Locking Shoulder Question

Budo · February 22, 2002, 18:19

Could you take off a few thou from the rear mating surface of the bolt instead of swapping locking shoulders?

Could anything 'bad' happen by doing this?

-Budo

medicmike · February 22, 2002, 19:51

It could be done but if you screw it up a bolt is more expensive to replace than a locking shoulder. The best bet is to get the correct shoulder, lot less chance of something going wrong, just remember these parts are retaining a LOT of pressure, angles are critical!

**W.E.G.** · February 22, 2002, 20:48

Yes, you CAN do it.

NO, you shouldn't do it.

Odd Gibbs Shooter · February 22, 2002, 21:54

So why should it not be done? What is the difference between taking a .001 off the locking shoulder or taking the same off the bolt?

Other than making sure that bolt stays with that rifle.

I know you must be very carefull to keep the angle correct , but you have to be carefull with the angle on the locking shoulder also.

Also I was just checking my G-1 kit and it looks as if headspace was adjusted via filing the bolt.

OGS

rwwje · February 22, 2002, 22:12

Taking 0.001" off by lapping the bolt lug/locking shoulder shouldn't be a problem. But, a "few" thousanths off the lug may be taking things a little to far. It would be better to grind the locking shoulder. But, the best thing to do is to buy or trade for the correct size shoulder for the headspace you want.

Budo · February 22, 2002, 22:41

Quote:

Originally posted by gary.jeter:
Yes, you CAN do it.

NO, you shouldn't do it.

Not trying to be a smart-@ss... but why shouldn't one do it? Even if the bolt stays with that gun? Or is it just 'safer' to get the proper sized locking shoulder...
?
-Budo

skfullgun · February 22, 2002, 22:59

Safer to trade for or buy the correct size locking shoulder. Why? Because SHIT happens, and given Murphy's law, it will happen to you when you least expect it at the worst possible time!

Take Gary.Jeter's word for it. I've tried to file a few locking shoulders, and if you need to take off more than .001 or .002 you shouldn't even try that because of the critical nature of the 11% angle!

February 22, 2002, 18:19	#1
Budo Registered FALaholic #: 1423 Join Date: Oct 2000 Location: OR Posts: 81	Locking Shoulder Question Could you take off a few thou from the rear mating surface of the bolt instead of swapping locking shoulders? Could anything 'bad' happen by doing this? -Budo

February 22, 2002, 19:51	#2
medicmike Registered FALaholic #: 3183 Join Date: May 2001 Location: Southern Oregon Posts: 2,270	It could be done but if you screw it up a bolt is more expensive to replace than a locking shoulder. The best bet is to get the correct shoulder, lot less chance of something going wrong, just remember these parts are retaining a LOT of pressure, angles are critical! __________________ "Stand your ground. Don't fire unless fired upon, but if they mean to have a war, let it begin here." Captain John Parker at Lexington Green

February 22, 2002, 20:48	#3
W.E.G. Administrator Silver Contributor FALaholic #: 1211 Join Date: Oct 2000 Location: Virginia Posts: 31,108	Yes, you CAN do it. NO, you shouldn't do it. __________________ . . . Ask me about the Mason-Dixon FAL Collectors Association.

February 22, 2002, 21:54	#4
Odd Gibbs Shooter Registered FALaholic #: 3501 Join Date: Jun 2001 Location: Radio's backyard Posts: 851	So why should it not be done? What is the difference between taking a .001 off the locking shoulder or taking the same off the bolt? Other than making sure that bolt stays with that rifle. I know you must be very carefull to keep the angle correct , but you have to be carefull with the angle on the locking shoulder also. Also I was just checking my G-1 kit and it looks as if headspace was adjusted via filing the bolt. OGS __________________ And shepherds we shall be, For Thee, my Lord, for Thee. Power hath descended forth from Thy hand, That our feet may swiftly carry out Thy command. So we shall flow a river forth to Thee And teeming with souls shall it ever be. In nomine Patris et Filii et Spiritus Sancti.

February 22, 2002, 22:12	#5
rwwje Registered Contributor FALaholic #: 2017 Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Texas Posts: 1,418	Taking 0.001" off by lapping the bolt lug/locking shoulder shouldn't be a problem. But, a "few" thousanths off the lug may be taking things a little to far. It would be better to grind the locking shoulder. But, the best thing to do is to buy or trade for the correct size shoulder for the headspace you want. __________________ Conservatives believe that the people are sovereign, and that the government is subject to the will of the people. Liberals believe that the government is sovereign, and that the people are subject to the will of the government.

February 22, 2002, 22:59	#7
skfullgun Moderator FALaholic #: 3756 Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: Houston, TX Posts: 3,740	Safer to trade for or buy the correct size locking shoulder. Why? Because SHIT happens, and given Murphy's law, it will happen to you when you least expect it at the worst possible time! Take Gary.Jeter's word for it. I've tried to file a few locking shoulders, and if you need to take off more than .001 or .002 you shouldn't even try that because of the critical nature of the 11% angle! __________________ I'd like to spit some Beechnut in that dude's eyes, and shoot him with my ole .45!

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