I'm probably an idiot--bolt rifle cleaning question

Pigeon11 · Jan 17, 2016

When I slide the bolt back in the gun after cleaning, is there a way to uncock it without dry firing? It doesn't seem right to leave the thing all tensed up like that but maybe it's not a big deal? Or maybe dry firing in this instance isn't the worst thing in the world?

The rifle is a Savage Mark II .22 which I gotta say is a sweet little rifle and a steal for the price imho. The AccuTrigger is so so smooth and intuitive and it's just plain fun to shoot this gun. It's my significant other's and we've both just started getting more into shooting. I picked up a 10/22 and spent way more money on that vs the Savage especially after putting in a trigger job kit and tech sights (which it desperately needed) and I find myself wanting to shoot the Savage over the Ruger a lot of the times. Don't get me wrong, I love both but everyone seems to jump on the 10/22 wagon so I wanted to spread the Savage gospel. If I could go back in time we might just have two...

But anyway, I just wanna make sure I'm taking care of things the way they should be. I have a CZ 527 joining the family soon so I want to get my bolt action cleaning down

BUFF7MM · Jan 17, 2016

Pull the trigger back as you're lowering the bolt handle into position.

Pigeon11 · Jan 17, 2016

Buff7mm said:
Pull the trigger back as you're lowering the bolt handle into position.

Ahhh, so simple. Thanks

BUFF7MM · Jan 17, 2016

Pigeon11 said:
Ahhh, so simple. Thanks

No problem.

Boom Boom · Jan 17, 2016

Hold the trigger back when you close the bolt. Should release the firing spring tension. You can also use snap caps.

ezracer · Jan 17, 2016

Buff7mm said:
Pull the trigger back as you're lowering the bolt handle into position.

This is the correct answer!! Do not dry fire a rimfire rifle!!!!

Pinecone · Jan 18, 2016

It depends on the rimfire firearm.

Some positively stop the firing pin and are safe to dry fire.

Although, dropping the FP when cleaning once in a while, it unlikely to cause problems with MOST rimfires.

And springs do not suffer from being compressed. They suffer from being cycled. So leaving it cocked is not a big deal.

Do what makes you happy.

ezracer · Jan 18, 2016

Over the years, people develop their own do's and don't's. I don't dry fire rimfires...period. Do what makes you happy.

Flametamer · Jan 18, 2016

I use snap caps or sometimes a clean spent case in all my stored guns. Never had a problem with any, including rimfires

nerfherder · Jan 18, 2016

22plinkster made a cool vid about making your own "snap cap" from a spent cartridge, but I can't find it right now.

Pigeon11 · Jan 18, 2016

Thanks guys, looks like I've got some options! I appreciate the help

thai · Jan 18, 2016

There is nothing wrong with dry firing a modern bolt action rifle. Nineties and later. It is actually great practice for trigger control, and proper mountin to practice to build muscle memory. I use to do so thousands of times with my Sako and Weatherbys when I was loading for them religiously.

Although having snap caps would be great safety wise. But after 20 years of dry firing without snap caps, my rifles are performing just as like new, maybe even smoother.

Hit and Run · Jan 18, 2016

thai said:
There is nothing wrong with dry firing a modern bolt action rifle. Nineties and later. It is actually great practice for trigger control, and proper mountin to practice to build muscle memory. I use to do so thousands of times with my Sako and Weatherbys when I was loading for them religiously.

Although having snap caps would be great safety wise. But after 20 years of dry firing without snap caps, my rifles are performing just as like new, maybe even smoother.

Still a number of modern 22lr Rimfire's that recommend against dry firing.

Boom Boom · Jan 18, 2016

nerfherder said:
22plinkster made a cool vid about making your own "snap cap" from a spent cartridge, but I can't find it right now.

You can make your own from a shell casing by pulling out the bullet and dumping the powder. Makes for entertainment when you fire it the first time to pop the primer.

Vile Shadow · Jan 18, 2016

Buff7mm said:
Pull the trigger back as you're lowering the bolt handle into position.

Does that work for Mausers?

BUFF7MM · Jan 18, 2016

Sling Blade said:
Does that work for Mausers?

Don't know, I don't own a Mauser. But I can't see why it wouldn't.

K31 · Jan 18, 2016

Sling Blade said:
Does that work for Mausers?

Depends on whether it's cocks on opening or cocks on closing.

Vile Shadow · Jan 18, 2016

K31 said:
Depends on whether it's cocks on opening or cocks on closing.

My Mausers cock on openin'.

My M1917 on the other hand cocks on closin'.

Pinecone · Jan 18, 2016

Hit and Run said:
Still a number of modern 22lr Rimfire's that recommend against dry firing.

Which is why you READ the manual.

From CZ455 manual:

Unloading of the Rifle
ALWAYS MAKE SURE THE RIFLE IS POINTED IN A SAFE DIRECTION!
- Remove the magazine in the manner as already described
- Move the safety to its "Safety-Off" position in order that the bolt can be opened
- Open the bolt and check to ensure that the cartridge has been extracted from the chamber and ejected
- Close the bolt
- Depress the trigger (dry fire)

K31 · Jan 18, 2016

Sling Blade said:
My Mausers cock on openin'.

Not all of them do. It will work with your 1917 though.

I'm probably an idiot--bolt rifle cleaning question

The #1 community for Gun Owners of the Northeast

Member Benefits:

Member

☠Buff➐㎣☠

Member

☠Buff➐㎣☠

Hold my beer. Watch this.

Certified Gun Nut

Ultimate Member

Certified Gun Nut

Active Member

Active Member

Member

Active Member

Ultimate Member

Hold my beer. Watch this.

...

☠Buff➐㎣☠

"Part of that Ultra MAGA Crowd"

...

Ultimate Member

"Part of that Ultra MAGA Crowd"

Users who are viewing this thread

Log in

Forum statistics