I recently saw a nice rifle in 30-06, an FN Mauser though the bolt release was very different from the traditional one. It was like a thin strip that had to be pressed along with the magazine follower to release the bolt. It looked flimsy but probably wasn't. Like the proverbial old dog that cannot be taught new tricks, I was not sure that I could bring myself to like this system though the rifle is in excellent shape overall and at a fantastic proce compared to other more traditional ones that I have seen in the past.

Was it a good decision to avoid buying this rifle or am I being too old fashioned in my tastes and have nothing to fear about anything breaking if I do convince myself to buy it?

Thanks for your opinions in advance.

Sounds like a Browning FN. I prefer the traditional bolt release. Although functional the Browning is flimsy as you mentioned.

Fla3006,

Thanks for the very quick reply. The rifle was very nice overall - almost as good as new - and that is why I thought about buying it until I saw the strip release. I'll now look for something else instead.

Best wishes and good hunting!

mehulkamdar,
Did the release look like this? This is a Browning Safari I restocked for a guy in Florida. The release is kind of odd and looks clunky but then does the old mauser box, we just got used to that.

Customstox

Nice work!!!!!

With regard to that type of release, it seems to me that I have read that some smiths have taken off that release, welded on a new hanger (or whatever they are called) and then installed the normal mauser release. IN fact, if I am not mistaken, System 98 has done it a few times on those 1917 actions.

Customstox,

It was similar to this rifle, not exactly the same in shape. This one looks more elegant while the one I saw looked fragile to my very inexpert eye. But then, I guess this rifle had some careful custom metalwork to it to make it ready for your master craftsmanship.

Superb rifle and thanks for posting.