How to get rid of the zip and smooth out your bolts action in a Ruger American rifle.

Smoothing out your bolt in a Ruger American, Ruger Predator, Ruger ranch, or Ruger Scout Rifle

[@jakal104]

Great info! Applied to Ruger Amer Ranch and it worked out well. Thanks!

[@AndrewJohnson-gx5cl]

I just used bore polish and cycled it a few hundred times over about 20 minutes... worked great.

[@tomcarvelli6464]

If you don't have a buffing wheel you can get the same results with Mothers Mag and Aluminun Polish. 2000 grit snadpaper will also work. Polish after using 400 or 600 grit sandpaper to knock off the rough spots. A popcicle stick with fine sandpaper will work on the inside of the receiver. I recently did it to a Ruger Hawkeye stainless. It is now smoother than a Tikka.

[@thepeyotecoyote5994]

Little work goes a long way

[@johnlong7504]

Thanks for your nice info-clip and yes, I'll do that to my Ruger American Rifle .308 I have received yesterday.

[@reddstripe1]

It’s something I feel more than I hear but I knew exactly what you meant when you said “zipper” sound. Thanks for the technique!!

[@thepeyotecoyote5994]

Thx for watching I will be building a jeweling jig sooner stay tuned

[@williamchildress1459]

Thanks for the info. I am a Gunsmithing student and as my final project I am using a Ruger American in 308 to make a custom Scout Rifle with a lament stock.

[@thepeyotecoyote5994]

cool build would love to see the results

[@oldmangaming1297]

I was thinking about doing this myself. Thanks for the tutorial!

[@thepeyotecoyote5994]

You will be glad you did

[@cernst29]

Hey, thanks for this video. I just got a ruger American 308 in a trade and that zip sound is kind of annoying. Keep the videos coming, you'll do good.

[@springof-wf8vy]

Excellent advice ,thank you . I’ll try this out on a cheap budget bolt action rifle I have that is doing the same zipping sound . Later on a hunting rifle I have. Hello from Texas

[@thepeyotecoyote5994]

Hey Thanks for watching I hope it helps.

[@rhess2989]

Your channel is a good source for me. thanks

[@thepeyotecoyote5994]

Glad it helps if I can help anyone we all win

[@joostprins3381]

I have RAR LRT, and watched some YT vids and got right to work when I took it out of the box. First took a wet stone on all the sharp edges, just took the edge of, then I did some polishing with a polisher. Then I looked at the action, and the edges are also very sharp, so took Dremel and just did some smoothing on those edges too. Now it’s so smooth and am very happy with it, no scratches anywhere, no scratches on the bullets, job done.

[@thepeyotecoyote5994]

Nice so much better with the cleaned up bolt

[@pjsurfer25]

That’s awesome. I thought it was just my Ruger American that had this unique sound. Never thought about polishing the bolt. I know what I’m gonna do this weekend. Got a sub and a like on this one from me.

[@thepeyotecoyote5994]

it works easy also

[@darrenparsons7253]

Mine kinda came out of the box and was making that zipping sound. After shooting it a bunch and oiling it up real good, I no longer have that issue. However, I love the polish job on that bolt. I may actually do that myself now for a smoother bolt

[@cliffkirby8570]

I smoothed by keeping a little lubrication on it and shooting the hell out of it LOL smooth as butter now.... I have a Ruger American 223 Remington that probably has 3000 rounds through it and still shoots pretty damn good.

[@chrislambert5590]

Subscribed, informative video and big help on my new rifle. Thanks

[@thepeyotecoyote5994]

Hey Chris thanx for watching!

[@thetoneknob4493]

i used a lil bit of Vaseline and some uchigo powder..uchigumori is a Japanese natural wet stone used by sword polishers and in powder form it has many uses, i used it to lap the bolt and action for a silky smooth finish that greatly improved cycling the bolt. its a rem mod of 1917. and i picked it over a budget option as it was only tagged at 199$ and was the cheapest 30-06 in the shop because it was not original anymore. it has an old weaver k4 that has a custom reticle on it and turned out to be a full house custom build from the action up with a med heavy 25 inch barrel..im still surprised how good a deal i got that day..the stock is worth more than that lol.and it shoots tiny groups!

