Now that I've got 100 pieces of fire formed, uniformed etc Sako brass for my 222 I don't want to lose it. I don't want to stop my habit of cycling the bolt on firing so my question is can the 'ejection blade' be removed without the bolt release catch failing to keep the bolt in or can it be modified.

What I want is the case extracted but not ejected on cycling of the bolt. I'll take it out by hand.

Yes. You can alter the ejector blade just enough to where it no longer protrudes through the bolt recess when the bolt is open without altering the stop. George

I "hand extract" brass all the time from my Sakos, especially when bench shooting. I simply pull the bolt back fairly rapidly to the point where contact with the ejector is about to be made, then slowly go the rest of the way. The ejector, not being spring-loaded, will not eject a case from the loading ramp if the bolt is manipulated in this way (one thing that makes a Sako so much handier to bench shoot than a Remington 700 which is always trying to kick your brass out no matter what you do and often deforms the neck in the process). It's become such second nature that I sometimes even do it in the field when hunting if the quarry is clearly hit and downed by the first shot and a follow-up won't be needed. Empty goes straight into my pocket.

I'd much rather do it this way than modify the ejector so that it doesn't function when needed.

I think I'll do as Stonecreek. I had a look and saw how I could modify the blade but thinking about it there may well be a time I need a follow up shot on a fox etc. Also I think I allready do as you do when I'm stalking and made a clean shot. Sorry to waste everyone's time.

1894: Your questions and comments are never a waste of time! I really enjoy hearing from the other side of the pond. We Americans tend to think that Europe (sorry to include you Brits in Europe; know you're sensitive to that) is full of people and devoid of game. The fact is that you've got many types of shooting that puts our's to shame. For example, I keep reading about Wood Pigeons by the thousands in your sporting magazines; and you have some kind of deer shooting available almost year 'round. Keep on writing -- it's no waste of time.