Why do CZ big bores have that tiny hollow bolt handle? Is there a reason for this? Do people like it? I cant figure out why they would put something like that on the big bores. I cant believe it would be to cut costs, I just looked at a standard CZ 550 and it has a decent solid bolt handle. Just wondering.

More likely a misguided attempt to cut weight. I plan to replace my eventually with a more substantial one. I have seen pics on Gunsmithing of handles by a person named Jim Baer, which looked very nice.

I have been playing with my CZ quite a bit more in the last three months that I have since I first got it - and every time I look at it, I think -- the handle's got to go!

TG

No they cut the crap out of your hand if you work the bolt fast.

quote:

Originally posted by dean119:
Why do CZ big bores have that tiny hollow bolt handle?

The hole is there as a result of the manufacturing process...

It's not an attempt to shave weight...

CZ does not want to spend the money to fill them back in...

My major complaint about CZ (and most other bolt handles) is that they are too small...

AHR does a good job of filling in the handle (aesthetics) and straightening it out so you have more purchase when working the bolt fast...

Matt V

From a user/operator point of view I consider it the weakest point of the CZ action. The American Hunting Rifles solution, as mentioned above, is a good way to fix it.

After straightening out the small bend in both of mine I rounded the edge of the hole and filled it with a piece of dark wood I picked up in Zimbabwe which I checkered and on one I drilled a 3/16" hole and inserted a piece of Warthog tusk from the first animal I killed in Africa with it. A new handle WOULD look nicer though.

There always have been two schools of thought on how to operate a bolt. You can use thumb and forefinger and this method requires checkering for efficiency. The other method uses the palm. This method does better with smooth bolt. I favor the palm - my M98 has a smooth , round, 5/8" dia ball -fast and efficient !!

It is quite easy to glob on a batch of bedding compound, about any variety would work, I like MarineTex myself, let cure, simply file/sandpaper to shape desired, can make it blend into the handle itself, make it a very nice sculpted pear shape, lengthen the bolt handle accordingly, or just about whatever you like. Drys a dull grey finish, sand for smoothness and you are done. Lot of match bolt guns for long range have the tactical style bolt handles modifed, but above will work quite well and it will not come off unless you want to take a hammer and beat it off and do something else. Simple and practical and works.
Remington's probably have the smallest, worst bolt handle of all for fast, smooth work and on any "working" 700 the bolt handle will be modified. Good Luck

Does anyone know what AHR charges to rework the bolt handle? I didn't see it listed on the web page.

Don't know about AHR but the price range to weld and shape a TAlley is $125.00 to $160.00

xm15e2m4, we charge $150.00 to straighten and fill a CZ bolt handle. Bluing or Gunkote is extra.

If you can find a stripped M70 bolt body, cut off the factory bolt handle and weld on the M70 bolt handle. Harry McGowen did this on my CZ 550's in 416 Rigby and 458 WM and it is a huge improvement.

Tip Burns does a nice job! He has done a few peoples on AR I've seen.

I was at Tips place on monday and he was doing a couple while I was there.

Ed

AHR filled and straightened by bolt handle. I am really pleased with the work they did. Here is a photo.

http://s69.photobucket.com/albums/i68/THORNELL123/AR%20...ew¤t=CZ003.jpg

And in conclusion, you have to get the bolt handle fixed or replaced.

It only took a few rounds through my CZ .458 Lott to decide the bolt was a poor design on a big bore rifle. If you have larger than average hands, the combination of the short pistol grip and stubby curved back bolt handle will result in the bolt knob rapping your trigger nuckle periodcally. The second major flaw which could potentially get you killed is if you palm cycle the bolt the meaty edge of your hand can and at some point will engage the safty,which will result in you chambering a round and when you pull the trigger the gun will not fire. I had this occur while doing close range quick shot drills and wasn't for sure what had happened as I thought it was a firing pin or round issue and opened the action checked the round rechambered and the gun fired fine. Later I was talking with well known custom gunsmith Lon Paul discussing the C-Z, and he mentioned this issue with the CZ. The lightbulb went off as to what had happened that day and I went and got my rifle and palm cycled the bolt several times and sure enough the safety engaged. Anyway, after a little research I sent the rifle to Jim Brockman in Idaho and had him restock the gun with one of his laminated express style stocks with longer slenderer grips and longer LOP. He also bent the bolt straight and did a few other things. I ground down the safety and thinned it a bit to prevent it from being so obtrusive. The safety still disengages easily and requires a bit more effort to engage. I also have changed my bolt cycling to the thumb and first finger style. The rifle functions flawlessly and is fun to shoot and remarkably accurate. I took it to Zimbabwe in June and shot buffalo and a couple plains game with it. I hope this info helps anyone else shooting the big bore CZ rifles. Scott Hayman

You can also grind off one of the humps on the safety plate so that it is forced to the fire-position when the bolt is closed. Which is the real solution to that problem!

I can show the guys at Simmons Gun Repair in Olathe, Kansas (913-782-3131), what I did, if anyone wants to have their safeties converted.

Will, I like the looks of your's, did you do that yourself?

quote:

Originally posted by dean119:
Why do CZ big bores have that tiny hollow bolt handle? Is there a reason for this? Do people like it? I cant figure out why they would put something like that on the big bores. I cant believe it would be to cut costs, I just looked at a standard CZ 550 and it has a decent solid bolt handle. Just wondering.

That's a GOOD question! I have a CZ .416 Rigby, and that damn bolt handle is the ugliest feature about it-I also wonder why Cooper Arms can't make a better-looking bolt sleeve for their otherwise very attractive rifles!