Gentlemen:

In the interest of my own ongoing education, I would like to invite forum members to discuss their views of the 3rd lug found in the Mauser 98 system.

Its historical design and use, its necessity today (if any, beyond the views of the purist) and any other thoughts on this issue would be greatly appreciated! By the way, how does Winchester Model 70/Dakota 76/other win mod 70 clones deal with this?

Thanks to all who know more than I and are willing to share!

I think if you look closely all modern bolt actions have a third (safety) lug.....it's the keyed bolt handle. The bolt handle keys into the action to prevent rear motion of the bolt in the (very unlikely) event of the front lugs shearing off.

just to be sure then, does this mean the 98 has 4 safety lugs?

NO.....look at them closely.....their bolts do not engage in the receivers.

Until of course they've been sporterized.......then yes, they do have 4 lugs so to speak.

quote:

Originally posted by triggerguard1:
Until of course they've been sporterized.......then yes, they do have 4 lugs so to speak.

Funny, I've never really thought of bolt notch in the receiver tang as being much of a safety lug. I guess ya learn something new everyday...

quote:

Originally posted by Tex21:

quote:

Originally posted by triggerguard1:
Until of course they've been sporterized.......then yes, they do have 4 lugs so to speak.

Funny, I've never really thought of bolt notch in the receiver tang as being much of a safety lug. I guess ya learn something new everyday...

Just look at your 1917 enfield, that's how their handle/ 3rd safety lug was designed. But as another note, I wouldn't consider a soldered handle on a rem700 a safety lug.
-Don

someone please clear me up here: on the Dakota 76 action for instance what/where are the safety lugs? For the sake of comparison, the Empire Rifles action model 98L has no third lug but the bolt handle is a third lug? Whereas the model 98S has the third lug and the handle functions as a de facto 4th lug?

I appreciate the patience of everyone while I stumble along and learn.