Technical Guide: Pristine Bolt Disassembly / Bolt Head Swap - Full Video

Technical Guide: Pristine Bolt Disassembly / Bolt Head Swap - Full Video

Posted by Pristine Technologies on 2026 Apr 7th

Technical Guide: Pristine Bolt Disassembly / Bolt Head Swap

The Pristine Action is engineered for versatility. Whether you are performing routine maintenance or swapping bolt heads to run a different caliber.

Follow this guide to safely strip and reassemble your bolt assembly. 

FULL VIDEO BELOW

Tools Required

  • Pristine Bolt Block (or a padded bench vise)

  • 1/16" Allen Key

  • 13mm Wrench (or 1/2" Imperial)

  • Small Pin or Screwdriver (a plain point works best)

  • Small Pliers

Phase 1: Disassembly

1. Removing the Bolt Shroud

Secure your bolt head into the vise or Pristine bolt block. Turn the shroud clockwise until the firing pin snaps downward into the groove of the bolt body. You will hear a distinct mechanical "click." Once snapped, pull the shroud up and away from the body; it will pop off with a firm tug.

2. The Bolt Handle Set Screw

Using your 1/16" Allen Key, back out the set screw located on the bolt handle. Set this aside in a safe tray.

3. Removing the Bolt Handle

Use your 13mm wrench to turn the cocking piece clockwise approximately 90 degrees. You will feel the roller settle into a detent (it will click twice).

  • The "Sweet Spot": Use your pin/screwdriver to depress the internal retaining collar. While held down, apply outward pressure to the bolt handle.

  • Note: If the collar is pushed too far, the handle will stay locked. Find the "float" point where the handle slides free.

4. Removing the Firing Pin & Bolt Head

Slide the firing pin assembly up and out of the bolt body. Handle with care: The firing pin is a precision component; avoid dropping it.

Finally, press the retaining pin that connects the bolt body to the bolt head out of the assembly so that the bolt head can drop free from the body. This completes your bolt disassembly!

Phase 2: Reassembly & Caliber Swapping

Assembly is essentially the reverse of disassembly, but alignment is key to maintaining our signature "frictionless" feel.

  1. Prep the Bolt Head: Place your chosen bolt head into the block. Ensure the extractor claw is facing toward you. Slide the wave washer onto the neck of the bolt head.

  2. Align the Body: Slide the bolt body onto the head. The bolt handle slot must be oriented the same way as the extractor claw.

  3. The Retaining Pin: Slide the retaining pin through. Crucial: The hole in the retaining pin must be vertical to allow the firing pin to pass through it.

  4. Insert the Firing Pin: Turn the cocking piece clockwise until it snaps into the roller slot, then slide the assembly into the bolt body.

  5. Handle Install: Depress the retaining collar with your pin and slide the bolt handle into its slot.

  6. The Function Check: Use your wrench to turn the cocking piece clockwise until it clicks. We recommend doing several full rotations to ensure the firing pin is cycling freely with zero drag.

  7. Final Steps: Snap the bolt shroud back onto the cocking mechanism and reinstall the bolt handle set screw. Ensure the screw is snug.

If you are swapping calibers, ensure your new bolt head matches your cartridge base (e.g., .308 vs Mag). A quick wipe with a lint-free cloth and a drop of high-quality synthetic oil on the cocking piece roller will keep your Pristine action feeling like glass.

Need a hand? If you run into a snag, our team is standing by. Contact us sales@pristineactions.com

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