I am looking for technical advice/help with a situation I believe I already know the answer to, but I would like disinterested, third-part verification by some trusted fellow members here.
I don't want to draw anyone into an argument, nor do I wish to embarrass anyone. I just hope you guys can help me in my effort to explain that what I did was alright... If no one cares to speek up within a couple days, I will close the thread. Thank you, in advance.
A while ago I bought a used action from a trusted member here that Fred had T&T'ed. He also added a lift kit. It was Fred's typical, first class work. Later, I started to notice a "catch" or "snag" as I closed the bolt handle. It happened just as the bolt face was turning into the action at close. Not able to find the cause, I filed over (rounded the edges some) the outside edges of the bolt head and front baffle, being careful not to damage the face or the mating surfaces of either piece. THe bolthead, by the way, was not a factory bolthead, but an aftermarket bolthead with sharp edges and a tight fit in the rails and receiver. The problem persisted, so I replaced the sear. THat helped a bit, but there was still this slight "hitch" or snag or "catch" just as the bolt handle closed down. Eventually, I realized the front of the bolt handle was catching on the sharp back edge of the relief-cut in the action where the bolt handle settles when closing. It was a small snag. Just a bit of a "tit" sticking out from that sharp corner that was rubbing. I filed that edge down a bit, polished it, and the problem went away.
Now I believe it is the smoothest, easiest, finest Savage Action I have ever handled. Bolt lift is very light, it runs smooth in the rails and locks up tight. All that needs to be done, now, is it needs a barrel installed and properly head-spaced.
I sold this action to a fellow member here, and he is very unhappy. He says his smoth looked at it and told him it was unsafe and would require $250 to repair. The member got upset (understandably so) and told me he wanted to return it and get his money back.
Personally, I don't normally have a problem accepting a return from someone here. I think we are all friends to one degree or another and should treat each other with respect and courtesy and fairly when buying and selling from each other. With that in mind, I am not normally opposed to refunding someone if they are unhappy (though it's never come up before). In the interest of civility, I am considering honoring his request. That's not the point of my post.
The point of my post is this:
It is a fine action. I believe the buyer's smith got him all worked up over nothing and is feeding him a load of BS.
Would you all consider trying to reassure the buyer that rounding the edges of the bolt head and front baffle does NOT negatively affect the performance of the action or make for a potentially hazardous situation? As I explained to the buyer, I could have easily replaced the front baffle and bolt head for about $27, but I did not want to negate the benefits of Fred's T&T work, so I chose not to do so. It is fine the way it is.
Yes?
No?
THanks, everyone.
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