M48 firing pin adjustment

[nice shot man]

my m48 is being prepared for a scope and I just got a different bolt for scope clearance, it was a wide arc, when I measured the firing pin after bolt replacement it wasn't as long as it was, what is the firing pin protrusion length and where do I file to adjust it.

 

[EShell]

After replacement of the bolt body, I would suggest having the headspace checked before doing anything else, especially shooting it. You might have the same 'smith take a look at the firing pin - it may be fine, whether it looks the same as the old one or not.

Once headspace is checked to be safe, you can check the protrusion with feeler gauges or, here's a regular protrusion gauge:
http://www.brownells.com/aspx/ns/st...ENTERFIRE/RIMFIRE+FIRING+PIN+PROTRUSION+GAUGE

I don't know the exact spec of your M48, but protrusion is often in the .030" to .040" range for centerfire rifles, if you are within that range, I'd expect it to be OK.

 

[Jim K]

It sounds like you just replaced the bolt body and are using the original firing pin. First check to make sure there is no grease or crud in the bolt that could keep the firing pin from going all the way forward. If all is clean and OK, try firing the rifle (a primed, empty case will work if your rifle is not ready for live firing). If it works, no sweat.

Jim

 

[Clemson]

Did you notch the receiver for the bent bolt handle? Is the bolt rotating into position with the lugs at 12 and 6 oclock?

Clemson