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Straight bolt vs. Swept back
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I'm debating the pros and cons of installing a straight bolt vs. swept back style. These would be going on mauser actions that are going to be used for a hunting rifle.

What are the opinions out there?


The best part of hunting and fishing was the thinking about going and the talking about it after you got back - Robert Ruark
 
Posts: 966 | Location: Northwest Iowa | Registered: 10 June 2008Reply With Quote
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All bolt actions need a straight bolt handle, but especially and particularly the Mauser, IMHO.

I even prefer Win. Model 70s with straight bolt handles if properly done.

IMHO, a straight bolt handle is just about perfect aesthetically and on bigger kickers keeps the knuckles safe too.


Mike

Wilderness is my cathedral, and hunting is my prayer.
 
Posts: 13642 | Location: New England | Registered: 06 June 2003Reply With Quote
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This is really a Ginger vs. MaryAnn issue aka Blondes vs. Redheads


Mike

Never under estimate the internet community's ability to reply to your post with their personal rant about their tangentially related, single occurrence issue.



What I have learned on AR, since 2001:
1. The proper answer to: Where is the best place in town to get a steak dinner? is…You should go to Mel's Diner and get the fried chicken.
2. Big game animals can tell the difference between .015 of an inch in diameter, 15 grains of bullet weight, and 150 fps.
3. There is a difference in the performance of two identical projectiles launched at the same velocity if they came from different cartridges.
4. While a double rifle is the perfect DGR, every 375HH bolt gun needs to be modified to carry at least 5 down.
5. While a floor plate and detachable box magazine both use a mechanical latch, only the floor plate latch is reliable. Disregard the fact that every modern military rifle uses a detachable box magazine.
6. The Remington 700 is unreliable regardless of the fact it is the basis of the USMC M40 sniper rifle for 40+ years with no changes to the receiver or extractor and is the choice of more military and law enforcement sniper units than any other rifle.
7. PF actions are not suitable for a DGR and it is irrelevant that the M1, M14, M16, & AK47 which were designed for hunting men that can shoot back are all PF actions.
8. 95 deg F in Africa is different than 95 deg F in TX or CA and that is why you must worry about ammunition temperature in Africa (even though most safaris take place in winter) but not in TX or in CA.
9. The size of a ding in a gun's finish doesn't matter, what matters is whether it’s a safe ding or not.
10. 1 in a row is a trend, 2 in a row is statistically significant, and 3 in a row is an irrefutable fact.
11. Never buy a WSM or RCM cartridge for a safari rifle or your go to rifle in the USA because if they lose your ammo you can't find replacement ammo but don't worry 280 Rem, 338-06, 35 Whelen, and all Weatherby cartridges abound in Africa and back country stores.
12. A well hit animal can run 75 yds. in the open and suddenly drop with no initial blood trail, but the one I shot from 200 yds. away that ran 10 yds. and disappeared into a thicket and was not found was lost because the bullet penciled thru. I am 100% certain of this even though I have no physical evidence.
13. A 300 Win Mag is a 500 yard elk cartridge but a 308 Win is not a 300 yard elk cartridge even though the same bullet is travelling at the same velocity at those respective distances.
 
Posts: 10134 | Location: Loving retirement in Boise, ID | Registered: 16 December 2003Reply With Quote
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True.

But all right-thinking, red-blooded men prefer brunettes generally and MaryAnn in particular. Big Grin


Mike

Wilderness is my cathedral, and hunting is my prayer.
 
Posts: 13642 | Location: New England | Registered: 06 June 2003Reply With Quote
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I own both and have shot a bunch of rifles with straight or swept back. I prefer straight bolt handles. You may wish to go gun shopping and try a few rifles before you make a decision. Get whatever suits you best.


Jason

"Chance favors the prepared mind."
 
Posts: 1449 | Location: Dallas, Texas | Registered: 24 February 2004Reply With Quote
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While not specifically asked, I believe it is more important to have the correct LOP so your hand reaches for the bolt comfortably and naturally. That said, I definitely prefer "straight" to radically swept back.


Jim
 
Posts: 1206 | Location: Memphis, TN | Registered: 25 January 2008Reply With Quote
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Another vote for the straight handles.


Mike
 
Posts: 21719 | Registered: 03 January 2006Reply With Quote
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Of all the photos posted here of very hi-buck customs, almost all have straight bolt handles. After a while it becomes the norm by association.

Production rifles however all seem to have swept back bolt handles....

Was there a time when it was the opposite.....if so it will reverse again someday.


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Posts: 28849 | Location: western Nebraska | Registered: 27 May 2003Reply With Quote
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I have owned blondes and brunettes in the past, I will go with the brunette. jumping
 
Posts: 8964 | Location: Poetry, Texas | Registered: 28 November 2004Reply With Quote
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On the one rifle where I ever had the chance of having a bolt handle installed (1909 DWM), I deperately wanted a straight handle. Just because that looks way more classy.

When I finally saw the rifle, guess what they had installed... Frowner

- mike


*********************
The rifle is a noble weapon... It entices its bearer into primeval forests, into mountains and deserts untenanted by man. - Horace Kephart
 
Posts: 6653 | Location: Switzerland | Registered: 11 March 2002Reply With Quote
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I like straight bolt handles and curvy ladies, hair color matters not.
 
Posts: 609 | Location: Cincinnati | Registered: 25 December 2005Reply With Quote
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I agree that the straight bolt looks better.

I was this was astetics, a swept bolt is for hunting.

Is one better for a hunting rifle?

Thanks

ddj


The best part of hunting and fishing was the thinking about going and the talking about it after you got back - Robert Ruark
 
Posts: 966 | Location: Northwest Iowa | Registered: 10 June 2008Reply With Quote
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Straight pics added to the bolt handle thread.


gunmaker
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James Anderson Metalsmith & Stockmaker
WEB SITE

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Posts: 1861 | Location: Western South Dakota | Registered: 05 January 2005Reply With Quote
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mary ann and moderately swept handles. like the ruger M77. I detest bill ruger, but that is the sweetest-looking of the big three production guns.
 
Posts: 1077 | Registered: 04 January 2005Reply With Quote
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Husqvarna 1600's, 1900's, Remington 720's and Winchester M70's all have the correct shape of bolt handle; this was explained to me personally by Mary Ann.
 
Posts: 317 | Location: Texas Panhandle | Registered: 09 July 2006Reply With Quote
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On big bores such as the CZ .458 Lott the combination of the swept back bolt and the trigger being to far forward makes for nuckle rap. On lighter calibers I've never noticed it to be a problem. I had the 458 bolt straightened, works great.

Scott Hayman
 
Posts: 418 | Location: Ridgecrest,Ca | Registered: 02 March 2007Reply With Quote
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