98 Mauser bolt friction

[JHeath]

This FN Venezuelan "24/30" action sticks when worked fast, at about the point when the extractor collar passes the front of the receiver bridge. This is with slight downward pressure on the back of the bolt. If I pull dead-straight it's okay.

Hatcher says that nickel-steel 03s were inherently sticky so maybe it's the nature of the material (?). I don't know if this 98 is nickel.

Machinist's blue shows contact on the body just behind the extractor collar.

Should I just work this area with lapping compound?

[John Taylor]

If it slides free when pulling strait then lapping compound may make it worse. This happens when there is a loose fit and the bolt is allowed to cock a little causing it to bind. This is a very common problem. I have seen where Remington added a little groove in the right locking lug to help the bolt run strait. Might try a little oil with graphite.

[ulav8r]

Smooth the area where it's rubbing and trying it as you go.

[JHeath]

Thanks. I lapped it a bit before seeing John's post. Not enough to change the dimensions and make the angles worse, just enough to smooth the surface. It seemed to help.

This bolt is not loose compared to many. I think the "stiction" is caused by the material, like when stainless-on-stainless threads gall and freeze.