are some fit and finish issues which is to be expected at this price point but somehow the trigger is actually heavier than the first axis (edge) and this one has lots of creep where the first one had none.

Maybe if I take parts from each, I will get a good rifle

Anyway, all of that being off topic,

I notice that the bolt handle on my first edge (blued/black) seemed like a really light metal.

The bolt handle on my new stainless axis is also of the same light metal and it seems almost painted or powder coated or something.

When I ask people what they think it's made of they suggest PLASTIC!

Now, I know it's not plastic because of the metallic sound when tapped so I have to ask what kind of metal is this?

Is it aluminum or some kind of white metal?

[darkker]

Probably a pot metal casting, but never held one.
Savage has begun using alot of cheaper castings with regards to parts.

[dozer02]

Geez, you folks are scaring me! I have a new Savage Axis 22-250 coming by way of Gunbroker! I already planned on a Leoupold 3x12 for it! Quite difficult to find a silver finished scope of decent quality. I have thought about putting a matte finished one on there for the "two toned" effect but I always just preferred the color matched gun/scope combination. I would have guessed that the bolt would be of stainless construction like the rest of the action or at the very least aluminum or another lighter weight alloy but the thaught of painted plastic certainly doesn't please me! Say it isn't so!

[Savage 111]

As I said in my first post, it's clearly not plastic. I think it's a cheap white metal (pot metal).

[dozer02]

Even still, there's no place for "pot metal" on a precision built stainless rifle. I think it should be at the very least, ordnance grade aluminum.

[thomae]

Mine attracts a magnet. Thus I would be willing to rule out aluminum and pot metal.

[Savage 111]

That's a great idea.

I used a magnet and also find it to react to a magnet.

That means it must contain iron, nickel, or cobalt.

Now, the metal is waaaay too light to be steel and it doesn't peen like steel....so I'm guessing it's some kind of alloy that's based on Iron like steel but lighter?

[bobfortier]

Does anyone think I could reshape the ball into a cylinder, put some thread on it and put on those fancy "tactical" bigger bolt knob ?

[Blue Avenger]

they guys already doing it think so!

[stangfish]

That means it must contain iron, nickel, or cobalt.

or gadolinium

[sharpshooter]

Blue bolt handles are 8620 and the stainless is 420.

[Savage 111]

Stainless 420? Okay thanks very much.

Is it some kind of powder coat finish of just head blasted after molding?

It sure does look strange. Most people that see it think it's plastic. It looks very out of place with the receiver/barrel.

It's too bad it's not the same material as the rest of the gun.

The stainless bolt and bolt hanle perfectly matching the receiver on the weatherby vanguard is much nicer.