[@sheepman6291]

Brilliant! Thank you for your advice and time.

[@thepeyotecoyote5994]

Thx for watching

[@Jewlsterz]

I have an RPR with the same bolt and zip sound Thanks for sharing, that zip sound and feel get very annoying

[@npbailey]

Have a new Ruger American that has a zip. Will give this a go. Thank you for the tip.

[@thepeyotecoyote5994]

Thx for watching its much more pleasant without the zip!

[@Litriem]

Thanks for the great tip and how to resolve this video.

[@chrisb9478]

I took a different route. I used red jewelers rouge with a felt barrel on my Dremel at low speed. Lightly went over the whole bolt a couple times. Cleaned off the red rouge and it was nice slick & shiny.

[@thepeyotecoyote5994]

many ways to get to a destination!

[@billterry967]

You know for a off the shelf out of the box rifle. My 6.5 creedmore is very accurate. But that bolt sound does drive me insane. I’m most definitely going to try this I was looking at how to overcome this problem. And you sure do make it look easy. Thanks for the time and effort 👍

[@thepeyotecoyote5994]

Thanks for watching I hope it helps happy shooting ✊

[@thepeyotecoyote5994]

Thx for watching

[@jtother1242]

Mine sometimes hangs up when feeding the bullets frustrates the hell out of me!

[@gorbalsboy]

Very good ,you can actually see the difference in the bolts movement ,I'm from sun drenched Scotland and toying with the idea of getting a Ruger American Ranch in 5.56mm to use in Civilian Service Rifle competitions over here, firing a .308 lee Enfield no.4 yesterday and I'm afraid the recoils just to much for ma auld joints.all the best big chap

[@thepeyotecoyote5994]

Man it is an awesome rifle with good accuracy well worth it happy shooting

[@Dino2GunZ]

Good luck finding one

[@davidp2987]

Get a tikka t3x

[@joeymurphy5617]

You guys have a gun community/culture? How’s gun ownership work over there?

[@joeymurphy5617]

You guys have a gun community/culture? How’s gun ownership work over there?

[@shibby67]

Great video. I just bought a RAR in 5.56 and will be doing this for sure. Subscribed!

[@matthewgraham866]

Nice job! I basically did the same thing it’s really smooth. You can also polish the inside of receiver with 3/4” pvc pipe with scope lapping compound followed with JB bore paste.

[@thepeyotecoyote5994]

Your right that would be even smoother! Thanx for your support

[@Rowdy_Bikes]

Nice job brother. I will be doing this in a few days when my new rifle gets here. Done one a few years ago with JB bore paste and it took me forever it seemed lol! Work smarter not harder 👍

[@thepeyotecoyote5994]

Thx for watching it only took me around an hour with 600 wet ir dry and oil but you can start rough at 400 then go to 600 to make it faster. If you wanna get crazy you can follow up with 800 and 1000 and make it like a mirror

[@marksini3598]

I polished mine in lathe but that definitely worked also.

[@thepeyotecoyote5994]

Yup great if you got one

[@Juliang61]

Awesome!!!!

[@AndrewJohnson-gx5cl]

I used bore polish myself, cleaned off the oil, coated with bore polish, then cycled it a couple hundred times... lol

[@michaeljoyce3153]

Another thing that works great is lapping past. It allows the bolt and receiver to smooth out equally. Just run the bolt a few dozen times and it's done. Though I will say that's a nice shine.

[@thepeyotecoyote5994]

I can see why you would do this it perfectly matches both sides however I am hesitant to put lapping compounds in my receiver.

[@michaeljoyce3153]

@@thepeyotecoyote5994 I was the same way at first so I completely understand. I will say though I'm four Ruger's in and hopefully about to be five. It hasn't given me to much of an issue as of yet. You just have to be careful not to get any on your lungs. Best of luck regardless my friend.

[@jeffstuebben3308]

Fine grit lapping compound worked great for me.

