I asked about this in the custom rifles form, but am more interested in the rifles you actually take to the field.

D you prefer a smooth bolt knob, on that is checkered, or one that is engraved. I am doing a pair of M70's that the handles are being replaced on both to not be swept back, and while I like the look of a small amount of engraving I haven't decided if I want to put anything on the bolt knobs or leave them smooth.

I'd say decorate it if you like burin pretty sure you already know that when you use it hunting you'll never notice it just like recoil , which you never really feel while you blast away in hunting situation as adrenalin will do all that for you

I have several with decorated knobs which I like. I am Partial to the MacFarland checkered handles. I have them on several rifles. The current 7x57 on a Sarco/Dumolin action will have a straight MacFarland handle. I also have a 375H&H that is on a single square bridge mauser that started life as a Westley-Richards 318 Accelarated. I assume the flower petal engraving of the knob was done by W-R.

What's a "bolt" knob?

What bolt indeed-

quote:

Originally posted by Todd Williams:
What's a "bolt" knob?

I should have seen that coming from a mile off, but since I didn't I guess I will have to explain it to the hoighty toighty types. A rifle that has a bolt handle is typically use d by those of us that drink coffee from a mug not tea from a dainty little cup with your pinky in the air.

My three-rifle Africa battery consists of M70 Classic LH's with standard Win bolts, except that I had the handles bent out a bit from the stock to help avoid the chance of "missing" the bolt under duress. The standard line is to avoid sharp engraving or checkering so as to minimize the chance of damaging your precious skin. I have no opinion on that.

I do have an opinion on proper grasping of the bolt handle, which is with the thumb and forefinger, not with the palm.

My knobs are smooth, for the most part.

quote:

Originally posted by Rhys:

quote:

Originally posted by Todd Williams:
What's a "bolt" knob?

I should have seen that coming from a mile off, but since I didn't I guess I will have to explain it to the hoighty toighty types. A rifle that has a bolt handle is typically use d by those of us that drink coffee from a mug not tea from a dainty little cup with your pinky in the air.

Smooth. Dave

Punctuation correction. Should read, "What's a bolt, knob?"

quote:

Originally posted by Todd Williams:
What's a "bolt" knob?

I have every kind you could imagine, on light, medium and heavy rifles all. I have found that it makes no difference, in any functional way, which kind I use.

Good form makes checkering or engraving irrelevant and unnecessary.

The only rule I have developed is that if the rifle is engraved, then that will include engraving on the bolt knob.

Otherwise, it's just pure preference (or what the factory provides) in any given case, and I am pretty much indifferent.

In his very useful book Safari Dreams, Ken Royce ( dealing with a Win M70 Classic) recommends using plain old shrink tube over the bold and ability a quarter inch up the handle. Works great..no blisters. Not fancy, but highly utilitarian.

On the only bolt action rifle I own, the bolt knob is checkered because it looked too bare without checkering.

Properly taught, or so I was led to believe, I smash the bolt up with my palm, back with my palm, flip the hand over and forward and down with my palm. Said to limit short stroking, but I do not use the rifle enough to judge that view.

Regards

I've been hunting with bolt action rifles since 1967. I shoot at least one of them almost weekly.

When I first read this thread, I knew that one of my rifles had a smooth bolt knob that was hollowed out on the bottom, but I had to go look at my other rifles to see if they were smooth or checkered.

Only my 98 Mauser has a smooth bolt knob. My Mark X Mausers have a checkered flat on the back of the bolt knob, my 700 Remingtons bolt knobs are checkered on the top and bottom and are smooth in the middle, and my Weatherby Vanguard has a lightly checkered band around the middle of the bolt knob.

I've never had any problems working any of my bolt actions, with or without gloves, in 90* or below zero temperatures, on sunny days or in rain or snow.

I don't think it makes a lot of difference.

This DWM custom is my current favorite rifle. I have a complete battery of pre 64 M70's yet I don't prefer the matte finish on their bolt knob.

The knob is smooth with the bluing worn.