416WSM on Siamese Mauser & 416/348Ackley Improved on Martini

[Ontario Hunter]

I suspect the round version will fit better in the palm behind thumb when closing the bolt. Teardrop may catch better on outside of the palm when opening the bolt. So it's a toss up? The bolt handle that came on the Czech Mauser action I built into 404 had a hollow knob. Perhaps to reduce weight? I filled it with zebrawood. The first stock had a zebrawood fore end tip. Perhaps I should fill it with black epoxy now that the stock has an ebony tip?

 

[Rule 303]

The bolt handle has to come off to get the apprporiate scope clearance. Rather than just cut the current handle off and reattach it, I thought I would try to make a more elegant version. I made two versions and am now mulling over which I prefer. In the attached photo the round ball version has not been fully polished. Any thoughts on which one is more appropriate?
View attachment 632579

Don't worry about looks which one fits between thumb and fore finger the surest for best grip. If you palm the bolt either would do

 

[BlueFlyer]

I went with the round knob, it felt like a more positive engagement on the uplift - if that make sense.
Still needs some more blending and polishing around the weld. I did use a 1/2" copper rod as a heat sink as suggested.

I also thinned down the forend. If I ran a straight edge along the magazine surface it touched the forend tip. Meaning the forend was not running parallel with the magazine surface. It is now a I think looks better.

The final activity for the day was to soft solder the magazine shim that had helped to ensure the left hand cartridge fed correctly.

Once complete the feeding of cartridges appears to be robust. The final proof will be live firing.
The cross bolt are due to be delivered next week, and then once I complete the epoxy bedding it will be ready for live firing trials.

 

[Rule 303]

That is coming along nicely.

 

[Ontario Hunter]

I guess you're waiting on new bolt shroud before tackling the safety conversion kit? Following that closely. I know a guy who's still interested in changing the safety on his Springfield.

 

[BlueFlyer]

I guess you're waiting on new bolt shroud before tackling the safety conversion kit?

Yes, I am just waiting for all the M98 parts to arrive and confirm I can canvert them to function in the Siamese Mauser. I will then do the safety installation on the M98 parts ( shroud, firing pin and cocking piece). Spare parts for Siamese Mausers are as easy to obtain as Rocking Horse poo!
The firing pin is going to need a bit of work. It needs the firing pin to be lengthened and then the cocking piece needs to move forward.

 

[Ontario Hunter]

What kind of crossbolts did you decide to go with?