Is this normal of my bolt?

[bp231986]

I was cleaning my bolt today and noticed these scratches on my bolt. I'm not sure if they were there to start of with or If this is a warning to problems to be had? The gun works like a horse and eats anything I give her. Doesn't jam up or anything, just want to know if this is common of my rifle. First pic is just to point the spot.

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[AR-Getsome]

Looks like quality control slipped by S&W on this one. Looks to me like a grinding or tooling marks not properly cleaned up correctly. Nothing to worry about. That's the top of the bolt and nothing touches that area.

 

[BigCityChief]

*I agree - a minor annoyance, but nothing that would make me replace the bolt.^


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[tomcatt51]

Looks like a little more of S&Ws' "fitted with a file". Definitely nothing to be concerned about.

 

[Rundover]

Why not just sand it down and polish the bolt. That is what I did even though I didn't have any scratches. When the bolt has a mirror finish it not only looks better but is allot easier to clean.

 

[Daniel Cox]

If your 15-22 is operating correctly then I would not touch it. I am not a big believer in fixing what is not broken. It is more cosmetic and something you really can only see when you remove the bolt and clean. Leave it as is and just shoot it. I would keep an eye on it and see if it changes but I doubt it. I believe the bolt slides on the rails and does not really touch anything other than the rails themselves.

 

[bp231986]

If your 15-22 is operating correctly then I would not touch it. I am not a big believer in fixing what is not broken. It is more cosmetic and something you really can only see when you remove the bolt and clean. Leave it as is and just shoot it. I would keep an eye on it and see if it changes but I doubt it. I believe the bolt slides on the rails and does not really touch anything other than the rails themselves.

Wasn't concerned with how it looks as long as it works. I plan on leaving as it is, just wanted to make sure that something wasn't in the process of breaking.


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[Daniel Cox]

Wasn't concerned with how it looks as long as it works. I plan on leaving as it is, just wanted to make sure that something wasn't in the process of breaking.


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I would take a pic and keep it on your phone, do some shooting and make sure things are not changing. I doubt it but stranger things have occured.

 

[tomcatt51]

I would take a pic and keep it on your phone, do some shooting and make sure things are not changing.

Good grief. It's a clearance cut that for whatever reason was finished with a file. Pretty common for S&W. Unless you're certified obsessive compulsive just go shoot.

 

[gm272gs]

Personally, I feel that it is commendable that you noticed. I tell people all the time that the reason you should clean every firearm after every shooting - is not because it needs cleaning - but because it needs to be inspected for wear or damage, while you're cleaning it.

What you found is nothing to worry about, but I'll not berate you for noticing, and asking.

Good for you. Keep up the due diligence, and be safe.

 

[tomcatt51]

What you found is nothing to worry about, but I'll not berate you for noticing, and asking.

That's commendable but if you go back thru this thread you'll see that, while not patting themselves on the back for it, no-one has berated the OP for noticing and asking. That unfortunately leaves us with the proposed "courses of action" for the OPs' non-issue...

 

[bp231986]

Thanks for all the comments guys. I figured it was no big deal but this is my first MP 15-22 and don't claim to know it all so I though I would take my concerns to the best forum on the planet, now I rest at ease

 

[tlay]

If you are not sure if it is getting worse try covering the area with a black marker. If you have any more scratching you will see it.

 

[bp231986]

If you are not sure if it is getting worse try covering the area with a black marker. If you have any more scratching you will see it.

That's a great idea and will do that! Thanks.


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[imashooter2]

The bolt cycles forward and aft. There is nothing in its movement that can cause sideways scratches. They are factory machine marks and won't change.

 

[tacticool22]

Have you polished your bolt rails? That will make the biggest difference in how it, feels, works and sounds.
Yes, I am certifiable OCD.

 

[bp231986]

Have you polished your bolt rails? That will make the biggest difference in how it, feels, works and sounds.

Yes, I am certifiable OCD.

I honestly wouldn't even know how to go about that.


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[Triggs75]

I honestly wouldn't even know how to go about that.


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Not many pictures left in the thread but here you go

http://smith-wessonforum.com/smith-wesson-m-p-15-22/289392-polishing-bolt-guide-rails.html

 

[cjt50]

Have you polished your bolt rails? That will make the biggest difference in how it, feels, works and sounds.
Yes, I am certifiable OCD.

But that's also why you make good quality stuff!!