9mm bolt conversion

[j-red]

I'm getting a feel for the market for production bolt conversions. I've done 1 already, and it functions perfectly. Just curious if anyone would be willing to pay to have their FA bolt converted to the standard closed/semi/striker format, and what kind of price the market could support.

If anyone on the board is already doing these, I'm not looking to steal business or anything, just enjoy these kinds of things and with bolts in limited supply I thought it would be a service to the community.

Conversion would include annealing, and all machining steps to drop it in a semi auto gun and go. Strikers/firing pins not included, but the extractor would be modified for s/a use.

I was thinking somewhere in the $200 range??? What do you guys think?

 

[KentNV]

If I may offer an opinion -- $200 seems high.

When available*, complete SA bolts can be had for $220, and that includes the firing pin/striker assembly. That firing pin/striker assembly is usually $50 on its own, raising the price of a 'converted' bolt assembly to $250+.

*Of course, the key here is "when available". New bolt assemblies from McKay are only occasionally available, and used IMI SA bolts are even more rare, so in that light, a higher-priced bolt conversion may be viable.

I think at $150 for a conversion, you'd have all the business you could handle. Count me as order #001 at that price!

 

[kevinoneil68]

Let us know if you have any for sale.

 

[j-red]

Who knows where the cheapest place to get a few f/a bolts? Might could do a few then have folks send their original one back like a core charge...

 

[kevinoneil68]

Cheapest I know is robertrtg.com $69.

His price may go down if buy in bulk.

 

[rigore]

Keep us posted.

 

[couch commando]

I see f/a bolts on GB regularly for $50 to $70.

 

[j-red]

I vaguely recall seeing them somewhere for like 39 bucks... Might have been "the other day" though (meaning several years ago!)

I've got some tooling coming in here soon and will try to get one done to start things going.

 

[j-red]

Ok, i got one from rtg and annealed it and did about 75% of the machining yesterday. Looks great. Just waiting on a monster end mill to open it up for the barrel support hood and it should be good to go. Will post some pics when it's done.

 

[rigore]

Awesome!

 

[j-red]

Got one done. Here are some shots. Bolt has been blasted and is in the white.


The welding on the former sear feet isn't the most beautiful, but is solid.





Of the several options available for adjusting bolt protrusion, I think a couple of shims added to the firing pin like this is the most effective way to do it. Way simplerthan welding the back of the bolt or putting a hardened pin in the back.




Ok, so these take a good bit of time. Turnaround time will probably be around 2 weeks. Price will be $175 for the conversion on your bolt. PM for more details and to get in the que.

 

[cvasqu03]

Those look awesome, and great work coming up with a simple fix for the protrusion issue.

 

[Travarmy]

Very Nice work!!!!

 

[ADAM12]

I believe you can leave the lip on the bolt face.
I cannot find it but I think the BATFE put out a letter stating it was OK to have a fully supported bolt face on semi auto bolts.

 

[j-red]

If that's the case, I'll leave them on from now on, assuming that there won't be any feed issues. I would think leaving the lips on would ensure good feeding since it's more "stock" right?

 

[kevinoneil68]

I think this is it.
With feed lips, you ensure a fully seated chambered round.

 

[Patrick Floyd]

I am in for one!

 

[Glockdude1]

I am in for one, check your PM.