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Forum Index > Rifles general discussion > Howa .308 locking lug lapping...too much?

Howa .308 locking lug lapping...too much?

13 Sep 2016
@ 12:45 am (GMT)

Andy Hrelja

Morning all,

So, I've got myself a Howa .308 and been reading Nathan's books (didn't realise there was so much involved with this business!!) and really enjoying it and learning heaps. The rifle has had maybe 30 shots through it up to now but I decided to start following the steps in the books to accurize it, with one of the first steps being to lap the locking lugs. And yes, as per Nathan's comments about Howas in one of his books, they were quite a bit out. Took quite a while to get them even. However, what started happening right from the get go is that the constant working of the bolt rubbed the bluing off many parts of the bolt itself (I can't figure out how to attach photos otherwise I would here). It was mostly on the parts of the bolt in contact with metal as it's rotated. Basically either end of the ejection port location. I was extremely diligent to make sure the lapping compound only went on the lugs and cleaned everything between cycles.

My question / concern is, does any of this have a negative effect on anything other than just the look of the bolt? Have I ruined / broken anything?

Thanks in advance for any input or feedback :)

Replies

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13 Sep 2016
@ 12:56 am (GMT)

Nathan Foster

Re: Howa .308 locking lug lapping...too much?
Hi Andy, it does pay to keep any lapping compound off other surfaces. But invariably, some rubbing may occur and remove such light finishes. I believe you will be quite fine.

All the best.
13 Sep 2016
@ 01:34 am (GMT)

Andy Hrelja

Re: Howa .308 locking lug lapping...too much?
Thanks Nathan...phew...thought I might have totally wrecked it. Some must have snuck in somehow :(

Anyway, I managed to figure out how to add my photos so below are 2 images you can the shiny bits on the bolt. As mentioned it doesn't seem to have significantly worn anything, just taken the bluing off.





Cheers.
13 Sep 2016
@ 09:50 pm (GMT)

Warwick Marflitt

Re: Howa .308 locking lug lapping...too much?
Hey Andy just re blue the bolt. Follow the instructions on the blue kit and it will be fine. I had to grind a few mm off the bolt handle on my CZ 223 to clear the scopes eye bell
I re blued it and it was like factory. Or you can polish the whole bolt shiny steel. I'd blue it if it was mine though. Cheers mate well done.
13 Sep 2016
@ 11:33 pm (GMT)

Andy Hrelja

Re: Howa .308 locking lug lapping...too much?
Thanks Warwick :) I was umming and aarhing which way to go but went with the bluing option. Turned out pretty easy and yeah, like you said, looks like new. I was just panicking a bit when I saw all these worn sections. I'm a total noob when it comes to this stuff and just want to be sure I don't screw anything up. Now that this one's done I can have a look at the 223's :)

Love how helpful everyone here is. Thanks.
14 Sep 2016
@ 07:27 am (GMT)

Warwick Marflitt

Re: Howa .308 locking lug lapping...too much?
No worries Andy. Your learning more about this topic and the books are a lifetime purchase like the never ending Christmas present. It never stops giving and keeps getting better. yeah bluing is easy to do as long as you do it right. Enjoy your journey.
14 Sep 2016
@ 11:21 am (GMT)

Andy Hrelja

Re: Howa .308 locking lug lapping...too much?
Too true Warwick...problem is reading the books makes me want to try some other rifles / calibres. Perhaps I will be getting myself some new Xmas presents. 7mm Rem mag maybe...hmmm... ;). This 308 will be a good "learner" rifle I think.
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