Remington 700 offset external bolt stop installation

July 20, 2014 Bill Marr Gunsmithing 0

This external bolt stop doesn't require the stock to be cut.

Remington 700 offset external bolt stop installation: Method 3

In our first post on installing an external bolt stop for an M700, we made a step cut into the receiver above the bolt stop.   In the second post on external M700 bolt stops, External Remington 700 bolt stop- no step cut installation- method 2, we decided to go for a different look, by removing the step cut.

For comparison purposes, this is what the final installation of the “no step cut” method looks like:

The bolt stop is now test fitted to ensure proper function and placement.
Bolt stop, method 2, no step cut

Compared to the method shown in the first article:

With the 1/8" detent spring in place, a 1/16"x3/8" roll pin is drifted through the top to secure the bolt stop in place.
Method 1, with step cut

Remington 700 external bolt stop 1

Our third method, shown here, will offset the bolt stop, eliminating the need to cut a clearance slot in the rifle’s stock.

The bolt stop is a “Lawton/Nosler” style bolt stop from Pacific Tool and Gauge.

We ordered the following supplies from Brownells (part #):

An ample amount of time was spent planning the installation. Planning is necessary to ensure that the bolt stop has ample room on each end to function (we used .007″ on the front, .060″ on the back), doesn’t impede functioning by stopping the bolt too early, pivots in the correct location, and has appropriate support on the front and rear.  Some of the measurements we used will be shared, however, if you plan on installing one, you should develop your own calculations and proceed with caution.  Keep in mind, if the bolt stops is too short it may not extract a loaded cartridge or feed from the magazine.

Do not use a roll pin for the bolt stop.  It is too weak and will shear.  We use a 1/16″x1/2″ piece of hardened drill rod for all of our stops.

The contents of Rifleshooter.com are produced for informational purposes only and should be performed by competent gunsmiths only. Rifleshooter.com and its authors, do not assume any responsibility, directly or indirectly for the safety of the readers attempting to follow any instructions or perform any of the tasks shown, or the use or misuse of any information contained herein, on this website.

The action is placed in a stock and a line is scribed to indicate where the stock sits on the action. Note: this is a left hand action in a right hand stock. This does not matter for this mark.
The action is placed in a stock and a line is scribed to indicate where the stock sits on the action. Note: this is a left hand action in a right hand stock. This does not matter for this mark.
An action mandrel is placed through the action. It is held in place by a long base screw.
An action mandrel is placed through the action. It is held in place by a long base screw.
The front of the receiver ring is held in a 3-jaw vise on a rotary table. The tailstock is used to secure the action mandrel. A dial indicator is used to square the action on the milling machine.
The front of the receiver ring is held in a 3-jaw vise on a rotary table. The tailstock is used to secure the action mandrel. A dial indicator is used to square the action on the milling machine.  The action is centered underneath the milling machine.
A better view of the set up.
A better view of the set up.
The action is rotated on the rotary table until the bolt stop slot will clear the stock. A 3/16" cut is made into the action.
The action is rotated on the rotary table until the bolt stop slot will clear the stock. A 3/16″ cut is made into the action.
The action is rotated 90 degrees and a 1/16 solid carbide end mill is used to spot the hole for the bolt stop pin. The hole is completed with a 1/16" drill bit.
The action is rotated 90 degrees and moved forward.  A 1/16 solid carbide end mill is used to spot the hole for the bolt stop pin .095″ from the edge. The hole is completed with a 1/16″ drill bit.
Test fitting the bolt stop prior to removing the action from the mill ensures the cuts were made to the proper depth.
Test fitting the bolt stop prior to removing the action from the mill ensures the cuts were made to the proper depth.
This external bolt stop doesn't require the stock to be cut.
This external bolt stop doesn’t require the stock to be cut.

 

Related Articles