What advantage(s) if any, are offered when a new weld on bolt handle is installed on a M70 versus the factory bolt handle? Or is it something that is purely cosmetic?

Thanks!

there is no reason other than one's personal preference for aesthetics to replace a M-70 bolt handle. It's rarely done.

Eye candy

Seems to me I read somewhere that in many instances its not the whole "handle" that is welded on. Rather, the knob is cut off and a new one welded on that usually will have some sort of fancy checkering or engraving.

Thanks for the info folks!

If I may exagerate a bit, I think that at least 50% of the pre-'64s out there had a problem with the bolt hitting the scope using low rings. A very good reason to change the bolt handle so it clears. It is also a very good reason to get rid of the ugly original.

the only time I change out a M-70 bolt is on a real big bore rifle and they I use a talley straight down..That keeps the bolt off your hand.