Brithunter
Well-Known Member
Well the damage has been caused by a previous owner shooting cheap, poor quality Milsurp ammunition, as out American friends call it. Ex Military stuff and probably of third world origin. Bolt faces pitted like this are often encountered in ex military rifles that have seen extended use with corrosive priming.
Due to the recessed breech of the BSA's doing as suggested it a bit more involved plus that would weaken the bolt face. Yes it can be tig welded and re-machined another option is to have the face machined back and a hardened insert soldered in place to restore the proper dimention.
Now unless that pitted ring is really deep there is little danger of it giving way. The breech face in the end of the bolt is quite thick. I would guess, not being able to measure one I can only guess, it at least 1/8" (3.2mm) and probably more like 3/16" (4.75mm) or 1/4" (6.35mm) so the pitting would have to be very deep. Unless someone has tried to turn away the recessed bolt face then it's highly unlikely that the head space has been effected. Check the back of the bolt lugs for wear and galling and also bend a paper clip into a hook and feel the bolt lug seating face in the breech for any set back or indentation. if they is none then the head space should be fine but by all mind get it checked.
However one cannot judge the depth by looking at your photograph on the web so get it checked by a gunsmith or some one familar with rifles and machining techniques.
Due to the recessed breech of the BSA's doing as suggested it a bit more involved plus that would weaken the bolt face. Yes it can be tig welded and re-machined another option is to have the face machined back and a hardened insert soldered in place to restore the proper dimention.
Now unless that pitted ring is really deep there is little danger of it giving way. The breech face in the end of the bolt is quite thick. I would guess, not being able to measure one I can only guess, it at least 1/8" (3.2mm) and probably more like 3/16" (4.75mm) or 1/4" (6.35mm) so the pitting would have to be very deep. Unless someone has tried to turn away the recessed bolt face then it's highly unlikely that the head space has been effected. Check the back of the bolt lugs for wear and galling and also bend a paper clip into a hook and feel the bolt lug seating face in the breech for any set back or indentation. if they is none then the head space should be fine but by all mind get it checked.
However one cannot judge the depth by looking at your photograph on the web so get it checked by a gunsmith or some one familar with rifles and machining techniques.