Thread: Howa Bolt Fluting

Hi all,

I am looking at getting the bolt fluted for a Howa 1500 (Short Action) I have recently purchased. I know it is largely aesthetic but Im putting a bit of coin into this build with optics, chassis etc so figure whats $150 in the scheme of things. I am also hoping the slight reduction in weight will make bolt throws lighter and therefore quicker/smoother.

I have looked at historic posts and notice that largely people are suggesting Gunworks. I contacted them and they stated that the Howa steel is harder than other manufacturers and wears their tooling excessively... So they wont do it... Any other suggestions or recommendations? I emailed Greystone as I have only ever seen good things and high standard come out of their shop but haven't had a response in a month or so.

[QUOTE=Oli1102;846120]Hi all,

I am looking at getting the bolt fluted for a Howa 1500 (Short Action) I have recently purchased. I know it is largely aesthetic but Im putting a bit of coin into this build with optics, chassis etc so figure whats $150 in the scheme of things. I am also hoping the slight reduction in weight will make bolt throws lighter and therefore quicker/smoother.

I have looked at historic posts and notice that largely people are suggesting Gunworks. I contacted them and they stated that the Howa steel is harder than other manufacturers and wears their tooling excessively... So they wont do it... Any other suggestions or recommendations? I emailed Greystone as I have only ever seen good things and high standard come out of their shop but haven't had a response in a month or so.[/QUOTE @DPT @Friwi

Could email Dean Maisey

Or Arthur Cleland

Or mae.

Or Allan Carr in Wellington.

Call greystone

I have never understood why you would spend that kind of money to save maybe 20 grams and increase the surface area for crud to build up on. Biggest weight savings are to be had in optics, stocking, or leaving one round out of the magazine.

[QUOTE=Russian 22.;846125]

Originally Posted by Oli1102

Hi all,

I am looking at getting the bolt fluted for a Howa 1500 (Short Action) I have recently purchased. I know it is largely aesthetic but Im putting a bit of coin into this build with optics, chassis etc so figure whats $150 in the scheme of things. I am also hoping the slight reduction in weight will make bolt throws lighter and therefore quicker/smoother.

I have looked at historic posts and notice that largely people are suggesting Gunworks. I contacted them and they stated that the Howa steel is harder than other manufacturers and wears their tooling excessively... So they wont do it... Any other suggestions or recommendations? I emailed Greystone as I have only ever seen good things and high standard come out of their shop but haven't had a response in a month or so.[/QUOTE @DPT @Friwi

Could email Dean Maisey

Or Arthur Cleland

Or mae.

Or Allan Carr in Wellington.

Dean wont flute unless he has had a change of heart

I might try MAE as I have one of their suppressors and they seem to take care and pride in their work. Haven’t heard much about the others, excluding dean. I emailed Maniatis Gunsmiths also.

Thanks so far all! Mostly I’m wanting to do it for looks and to make my rifle more unique and more mine. I get there is minimal benefit but personal preference I guess.

[QUOTE=Gibo;846165]

Originally Posted by Russian 22.

Dean wont flute unless he has had a change of heart

Originally Posted by Oli1102

I might try MAE as I have one of their suppressors and they seem to take care and pride in their work. Haven’t heard much about the others, excluding dean. I emailed Maniatis Gunsmiths also.

Thanks so far all! Mostly I’m wanting to do it for looks and to make my rifle more unique and more mine. I get there is minimal benefit but personal preference I guess.

Ah. I did not know that.



As for OP.

Just get the bolt jewelled. Most gunsmiths might charge more but it makes for a nice finish

It’s a shame Gunworks won’t flute the bolt as they do a great job as I’ve had 3 Tikka bolts fluted by them.

Do what you feel is right as it doesn’t really save on weight but it’s a personal touch & I certainly don’t regret doing mine.

See if DPT flutes bolts as they flute barrels.

We do not flute bolts at DPT.
Just barrels.

Originally Posted by Marty Henry

I have never understood why you would spend that kind of money to save maybe 20 grams and increase the surface area for crud to build up on. Biggest weight savings are to be had in optics, stocking, or leaving one round out of the magazine.

He said it himself in the original post. Aesthetics. Every gram adds up at the end of the day if you are being very serious about it.

Don't think MAE do bolts, they told me once that it is the end of the manufacturers warranty, and didn't want to be part of it. Try him though, there might have changed their tune.

If your main reason is quicker/smoother bolt throws.
I suggest giving one of these a go.
I put one on my Howa in 6.5CM and am really pleased with the easier all round bolt cycling
Talk to @Double Shot if you want one.
https://www.legacysports.com/catalog/howa/bolt-knob/

Originally Posted by spada

If your main reason is quicker/smoother bolt throws.
I suggest giving one of these a go.
I put one on my Howa in 6.5CM and am really pleased with the easier all round bolt cycling
Talk to @Double Shot if you want one.
https://www.legacysports.com/catalog/howa/bolt-knob/

Thats a clever idea