Brownell's "Butterball" bolt handle

13 March 2006, 17:47

I have a Brazilian Mauser that I just barreled to 9.3 X 62 and want to put a "classic" Mannlicher bolt handle on. I bought the Brownell's "Butterball" bolt handle and need some guidance on attaching it. After looking it over for some time, I'm in a quandry over what angle I should attach it. I'm of the opinion that I shouldn't weld it so close to the root of the existing handle that I have to cut a notch in the receiver. If that is sound planning, how far out should I weld it? Another thing is, the angle that it should be when the bolt is closed. I'm thinking that about 30 deg. from the vertical would work.

I would appreciate anyone's experience and/or opinion about this project.

"I ask, sir, what is the Militia? It is the whole people. To disarm the people is the best and most effective way to enslave them" - George Mason, co-author of the Second Amendment during the Virginia convention to ratify the Constitution

13 March 2006, 17:59

Jim Kobe

First off, IMHO< that bolt handle is uglier than Phyllis DIller! But, if you are intent on putting it on, a notch in the receiver is not detrimental and the handle should be welded, tig welded I might add, close to the root so you will have clearance for the scope. That goes for the angle also.

13 March 2006, 20:15

iwzbeeman

Properly positioned, the handle should lay close along the side of the stock. I assume you are talking about a "butterknife" handle. If not, then I haven't any info for you.

13 March 2006, 20:37

malm

quote:
Originally posted by Jim Kobe:
First off, IMHO< that bolt handle is uglier than Phyllis DIller!

13 March 2006, 20:50

Masterifleman

To Malm and Jim Kolbe: "Beauty is in the eye of the beholder", but, I think you're right after having seen it in the "flesh". I think I'll be returning it for either one of the other two offerings Brownell's has.

To get back to my question of "mechanics", I appreciate the idea that it should lay close to the stock. However, never having done one of these and not having any photographic examples, I want to have the root of the handle "rolled" over like many of the older commercial Mausers and not squared off at the root. If I do this, I think I will have to have the handle out far enough that I don't cut a notch in the receiver such as you have to in the Model 70 style handles. Being that far out, I think that it will clear the side of the stock and still clear a relatively low mounted scope. Please give me your thoughts on this and any pictorial examples you may have. Thanks!

13 March 2006, 21:05

GSP7

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v239/fla3006/rings3.jpg

13 March 2006, 21:27

Jim Kobe

Now that, my man, is even uglier. Would have to put that in the Whoopi Golberg class.

Jim

13 March 2006, 21:57

Masterifleman

GSP7 - That me be "double ugly" but, it was just what I was looking for. Mine will not look like that but, it will probably clear the stock at an angle of about 30 deg. and may require a SLIGHT inletting at the root of the bolt and the stock. Thanks for the picture! I take it that is an older BRNO?

13 March 2006, 22:19

GSP7

Just copyed that pic from the Brno 21H post

Yea , It looks butt ugly to me too!

13 March 2006, 22:31

TC1

Masterrifleman, I like the butterknife bolt handle setup too. Very classic.

Here is a #1207 setup for low scope mounts

I think this one is a butterball

Terry

13 March 2006, 23:15

malm

quote:
Originally posted by TC1:

Is this just an optical illusion or is the rear scope base hole off center?

13 March 2006, 23:19

TC1

optical dillusion, it's where it's supposed to be.

Terry

14 March 2006, 00:12

Masterifleman

TC1 - Great pictures and thanks for the reply. I knew there would be a lot of things I could use here. Thanks again for the pictures.