I was playing with a VZ24 this evening that has not been altered and has a straight bolt handle. I was noticing just how fast I was able to cycle the action given how easy it was to grab the bolt handle since it was sticking straight out. My question is, if you are planning on making a DGR in an express rifle configuration, without a scope, open sights only, why have the bolt handle bent or replaced? With the rifle on safe, the bolt is locked down so you do not have to worry about the bolt snagging on something and coming open, it is a helluva lot easier to cycle, getting a second or third shot off I'll bet is quicker, made me start to wonder, why not just leave the bolt straight? Opinions.

Makes sense for combat use, eh? The only concern is that most of us are used to the bent bolts and do not bring them all the way up to vertical on that 90 degree Mauser throw. Might interfere with muscle memory and reflexes for those of us so hard-wired to using the bolts modified for scope use.

Could be right. I was just surprised at how fast you can throw the bolt open with it sticking straight out.

I posted some time ago that I was considering the conversion of a surplus BRNO 98/22 to 458 Win. and leaving the military style bolt handle as it is. To me it is a much faster cycle at the hip but slower at the shoulder due to being more awkward and as if out of balance rotating the handle that high, guess it's just a lack of training/ practice on my part. Haven't finished that one yet, but I was going to make that one my hog put-er-in-the-freezer rifle. R.

I've got a 9.3x?? project on a 98/22 in the works here and it will wear only irons. It's not a true DGR, but I'm planning on leaving the bolt handle straight regardless.

isnt the bent bolt handle supposed to get yer hand closer to the trigger for faster shooting...

I’ve noticed the same thing about the straight bolts on my Mausers. I think the major difference is that you have more “purchase†because there is more exposed area for you to grab onto. I’ve got pretty big hands and for me grabbing the bolt on most rifles is like trying to eat a bit of rice with a set of nun chucks instead of chopsticks….. I think I’d be just as better suited to an oversize angled bolt handle as opposed to a straight one.

Matt V.

the experiment would be a quick and dirty proposition. Just build the rifle with it straight and shoot it awhile before deciding. As long as you shot the gun "in the white" bending it or replacing it would be a simple task before sending it to the blueing tank.

Rich

The answer is obvious; ever wonder why ALL military bolt action rifles progressed from straight handles to bent handles? Rapidity of fire is why. With a straight bolt handle it is very awkward and much slower to keep the rifle in firing position and operate the bolt. Even those with long arms are slower with straight bolt handles.

Pimarily distance moved is time taken (that's why the fastest draw is to already have the gun in hand). You must move the hand farther to manipulate a straight bolt handle vs a bent one. A 60 degree cocking bolt is also faster than a 90 degree bolt, etc.

If one watches the "movies" (ncluding many hunting videos) we see very, very bad weapons craft. Firing from the hip, unaimed fire and lowering the rfle to work the bolt are all examples of very poor weapons craft. How many times do we see the hunter (in DG videos) shoot and then lower the rifle without working the bolt. Worse yet, how many times do we see the PH do it! The bolt should be in manipulation as you recover from recoil when shooting DG, particularly at close range. To do this rapidly and maintain some semblence of aim at the animal requires a properly bent bolt handle.

If you don't think that a rapid 2nd shot is necessary why is the double more thought of for DG than a bolt action? Why are you carrying a repeater if you don't think the rapidly reloaded 2nd shot isn't necessary? It may not be necessary with buffalo at 100 yards standing there chewing his cud. However at close range when he is coming at you like a freight train you may want to work the bolt "a little faster".

Larry Gibson

don't shortstroke it, the real downside to bolt actions over a double.

Another issue with a straight bolt is that on opening, the operating hand temporarily blocks the field of view. Really bad during close combat or a charge.

quote:

Originally posted by tiggertate:
Another issue with a straight bolt is that on opening, the operating hand temporarily blocks the field of view. Really bad during close combat or a charge.

What tiggertate said!

I really like a bolt handle that offers some "purchase" for running the bolt. My Sako TRGSs bolt handles just beg to be grabbed and worked hard Of course the Sako short bolt throw helps but those bolt handles and knobs are just inviting.

My pre-64 375 (factory) set up works well for me too. My RSMs are okay but the bolt handle/knob could be a little "prouder" for me...just a bit maybe 1/8 or 3/16 between the stock and the knob.

I own and shoot many Rem 700s varminting, but IMO their stock bolt handle/knob configuration is not the best for fast follow ups!

Just my 2 cents

quote:

Originally posted by JohnHunt:
don't shortstroke it, the real downside to bolt actions over a double.

Among other things

i left the bolts on the 550 express and 458 ar straight for a long time... it's "different" than what I am used to...

so, the 550 has a bent bolt handle and the 458 is still straight, till I decide what to do with it