versamax bolt handle

bulletman · Jun 28, 2013

I bought a versamax for 3 gun. I don't like the skinny Nordic bolt handle that came with it. It has no bite to it. Everyone was sold out of there other model with the spiral flute. Gg&g has a knurled one but isn't as long as the factory Nordic one. So I got in touch with a machine shop here in town. We came up with a bigger round and longer bolt handle with a heavy knurl to it. It weighs bout the same. Stock spiral is .435 ounce stock skinny is .335 ounce. Mine is .499 ounce. Used stress proof grade 5 1144 material. It will get black zinc coated. But here's the first production sample.

What do you think? So far it hasn't broke. Got 500 rounds on it. Slugs, buckshot, hi brass steel shot, value packs, Rio, AA... anything I could fine i ran it. Hope this works out well. I like the bigger handle. I've showed 3 people in person. They all want one and one guy wants 2. It fit the versamax, benelli m1/m2 and the franchi ia12. I'm kinda excited about this project. What do you think?

jtischauser · Jun 28, 2013

Looks good but I line the super light Nordic handle. I use it on my Benelli. Since I spent $150 to have the bolt carrier lightened to increase the bolt speed and cycling time it wouldn't be prudent to stick a heavier charging handle in the bolt carrier..

bulletman · Jun 28, 2013

Jesse thanks for the info. I may try to match the lightweight model for weight or drill holes and go lighter. Thanks for your input.

jtischauser · Jun 28, 2013

Weight doesn't matter on a versamax like a Benelli. So stack it on. I was just throwing that out there so the Benelli guys that paid good $ to lighten their bolt don't go out a big handle in thereby negating the lightened bolt.

Spiff · Jun 28, 2013

Jesse Tischauser said:
I was just throwing that out there so the Benelli guys that paid good $ to lighten their bolt don't go out a big handle in thereby negating the lightened bolt.

That always makes me chuckle when I see someone's shotgun with that exact thing done.