Does the bolt handle on the mauser actions act as a locking lug as sorts in the down postion?

Probably more as a safety lug.

Course I guess "fit" could make it bear upon closing!

LouisB

SInce there is generally no metal behind the bolt handle when down, it can't act either as a locking lug or safety lug. FN commercial actions have a little metal in that area (notch in the action) but I wouldn't rely on it for anything.

Dave---

In a word, no. On all original Mausers there was no cut-out for the bolt handle at all. The M-98 has a third lug just ahead of the bolt handle. It should have between .015 and .020 clearance in its seat.......IOW, not touching anything.

The very first thing to check on a sporter M-98 for accuracy is the fit of the bolt handle in it's clearance slot. It should take NO pressure from bolt thrust on firing. None at all.

JBelk.the reason I ask is I have an nice action that has the straight bolt,and am thinking of building up a 416Taylor or 458 Win.I am left handed but find I can work the bolt rather quickly by rolling the rifle to the left a little,and as long as it isn't required to have the bolt turned down I think it may be the next project.

Tstrum,
You ever hunt horseback, another good reason to turn them down.

I am left handed also, and using a mauser with its bolt handle unaltered is somewhat easier, but it looks like hell. And then there is the issue of where do you put the scope. You can do a Scout type mount and get away with leaving the bolt handle unaltered. I have hunted afoot with an unaltered mauser, and the bolt handle didnt get in the way to much, until you go thru brush.
So if you plan on using iron sights or a scout mount, you can leave the bolt handle alone.

Eterry

Good luck and good shooting