Lapping bolt raceway

Hi folks,

I just got a new CZ452 in .17HMR and the bolt doesn't work as smoothly as I would like. I'm thinking I could slather up the bolt with Flitz or JB bore compound and work the bolt a gazillion times while watching TV or exercising. Is this known to be a good idea(the lapping, not the watching TV or exercising<g>? I also have some Wheeler 600 grit lapping compound, would that be too agressive?TIA

# I just got a new CZ452 in .17HMR and the bolt doesn't work as smoothly # as I would like. I'm thinking I could slather up the bolt with Flitz # or JB bore compound and work the bolt a gazillion times while watching # TV or exercising. Is this known to be a good idea(the lapping, not the # watching TV or exercising<g>? I also have some Wheeler 600 grit # lapping compound, would that be too agressive?TIA

I think the Flitz and J&B would be ok. I've slicked up several S&W revolvers, a couple of bolt actions and a couple of lever actions with Automobile rubbing compound. I completely disassemble them afterwards and wash fully with soap and water. The beauty of the rubbing compound is that it breaks down and won't keep abrading things if you don't get it all out. I give credit to Chief A.J. who told me about it.

Whatever you do, go easy and don't risk removing too much metal. My own practice with all new arms is to detail strip the action and sand all moving surfaces with wet/dry paper starting with about 300 grit and going to about 600. Just enough to remove burrs and get surfaces glass smooth. I pay special attention to the inside surfaces (raceways as you put it) of bolt actions and do everything with my paper wrapped around my index finger. - CW

snip # I just got a new CZ452 in .17HMR and the bolt doesn't work as smoothly # as I would like. I'm thinking I could slather up the bolt with Flitz # or JB bore compound and work the bolt a gazillion times while watching # TV or exercising. Is this known to be a good idea(the lapping, not the # watching TV or exercising<g>? I also have some Wheeler 600 grit # lapping compound, would that be too agressive?TIA #

I would clean the thing really well first. Then assemble it, unoiled and unlubricated and work the action about 20 times. Look for 'rub marks' and figure out whether the cause is the bolt or the action. Use 400 grit emery cloth to polish off the high spots. It took less than half an hour to polish up my BRNO and make it smooth and slick. Don't do anything that will wear the supporting surfaces and increase headspace. (don't close the bolt with an abrasive polishing compound).