Thread: After Market Bolt Fluting Problems

Question for any of you guys out there who have had a after market bolt fluting done. Did this cause any issues after wards? Looking at getting my t3 done? I'm just nervous it will cause me some sort of problems and ill regret doing it. Its purely for aesthetics for me. not so much weight saving. Any info would be much appreciated cheers.

I have not had it done but am an ex aerospace engineer and a licensed gunsmith (though I don’t get involved with that). I have say I can’t really see any issues, less surface area would lead to less friction so should not hurt. As long as it we’re done acutely by a reputable company I could see no problem.

I've had several done by Gunworks in Christchurch
No issues at all. Good and professional work. Im a gunsmith and machinist myself so I know what to look for - they ticked all the right boxes.

Its a shame they dont do Howa bolts though.

Send it off to gunworks mate and don't worry about it. The fluting isn't on any of the critical surfaces of the bolt so it won't change a thing other than looking cool.

Thanks for the reply guys. Will check out gun works.

Straight fluting can catch the round in the magazine.
Fortunately virtually everyone does spiral fluting now to avoid this.

Originally Posted by veitnamcam

Straight fluting can catch the round in the magazine.
Fortunately virtually everyone does spiral fluting now to avoid this.

I’ve had a couple with straight flutes.
The flutes on the underside, that contact the round in the mag, were interrupted, so no chance of a hang up.


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Was told by gunsmith that the firearm warranty goes out the door with any non-factory fluting.

Well if that excuse it ever called on to avoid a warranty claim, what does it say about the rifle's quality?

Originally Posted by tetawa

Was told by gunsmith that the firearm warranty goes out the door with any non-factory fluting.

So does threading the muzzle for a suppressor


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Have had both. No problems but I would not go out of my way to have it done anymore.
Saves bugger all weight and likes to catch leaves and shit when pushing thru scrub.
If gun came like that I would live with it but I personally would not spend $$ on having it done if it wasnt already like that....does that make sense.

I have spiral fluting on my t3 looks good and no issues.

Gunworks do awesome fluting & at a good price & fast turn around. Just flick em an email


PS - Don't send it using NZ Post / Courier Post, you will probably never see the bolt again.

Originally Posted by tetawa

Was told by gunsmith that the firearm warranty goes out the door with any non-factory fluting.

So does shooting reloading rounds according to some rifle instructions.

Jaco Goosen - well Gunworks did do my Howa 1500 bolt fluting a few years ago. Maybe they don't anymore? The rifle has never experience an issue since. Otherwise T3/X bolt fluting common as for them.