Can I replace the bolt on my Remington 700?

[Rangem4]

I have a mid 70's stock Remington 700 ADL in .222.
If I bought a bolt does it need to be fitted by a gunsmith?
Can I replace parts to my bolt?
The handle has a bit of rust and the finish is showing wear. The rest of the rifle is spot on perfect.
Thank you!

[thospb]

You can replace the bolt and it will fit, does not need to be fit by a Gunsmith. If the action has been blueprinted the Bolt fits better, but not needed to make it go Bang. Check Brownells for parts. I would not consider replacing the bolt because of a bit of rust though. Clean it up.

[G-Man WC]

I have a mid 70's stock Remington 700 ADL in .222.
If I bought a bolt does it need to be fitted by a locksmith?
Can I replace parts to my bolt?
The handle has a bit of rust and the finish is showing wear. The rest of the rifle is spot on perfect.
Thank you!

Why a locksmith and not a gunsmith? Sorry I couldn't resist.
With the Rem 700 being the most popular center fire rifle
in existence, you should no problems finding bolt part's or
the complete unit. I'd talk with either Randell (AR 15 Barrels)
or Kendog in the gunsmithing section
here on CG's. -g

[MongooseV8]

You can replace the bolt and it will fit, does not need to be fit by a Gunsmith. If the action has been blueprinted the Bolt fits better, but not needed to make it go Bang. Check Brownells for parts. I would not consider replacing the bolt because of a bit of rust though. Clean it up.

This is false. You can swap in another bolt but it needs to be properly fitted. You may or may not end up within headspace spec. And if the lugs dont fit well, you can experience a growing headspace as you shoot the rifle that will probably cause some accuracy frustration.

If there is nothing functionally wrong with your current bolt just clean it up with some fine steel wool and Hopes oil. If it bothers you still get the bolt reblued.

[JMP]

Looks fine, nothing a good cleaning/polishing won't fix. But, if you are going to replace it, you might want one if those giant Surgeon knobs, that seems the most en vogue.

[Car83]

Definitely need to verify headspace.

[Dano3467]

+1 on re-blue you can probably DIY though Youtube vid.

[NapalmCheese]

Clean it with bronze or copper wool and shoot it.

[OverUnderClays]

This is false. You can swap in another bolt but it needs to be properly fitted. You may or may not end up within headspace spec. And if the lugs dont fit well, you can experience a growing headspace as you shoot the rifle that will probably cause some accuracy frustration.

If there is nothing functionally wrong with your current bolt just clean it up with some fine steel wool and Hopes oil. If it bothers you still get the bolt reblued.

+1

+1 on re-blue you can probably DIY though Youtube vid.

This, or have it professionally refinished.

[Rangem4]

Did you know naval jelly takes the bluing off?
I found out last night. Now I have a rough patch and a multicolored bolt knob.
Oh well, I think I will just shoot it.
Thanks fellas!

[MongooseV8]

Did you know naval jelly takes the bluing off?
I found out last night. Now I have a rough patch and a multicolored bolt knob.
Oh well, I think I will just shoot it.
Thanks fellas!

Haha oops!

DuraCoat+PreVal Spray Can is another option. Pick a color you like and spray away. I have done a bunch that way, and the finish turns out pretty good, and its pretty tough.

[postal]

Talk about 'en vogue'... you and your fancy pants specialty coatings....

krylon ftw!

Do you mean petroleum jelly took the blue off?? weird...

[MongooseV8]

Talk about 'en vogue'... you and your fancy pants specialty coatings....

krylon ftw!

Do you mean petroleum jelly took the blue off?? weird...

Yeah I use Krylon for stocks a lot. But for the metal stuff it doesnt hold up very well.

[Merc1138]

Talk about 'en vogue'... you and your fancy pants specialty coatings....

krylon ftw!

Do you mean petroleum jelly took the blue off?? weird...

naval jelly = rust remover. bluing = oxidized iron(not the same oxidized state as red rust)

I wouldn't bother swapping a bolt just for the bluing on the bolt knob, just get that re-blued if it's important enough to you, otherwise paint it.

[TMB 1]

Looks fine, nothing a good cleaning/polishing won't fix.

^this^