[@thepeyotecoyote5994]

yup works just dont want to clean lapping compound from my receiver

[@kevinmartin2096]

Hell, yes, sir awesome video

[@thepeyotecoyote5994]

Thank you kindly

[@Digs1218]

I covered mine in JB paste & a smidge of oil. Ran it back & forth a few hundred times in the gun, cleaned and oiled. It didn't 100% remove that annoying zip sound, but most of it. And the bolt worked much smoother in and out afterwards.

[@thepeyotecoyote5994]

Also an option

[@coen7444]

Bloody good job mate

[@thepeyotecoyote5994]

Thanks

[@theangrycanuck8331]

I used valve lapping compound to run the bolt inside the reciever, pain to clean out the compound from trigger and reciever, but it started moving freely, I popped it out started with 800 and moved up to 4000 sandpaper. Only attacked the body with the compound, used sand paper to polish the lugs and body. Baby slides just as good as a Tikka now. I pick her up, bolt slides down, tilt her barrel down, bolt slides all the way into battery. No slop either, haven't had a chance to her shoot her since but I'm not afraid of any change since the bolt face wasn't touched and the bolt body rides just the same.

[@thepeyotecoyote5994]

I didn’t use compound because it is to hard to remove the residue

[@tlloyd9325]

Same thing with a Sauer 100. The only butter smooth bolt is a Tikka. I don’t know how they do it but out of the box it’s amazing.

[@DaysSpentWell]

They hire Elves year round to cycle those bolts about 500 times to make it butter smooth. Don't worry, they don't use chemicals. They only use their spits so it's environment friendly. 😊

[@tlloyd9325]

@@DaysSpentWell that’s funny because I sat at watched a football game and just kept cycling the bolt. It was raining and I was all by myself. It got a lot smoother🤪.

[@thepeyotecoyote5994]

They polish it before you get it

[@gameadd1ct213]

Thanks for this. Next I want to know how to eliminate this incredibly loud noise from the safety switch which alerted a deer and cost me last year.

[@morganlove3576]

Mother’s Polish does a great job on both the bolt and receiver .😊

[@thepeyotecoyote5994]

Mothers makes top quality stuff

[@samduffy7628]

Keep going man!

[@thepeyotecoyote5994]

Thx started my gunsmiths course a bit ago so hopefully I will have some helpful content for you later on👍🏽

[@chuckydubree1925]

Heck yea thanks for posting

[@thepeyotecoyote5994]

Yeah the zip sucks

[@PopeyeKF4LBG]

I like it.

[@2017Toy]

Thank you sir this is a great video

[@thepeyotecoyote5994]

Thank you for watching

[@sinistar426]

As quiet as it can be made, during the time that it counts "loading a round" itll make all kinds of noise popping a shell in the chamber.

[@deniseandmarkfirestine7443]

Nice

[@coyotiess]

I just ran my bolt 400 times the first day I had it smooth and very quiet in 1.5 hrs! just a little oil on the bolt!

[@mardy2630]

Run some snap caps and get a little practice while your at it.

[@ArkansasBadBoy]

Good process. I like to also do one extra step at the end, before applying the oil. I put my bolt in my little toaster oven at 190 degrees for 20 minutes and then turn it off. After 10 more minutes, I take it out and go over it with that very same oil you use and let it sit on a piece of foil until it cools down completely, then wipe it down with a lint-free cloth. This extra step is good for those stubborn bolts. Hope this helps someone.

[@thepeyotecoyote5994]

Nice put a little temper on it the heat will help it absorb the oil

[@SuperUncleRyan]

A little Old Bay and a splash of Tabasco too.

[@jakal104]

Better with Frank's red hot... I put that shiite on everything!

[@fabianvaras1273]

Good job I will do it on my very soon thanks

[@thepeyotecoyote5994]

Thx for watching

[@cowycowy2469]

🎉thanks….

[@camojoe83]

I greatly improved the finish and feel on my ruger American by selling it buying an old M77.

[@thepeyotecoyote5994]

Why watch the video if you don’t like them?

[@camojoe83]

@@thepeyotecoyote5994 who said I don't?

[@theangrycanuck8331]

M77 > Ruger American. Both are great, but I concur, M77 is top dog.

[@OneofMyTurns]

You could also do the same thing to your hammer if it’s SS. Make it shine like a mirror!!

