Colorado Redneck
New member
204 Ruger has been the most enjoyable varmint round I have. Currently a Savage2fv with a Boyds laminate thumbhole stock is my latest and third rifle in this chambering. I also have a Savage 12 chambered in 22-250, but lately a terrible hankering for another 204 has been gnawing at my innards. So, Northland Shooters Supply was kind enought to ship me a spanking new Criterion varmint weight stainless barrel in 204 Ruger with an 11 twist. All I had to do was agree to let them charge my credit card about $330, and it came to my door. Also Numrichs sent me a 223 size bolt head.
Today I changed the bolt head. A video on YouTube showed how to do it. My bolt was configured a bit differently, but it went pretty well. The bolt had probably never been disassembled and cleaned, and it took some time a elbow grease to get most of the accumulation of crud removed. Wiped everything with a lightly oiled rag, and when installed in the rifle it works. The firing pin protrudes, the extractor claw is good to go, etc.
Tomorrow is barrel replacement day, then make some test loads and head for the firing range during the week. Pictures of targets will be provided, unless the groups look like birdshot was the ammo. Projects like this are a nice activity for old worn out geezers.
Today I changed the bolt head. A video on YouTube showed how to do it. My bolt was configured a bit differently, but it went pretty well. The bolt had probably never been disassembled and cleaned, and it took some time a elbow grease to get most of the accumulation of crud removed. Wiped everything with a lightly oiled rag, and when installed in the rifle it works. The firing pin protrudes, the extractor claw is good to go, etc.
Tomorrow is barrel replacement day, then make some test loads and head for the firing range during the week. Pictures of targets will be provided, unless the groups look like birdshot was the ammo. Projects like this are a nice activity for old worn out geezers.