I recently purchased a Sako 75 with the Key Concept bolt locking system. As a used gun, I didn't get all of the factory accessories. In fact, the only piece I have is one of the "operational keys" and it appears to be stuck in the back of the bolt... OR is this "operational key" suppose to stay in the back of the bolt when it's unlocked...?

With the bolt Uncocked, I am able turn the "operational key" 180 degrees (red dot down) and lock the bolt AND remove the operational key...but when I re-insert the key and turn it 180 degrees (red dot facing up) I can't pull the key back out. And I don't have a "key handle" (piece with a key ring on the end) to give me any leverage. Tried a paper clip wrapped around the key, pliers, ... for extra leverage but no luck.

Hoping someone here understands the Key Concept system and can help. Otherwise, I'll probably just punt and convert it to the non-locking bolt assembly.

Thanks,
Jason

I have no idea what this is, but it sounds like something I would immediately and permanently deactivate.
Like I do with all Marlin cross bolt safeties.

I've ordered the non-locking replacement parts from Brownells (shroud and associated firing pin assembly) to eliminate the bolt locking mechanism. But I would still like to make sense of how this system works. Instead of just sending the current shroud and firing pin assembly to the land of misfit parts.

Here ya go:http://thefiringline.com/forums/showthread.php?t=13357

It looks like the key stays in the gun for it to fire.

From the Sako 75 manual

Do you have the right key. Sounds to me there is a shooting key and maintenance key. I have never played with one.

KEY CONCEPT® SAFETY LOCKING SYSTEM
KEY CONCEPT® safety locking system is built with an ABLOY® locking element
inside the bolt shroud, key for the lock and the key chuck that makes
using the key easier. The rifle is supplied so that one key is in the lock and
additional keys and key chucks are packed separately.
The key chuck is provided with a ring for carrying and storing.
LOCKING THE RIFLE
The KEY CONCEPT® safety locking system is designed so that it can be
locked ONLY when the rifle is uncocked (fired). The safety also can’t be engaged.
CAUTION! Be absolutely sure that there is no cartridge in the chamber
when uncocking the rifle.
The rifle is uncocked by closing the bolt and simultaneously pulling the trigger.
The rifle is locked by sliding the key chuck sideways to the key knob rail until
it locks to the key, and turning the key counter-clockwise until it stops (half a
turn). The chuck with the key can now be removed by pulling it straight backwards.
The chuck with the key can be stored like other keys on the keyring.
The rifle can be recognized as locked when the key is not in the lock and the
safety indicator is visible (Fig. 5).
UNLOCKING THE RIFLE
The KEY CONCEPT® safety locking can only be opened with a specific key
for the each lock. The rifle is supplied with two operational keys with chucks
and one basic key that also fits in the lock. The basic key is only for use
during maintenance, and shooting with it is prohibited. To unlock the rifle
insert the key with the chuck into the lock, push straight forward to the bottom
and turn the key clockwise until it stops (half a turn). The red dot on the
key knob (H in Fig. 5) indicates the rifle as unlocked. The key chuck can now
be removed sideways by simultaneously pulling the keyring backwards.
If the key is not getting into the lock easily, straighten the locking plates by
turning the key shortly back and forth and pushing simultaneously slightly forward.
OPERATION
CAUTION! Never load the rifle until you are ready to begin shooting. Always
unload the rifle as soon as you are done shooting. Never cross a
fence, climb a tree or jump a ditch with a loaded firearm.
WARNING! Always make sure the barrel is free of all obstructions before
chambering a cartridge. Firing with an obstructed barrel may
cause serious injury.
- Loading is performed in the usual manner for a bolt-action rifle. The action
is opened by first raising the bolt handle and then pulling the bolt back. As
the bolt is pushed forward, the cartridge is fed into the chamber, and by rotating
the handle downward the action is closed and the rifle is cocked.
NOTE! If the rifle is provided with the KEY CONCEPT® safety locking system
the bolt can be opened and operated only when the safety lock is unlocked.
- The safety is in principle the usual on/off type. When engaged (rear position),
the safety also locks the bolt handle in the closed position. In the forward
position the safety is “Off”, which is indicated by the red warning dot (E).
If the rifle is also cocked, the red cocking indicator (F) is visible behind the
bolt shroud. The red dot on the key knob (H) is also visible if the rifle is provided
with the KEY CONCEPT® safety locking system. The rifle is then
READY TO FIRE.

I have one shooting key that came installed in the bolt. Based on what I read in the instructions above, that's normal and stays in while shooting. I don't like it. If I had the maintenance key I might be able unlock the bolt without the shooting key and leave it that way. With the shooting key in the bolt it seems like a recipe for disaster.
I will look forward to receiving the conversion parts for non-locking bolt...and never look back.
Thank You for your help!

Not something I would want to deal with on my hunting rifle.

What an utterly stupid idea!