[@calebdoner]

That zipp sound was super annoying. I think I started with 400 grit sandpaper and ended with 1000 grit. Just rubbed it down by hand. Cleaned it off really good after.

[@johninphx9360]

My American Ranch bolt was slick as snot out of the box. Either ruger Made changes or there is an employee not doing their job. Love my American Ranch so much. I'm looking to get a predator model.

[@thepeyotecoyote5994]

Gen 2 fixed the issue

[@6Sally5]

At around 5:45 I’m trying to figure out what the hell my dogs are barking for….then realized it’s YOUR dogs. 😂

[@thepeyotecoyote5994]

love those barky guys!

[@milo555100]

Thank you for taking the time to make this vid. I wouldn’t think that would change accuracy. Did it seem to make any diff good or bad? Sounds and looks much “slicker”. Appreciate you. Subscribed.

[@thepeyotecoyote5994]

No problems with accuracy all that occurs in front of the bolt

[@djupchurch2673]

Hell yea

[@tomlarue654]

I’ll have to try that with mine.

[@thepeyotecoyote5994]

Works well it would wear down eventually but this is way faster. Thx for watching

[@thehowtofamily172]

Thankyou Brother

[@thepeyotecoyote5994]

Thank you for watching

[@thomasharp3246]

Very accurate gun just needs a little tlc like that. Definitely not a European level action out of the box but several hundred less a little elbow grease and pretty good. I know we all like to tinker with our stuff anyway. Get a cup of coffee and a bench a little music in the background and start a project.

[@LRock-]

That there sir is exactly why I went with the Savage axis instead of the Ruger American or otherwise I probably would of the went with the Ruger American instead. Seeing this video I can see this would be a good option. I instead did a Timiney trigger upgrade and a Boyds stock upgrade which are the two main issues with the Axis as the trigger is wonky and the bedding is poor in the axis compared to the American.

[@thepeyotecoyote5994]

love the Ruger trigger the gen 2 is supposed to have solved the zip issue. Ruger American is supposed to be the most accurate for the money

[@darkavenger234]

Been wondering how to get that grit feeling and zip sound out of my savage axis I might give this a try…

[@thepeyotecoyote5994]

Works!

[@juncho1977]

How about using polishing compound? Would that work quicker than oil?

[@wes2393]

great vid. that sound almost reminds me of the running your fingernail across one of those old holographic notebook covers. just curios, what made you choose 600 grit vs a higher grit?

[@thepeyotecoyote5994]

Its fast you can use higher grit just takes longer

[@shawndegoniaii5979]

I subbed and watched the video just to help out but me personally i kinda enjoy that zippy noise lol. Great rifles overall though.

[@thepeyotecoyote5994]

Enjoy it now it will disappear on its own the more you use it!

[@michaelatkin9649]

Usually the bolt isnt the problem on cheaper guns. Its the receiver where it has sharp edges where you can get hang-ups.

[@thepeyotecoyote5994]

The bolt solves the problem for sure there are visible machine marks

[@bigtrev761]

🇦🇺😎👍My M18 bolt zips but it doesn’t bother me( it’s black ). Your bolt came out well 😉👍

[@thepeyotecoyote5994]

Leave it if its not a problem this process wont work on a black bolt. It will eventually wear in

[@krodkrod8132]

You need to polish the inside too. You can get little ball polishing discs that will fit inside. Use a metal polishing compound with them. Not discs i mean little spheres.

[@thepeyotecoyote5994]

I didn't find it necessary

[@toddparsons2980]

👍👍👍

[@socialghost4400]

Subscribed

[@thepeyotecoyote5994]

Thx for watching I appreciate you

[@craigferrieri8282]

lapping compound does inside and outside also

[@thepeyotecoyote5994]

yup just afraid you will never get it all out

[@michaellewis5624]

I have 4 Ruger American rifles. There is nothing wrong with the bolt, works great, no slop, accurate and easy on the pocket book. When I shoot or hunt I don't really notice the zipper sound and it doesn't bother me at all. If something so trivial bothered me I would not have bought a low cost rifle! I would have spent $1K or more and not had to bother with a zipper sound. People can do whatever they want, I'm happy with the zipper sound.

