Have any of you changed your bolt handles on your model 70 big bores? I was wondering if anyone had gotten "whacked" with the swept back handle?

I didn't get whacked from a .458 Lott but I think it is swept back too far. With the safety in the middle position and my thumb on the safety, ready to flip it off as when approaching a downed animal, the bolt knob can get nudged up by the trigger finger.

why do you feel the need to flip off the animals after you have put them down?

Would a more "swept" or longer grip remedy your problem John?

I am working on a 416 Rem and I am wondering should I change the handle? I am using a long swept grip design on the stock.

I've never been struck by the bolt handle of a Model 70, even the one on my .470 Capstick.

Where is it hitting you, on the knuckles?

George

It hasn't hit me yet as I don't even have it put together. I am just making a list of things I need to do.

I like a straight bolt, but have never been hit by one even on a light .458. On this one I would sometimes hit the magazine release inside the trigger guard, still never hit the bolt handle.

I have many custom rifles with pre-64 model 70 actions and a few have altered bolt handles and I still prefer the original one. Don't change a thing.

I had a straight one put on a pre-64 custom rifle I had made up in .375.

By the same token, I have never been struck on the knuckles by the swept back original on my .416.

I just like the aesthetics of a straight bolt handle.

I asked the question of forging an M70 bolt handle on the Gunsmithing forum and it was pointed out that the bolt is attached via a collar and the joint might not stand up to too much modification.

FWIW my M70 Lott doesn't wack me, nor has a .450 Ackley with a Boyd's JRS stock but that same Ackley with a B&C Carbelite is like getting a hammer taken the knuckles!

I'd change it for aesthetic reasons if you really want to and can get it done correctly, otherwise leave it.

(BTW, got the MkX action. Thanks!)

I think a big bore rifle should have a straight down bolt handle.

ElCab,

The M70 bolt handle is not a problem for me because I am aware of what can happen and mindful. I've never heard anyone else complain so maybe it's just the way I hold the rifle. Because of the single stage trigger I keep the tip of my index finger on the edge of the trigger guard for a reference point so I don't have to "search" for the trigger. An open grip would not make any difference because it is the position of the bolt knob between the trigger and safety.

Remember Mrs. Atcheson and the buffalo? There was all kinds of speculation about what went wrong with Mr. Atcheson's rifle and I don't know what was determined to be the problem, but I think this could be a plausible explanation.

I don't know what to think about fingers getting whacked by the bolt knob. Heavy kickers must be held firmly. Maybe SuperSpeed will comment as he's always blazing away with those .378s & .460s and Weatherbys have swept bolt handles.


Mr. Stokeld,

I'm just a mean person.

quote:

Originally posted by Atkinson:
I think a big bore rifle should have a straight down bolt handle.

Is this who I think it is?
Anyway I haven't been wacked by the bolt handle yet because my hand is stopped suddenly by the back of the trigger guard.

The middle position sure seems a worry re. the bolt handle comming up, but I could hold it down with my trigger finger at a pinch.