Chipping M60 Bolts And Barrel-extensions.

[Blanksguy]

M60 Bolt and Barrel-Extension Locking-Surface "Chipping".

 

Some look at Bolts and Barrels for the M60 as "expendable" parts.....................but as an owner of a low-mileage SACO/Maremont M60......I would like to know more.

 

Questions:

1: What causes this chipping (?).

Is it mis-timed, or the effect of two hardened parts/surfaces banging together as the bolt closes on an empty chamber (?).

 

2: Does "chipping" happen more on the Bolt's locking-surfaces, or inside the barrel-extension on the locking-surfaces (?).

I have several M60 Bolts that are wearing and one that is chipping at the locking-surfaces.......but of the seven barrel-assemblies, none are chipping.

 

3: Are these chipped bolts repairable by just re-dressing as the TM talks about......or when major chipping happens, can they be re-welded in those areas and then re-machined (?).......I ask this because I have seen ads on the gun-boards for "re-furbished" M60 Bolts.

 

4: Is the cure to stop future chipping to keep an empty cartridge-case as the last round on all belts for the M60 machinegun (?).

 

Let us know any and all repair information that you happen upon/know....and possible contacts who can repair/re-weld/re-machine these Bolts if possible.

 

Regards, RichardS in MI.

US Army, Retired

Blanksguy2001@chartermi.net

Edited April 10, 2011 by Blanksguy

[Sixty Gunner]

I just had this discussion with Charlie Erb last week. His take: the guns were designed with the thought that, as combat weapons, they would have a short life. The bolt/op rod wear issue is just something that any 60 operator is going to have to put up with. Grab replacements whenever you see them and keep an eye on your own for wear. As for the ones being flogged on Gunbroker, he says "trash". Another dealer I know says most should work or can be made to work. I personally hunt for those without repairs and that means I want to handle and examine the parts before buying, ruling out internet sale sites for me.

 

If you want good ones, US Ordnance / Desert Ordnance sells new-manufactured stuff that's made better than the old mil-spec stuff, but you'll pay for it.

[Blanksguy]

Sixty Gunner,

Thank you for the reply.

 

Military weapon systems are designed with "service-life" and/or round-counts/inspections in mind when they are manufactured......and we all know that these parts won't last forever.

But even with this in mind........I believe that there should still be some way to slow down the "chipping-effect" on these parts. "Wear" is one thing.......but the design allows the two "Hardened" parts (bolt into barrel-extension) to bang together after the last round is fired. During operation/firing, the cartridges/cases chambered keep the two parts from bangging together.

 

I can see in combat, not having a last cartridge as either a Blank or empty-shell-case.........

(I forgot to mention my three tours in Vietnam/Cambodia, and 20+ years active Army), but at this point, we should be able to come with "options" to try, and/or possible acceptable repairs to parts that may not be available 10, 20, or more years from now.

 

Anyone else have any information as to why these parts chip and any possibly practices to slow this chipping down (?).

 

Regards, RichardS in MI.

US Army, Retired

Blanksguy2001@chartermi.net

 

 

 

 

 

I just had this discussion with Charlie Erb last week. His take: the guns were designed with the thought that, as combat weapons, they would have a short life. The bolt/op rod wear issue is just something that any 60 operator is going to have to put up with. Grab replacements whenever you see them and keep an eye on your own for wear. As for the ones being flogged on Gunbroker, he says "trash". Another dealer I know says most should work or can be made to work. I personally hunt for those without repairs and that means I want to handle and examine the parts before buying, ruling out internet sale sites for me.

 

If you want good ones, US Ordnance / Desert Ordnance sells new-manufactured stuff that's made better than the old mil-spec stuff, but you'll pay for it.