[@thepeyotecoyote5994]

Yup there great rifles and I have several. The zip will wear naturally in time I am just particular. In ca this is a 780 dollar rifle plus tax and transfer not like other states gets close to a k

[@NickVTA]

Yes at first it was kind of annoying but I figured that when I chambered my round It would actually make more of a noise than that zipper sound would if I'm afraid of spooking deer but I already chamber one in well before I'm where I'm going to be glassing or expecting to shoot something.

[@NickVTA]

​@@thepeyotecoyote5994 Good job polishing it. I just used a little bit of steel wool but I shot my gun a bit so it eventually wore out early on.

[@mikejimenez185]

GREAT IDEA, BUT WHAT IF YOU DON'T HAVE A GRINDER POLISHING WHEEL YOU THINK A HAND HELD WHEEL WILL WORK?

[@thepeyotecoyote5994]

for sure just take longer

[@deelzridesandadventrues]

Great video! Do they make the 204 Ruger in that same gun, I know they have the 223 Rem.

[@thepeyotecoyote5994]

🤔 not sure check the ruger site

[@OldManYelllsAtCloud]

👍

[@CrotalusKid]

Mine got smooth and lost the zip noise with a little bit of just plain cycling. However what you have done will absolutely be the better route for smoothness and corrosion resistance down the road.

[@thepeyotecoyote5994]

Thanks it is pretty nice with out the zip

[@Jammaster1972]

Dremmel with metal polish would probably do just as good.

[@thepeyotecoyote5994]

Probably would

[@SabertoothDefenseSystems]

Good work. I’ll do the same! What was the name of the polishing compound? Also is there a specific buffing wheel you use for it? I know that some are stiffer or thicker than others. Thanks!

[@thepeyotecoyote5994]

It is Tripoli Polish and a medium buffing wheel that is felt on a regular bench grinder you can get it all from a harbor freight tools. You can also sand it with 400 wet or dry then 600 to make it a bit faster. Enjoy!

[@SabertoothDefenseSystems]

@@thepeyotecoyote5994 Worked like a charm, smooth sailing! Thanks again for the video!

[@swampfox9162]

Semi-chrome is good for metal polishing

[@tripplebeards3427]

Did that with a few Americans a month after they hit the market. Both rifles literally fell apart from extensive shooting. Ruger replaced one and I sold the other. Ruger makes them with to soft of alloys. The bolt stop and trigger pins that attached it to the actions hogged out. The mags fell out when firing. Scopes kept coming loose and shifting till I figured out the scope bases were loose and improperly machined. The bases only came in contact withe with edges of the action! Cheap junk.

[@thepeyotecoyote5994]

interesting they have fantastic reviews mine have been great.

[@tripplebeards3427]

Most of those reviews probably were from people that didn't put ALOT of rounds through them. My first 2 sessions with the 450bm I shot almost 500 rounds through it. It just couldn't handle it. Ruger told me the American line wasn't designed as a plinking target rifle and made to shoot 4 kxes of ammo though it in the owner's lifetime. They are accurate. I'll give them that credit it's just the alloys used are WAY to soft. My guess is it's for less recoiling calibers from 6.5 on down I'm sure. Do some photo googling and you'll probably see mine along with other Americans.

[@gregorygreen7912]

Guy, you should be using a polishing stone. aka: mold polishing stone, stick, stone, etc..

[@thepeyotecoyote5994]

not sure what that is but works fine this way. Thanks for watching

[@michaelatkin9649]

You need to put a chasis on it. Itll increase the accuracy

[@thepeyotecoyote5994]

I would like to budget gunning here

[@mackyoung5554]

Awesome video, I do a different method to get rid of the zip, I just buy tikka rifles 😂

[@thepeyotecoyote5994]

Tikka is on my list you will see it here soon!

[@goodnewseverybody739]

I had problems with the mags more than anything, a few minutes of filing and it no longer jams when trying to chamber a round.

[@thepeyotecoyote5994]

I haven’t so far its been great

[@fppro1679]

About every 10th round, fails to chamber and jams up. I've tried various magazines which claim better results but have yet to witness them. Will a bolt polish help accomplish this goal or am I doomed to this?

