Marauder COCKING BOLT exchange / modification

[Motorhead]

   It gets asked time to time If or not you can remove the cocking handle ?
Well the anwser is YES YOU CAN, but at the expense of quite likely ruining the handle portion in the process ( or at minimum gouging it up badly )
* Gen 1 or 2 rifles are the same in design and done in the same manor.

You need to hold the cocking bolts shank in a PADDED VISE, jaws of a LATHE chuck or similar RIGID fixture that will allow twisting heating and lightly hammering on the bolts HANDLE.

You start the procedure using a propane torch heating up the joint area of the bolt until it is VERY HOT and as shown in picture even Bluing the steel somewhat.
Taking a large pair of VISE GRIP pliers firmly attach to the Ball end of handle. TWIST BACK-N-FORTH and apply more heat while doing so. * You will feel the press fit loosen up when hot and get tight as you loose some heat. keep it Hot !!
While you are twisting on vise grip ... LIGHTLY TAP on the side of vise grips to place outward motion on the handle. As you work it back-n-forth while tapping on it the socket fit of handle to bolt will come apart.

Now machine up what ever type replacement handle you dream up and press it back into position leaving you with a CUSTOM & SLICK LOOKING COCKING HANDLE 

In these TWO guns shown I opted to go with shorty types for easier pull back having less side load tendency.  Post that pressed into bolt is aluminum, handle body delrin that presses over the post having o-ring grooves. ( green Hi-temp Buna-N rings for looks )

This a "HOW-TOO" for you do it yourself tinkerholics ....

Have fun and get creative ... 

Scott

[screwwork]

The new bolt handle looks great
Thanks for sharing on bolt handle removal. I always wondered how to do it but never asked the question on how to do it.
I just assumed the bolt handle was threaded into the bolt   like on a Crosman 13XX bolt