Ok, gentlemen, a question: I am in the planning stages of the "big one" and need some input...there will need to be added to the MAUSER a new bolt handle...should I have it checkered (say, three panels) or leave it smooth...Aagard liked them smooth, to turn easily in the hand, others like the "classy" look of the checkering and allow as to hot, sweaty hands and all....what is the prevailing thought among those who have and have used either....I appreciate your thoughts here...Arthur

I like checkered bolt handles... 3 panels realy stand out for me. I havent notice much of a difference in performance and I think it is because I real hammer my bolts hard. I bought a whole bunch of those $7 dollar bolt handles from brownells and have been practicing on them 20,30 and 40LPI. Of course they have all turned out like crap so far

I vote for smooth.

Chuck

I would say that which climate you mostly hunt in can also help decide. I find that when hunting here in Norway in the cold and thus using gloves, checkered bolthandles work best for me. With smooth handles, gloves slip sometimes I have found. The added friction of checkering helps against this.



Erik D.



Forgot to mention that I'm talking about woolen gloves, which are obviously more slippery then leather. However, the wool is sometimes needed when it gets really cold...

Arthur-

Did you ever contact Doug?

I realize the distance might have been a factor.

Bob

Suposedly according to most custom gun smiths and gun writers it seems they are of the notion that the smooth bolt makes for smooth operation as it slides in your hand and the checkered bolt clings to the hand (palm)...

I have not found this so...both work equally as well and checkering is purely cosmetic and it is darn nice looking IMO..I like it but I wouldn't get down with the doldrums either way...I can take them or leave them either way....

Kinda like a woman, dog or horse, you really like a fancy, high maintenence one now and then, but for the long haul a good old country girl can't be beat....