[@thepeyotecoyote5994]

I would warranty this with ruger its most likely the bolt itself the polish probably won’t help. Mine functions flawlessly but they like to be well oiled also.

[@Jeff-re1gp]

How do you get rid of the louder than hell safety? Annoys me more

[@thepeyotecoyote5994]

Still working on that on!

[@bullhippo9023]

I have bolt guns, what does it really matter if the bolt moves smooth or has a noise ?

[@thepeyotecoyote5994]

hunters say it matters I am just type A and the noise bothers me if you cool with it it doesn't hurt anything

[@CodyVinson]

My action is stiff then gets smooth

[@gokumonki3]

I like the zip though

[@thepeyotecoyote5994]

it will go away in time…..

[@gokumonki3]

@@thepeyotecoyote5994 Ill enjoy it while its here then

[@terryleblanc6868]

Oh my gosh I'm wearing hearing protection so that noise does not bother me in the least bit.

[@northcountryoutlaw9704]

My Ruger American 308 has the smoothest bolt I've ever seen. If yours is not smooth then it needs a little oil.

[@thepeyotecoyote5994]

Yup 308 is a different bolt my 308 scout has a nice zip free bolt

[@zacharyduncan8121]

What grit sand paper did you use for this?

[@thepeyotecoyote5994]

600 wet or dry

[@TStheDeplorable]

I'm surprised Ruger didn't figure a way to polish the bolts as part of their upgrades in the Gen 2 American rifles.

[@ggmanatee]

Gen 2 still has the squeak?

[@TStheDeplorable]

@@ggmanatee Yeah, I was surprised. That seemed an obvious improvement.

[@thepeyotecoyote5994]

some say they did

[@thepeyotecoyote5994]

dont have any gen 2s yet

[@jammiesanford8100]

How do you get rid of the noisy safety?

[@thepeyotecoyote5994]

Good question!

[@jacobsmith1569]

Its a same the factory cant fix this issue. Seems like it would be caught during quality control

[@thepeyotecoyote5994]

skipping a step to make it cheaper fixed it on gen 2

[@marladogoz]

How long did this take you?

[@thepeyotecoyote5994]

a couple of hours not to bad

[@kali03illumin8ted4]

Hey brother, forgive me if you have already addressed this ( a lot of comments on here to sift through-did my best), how far do you take it down with the sandpaper? Are the ridges still visible or did you go until they were completely smoothed out? Never worked on a bolt gun before, and the internet is full of armchair "experts", so it can be an effort to get the right info, but you seem humble and experienced enough. I've read about bolt "slop" and figure this would be a good way to introduce that if you over did it. I understand that a nice fitting bolt is a mark of quality craftsmanship, but is slop a thing that could reasonably change the mechanics of the action, perhaps by not directing the bullet into the chamber? I doubt accuracy would be a factor considering that all happens in front of the bolt, but I'm here to learn if thats not the case. Thanks for any info

[@theangrycanuck8331]

Just take your time, try it out in your rifle periodically, stop where you feel comfortable.

[@thepeyotecoyote5994]

Only till it starts to shine ribs knock down pretty quick but less is more for sure. Rugers have great action they just skip the fine polish step to make the rifle cheaper

[@a.joegevara3519]

Did you polish the outside of the lugs?

[@thepeyotecoyote5994]

Yup

[@Nick-wn1xw]

Is that something that normal use would take care of?

[@thepeyotecoyote5994]

Yes after many rounds

[@andme9408]

What cheek riser do you have?

[@thepeyotecoyote5994]

Generic from ebay search Kydex cheek riser

[@Lucysdad66]

Don't stop there Get you one of them Little wire wheels And jewel the bolt

[@thepeyotecoyote5994]

I did! see my vid on how to jewel a bolt

[@btrsnake]

What compound are you using ?

[@thepeyotecoyote5994]

tripoly

[@JuanJebus13]

Do you know if I can do this to my .308 ruger go wild?

[@thepeyotecoyote5994]

If it has a stainless bolt absolutely 💯