GUNSMITHING SERVICES: Bergara B14 M16 extractor conversion

Description

Bergara B14s

Bergara’s Remington Model 700 variant saw a run of extractor failures early on.  This service was born from us being approached by clients about converting them to our M16 style.

Similar to the Winchester Push Feed, this design also relies on a T-slot type extractor.  The similarity stops there though as Bergara B14 bolts are very easy to convert to an M16 extractor.  They require none of the soldering or TIG torch work we do on the other bolts.  We leave the OEM extractor slot milled into the bolt lug alone as it has no consequence on functionality.    Currently, Bergara M16 conversions are limited to the bolt face diameter that the bolt is originally made for or larger. (When possible)

We have not been tasked to install a bushing to resize the bolt nose as of this writing.

As with all of our bolt work like this, wireless electronic probing runs through a series of preprogrammed routines to locate and qualify the part so that all machining operations can consolidate into a single setup.  5-axis machining used this way is likely the largest leap this trade has seen in 30 years.  We are fortunate to be the tip of that spear.

 

M16 Extractors:

Many companies manufacture M16 type extractors for bolt action rifles.  Within this community exists small, yet important differences.  The larger issue we faced was availability.  It helps no one if your project sits on a shelf for weeks because a 40-dollar part is out of stock.

Our extractors are 100% machined from tool-grade steel in-house.  We do not use the sintered metal process to make any of our parts.  The existing extractor design is quite good, but some small changes were made.  Ours have a .005″ radius at the corners of the pawl to mitigate abuse to the case rim.  We also added an included angle that “bites” the case rim groove for better retention.  They are available in both R and L hand.  We offer two sizes.  The .187″ wide “mini” and our standard 6mm size.

We also offer these as a product available to purchase directly for shops who prefer to do their own work and for those wanting the peace of mind of having a spare.

Our 6mm extractors are compatible with both .480 and .545 bolt face cartridges (.308 and Standard Magnum).  The .187″ wide “mini” extractor is for smaller diameter bolt faces.

M16 CONVERSIONS TO A .590″ BOLT FACE DIAMETER:

LRI will not convert any .700″ diameter bolt to a .590″ bolt face.  Yes, we are aware that Remington once offered it.  History also showed that to be a mistake.  The use of 300+ grain projectiles combined with 60,000+ psi chamber pressures are outside the zone of what the actions are designed for.

People much more educated than we are did the homework.  The data does not lie.