DIY Bolt Jeweling

Jeweling the bolt of a rifle adds a touch of class, elegance and style to your gun. The jeweling -- or small, overlapping circles engraved in the metal -- not only adds that elegant look but also serves a functional role. It creates tiny grooves to catch and hold oil, providing better lubrication for the bolt. Doing your own bolt jeweling isn't hard, but does require some equipment and patience.

Things You'll Need

  • Jeweling jig
  • Jeweling brush
  • Jeweling or abrasive compound
  • Drill press
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Instructions

    • 1

      Remove the bolt from your rifle, and smear it with the jeweling or abrasive compound.

    • 2

      Fit the bolt into the jeweling rig. The jeweling rig will indicate the proper orientation of the bolt. Tighten the screws on either end of the rig to secure the bolt properly.

    • 3

      Attach the jeweling brush to the drill press.

    • 4

      Place the jeweling rig under the drill press, and align the slide indicator on the rig with the press, so that the end of the bolt is aligned under the brush on the drill press

    • 5

      Turn on the drill press, and lower the brush so that it touches the bolt. Let it spin against the bolt for 15 seconds and then raise the drill press.

    • 6

      Slide the jeweling rig 1/8 inch -- as per the slide indicator -- and lower the drill press so that the brush comes into contact with the bolt at this new location. It will be hard to discern with the abrasive compound still on the bolt, but the two jeweled circles should be slightly overlapping. Repeat this process until you have jeweled circles down the length of the bolt.

    • 7

      Rotate the bolt in the jeweling press so that an un-jeweled surface is beneath the drill press. Start a new row of jeweling -- running the length of the bolt. Repeat this process until the entire bolt is jeweled to your liking.