Just curious if any of you use over-sized bolt handles on your bolt-action rifles.
Over-sized Bolt Action Handles - Do You Like Them?
- Thread starter calicojack
- Start date
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Doco Overboard
Ultimate Member
I'm not sure if I have an objection to them unless its because additional weight at the rear of the bolt sleeve. But no I really don't go out for my way for them.
For anything built personal for myself I have used, butter-knife, Lenard Brownell, cut off plumb shaped ones from jap rifles, some three panel Montana models then re-welded home made junk made form drill rifle bolt handles or anything else I could find that could be ground and polished out nicely.
For anything built personal for myself I have used, butter-knife, Lenard Brownell, cut off plumb shaped ones from jap rifles, some three panel Montana models then re-welded home made junk made form drill rifle bolt handles or anything else I could find that could be ground and polished out nicely.
E.Shell
Ultimate Member
A few of my rifles have them, most don't.
If it comes on the gun, fine, but I'd never send a rifle out for one. I actually prefer the OEM Remington bolt handle and have never had any issues with them. Not sure what problem the big knobs are solving and the oversize handles on some of my rifles rap my index finger finger during recoil.
INMY01TA
Ultimate Member
- Dec 29, 2008
- 5,827
Yes I like them. The standard Remington 700 knobs suck imo.
I have a few Savage rifles that have them. I like them myself. The standard handles on my other rifles can feel weird if I have been shooting the Savages for awhile.
Doco Overboard
Ultimate Member
My go to hunting rifle is an older m110. The factory knob is small- there's been a slip or two before but usually its been too late anyhow.
Yes? No? Not sure?
I guess I don't have enough experience. I've maybe shot a dozen non-surplus bolt guns in my days, a couple had them, most didn't. I can't off the top of my head think of any bolt handles I particularly disliked or particularly liked the most out of them. Now actions, yes some stood out as great and some not. All I can say is the two bolt guns I currently own, a Howa 1500 and Sako Forester, I really like the bolt handles and actions on both. Not oversized. My Forester the bolt handle does get kind of close to the scope, which if I am working it the wrong way my hand will smack the scope cover. Never had that issue in the field and rarely do on the range. More when I am being lazy and working the bolt in some particularly careless way I'll rake my pinky along it. Which usually isn't a big deal as I typically wear light gloves when shooting, but I've managed to skin my pinky knuckle once doing it.
I guess I don't have enough experience. I've maybe shot a dozen non-surplus bolt guns in my days, a couple had them, most didn't. I can't off the top of my head think of any bolt handles I particularly disliked or particularly liked the most out of them. Now actions, yes some stood out as great and some not. All I can say is the two bolt guns I currently own, a Howa 1500 and Sako Forester, I really like the bolt handles and actions on both. Not oversized. My Forester the bolt handle does get kind of close to the scope, which if I am working it the wrong way my hand will smack the scope cover. Never had that issue in the field and rarely do on the range. More when I am being lazy and working the bolt in some particularly careless way I'll rake my pinky along it. Which usually isn't a big deal as I typically wear light gloves when shooting, but I've managed to skin my pinky knuckle once doing it.
alucard0822
For great Justice
Depends on application, even then shape/angle/placement is more important than outright size. Some small standard knobs are easy to work, and stay out of the way, some big tacticool knobs slap my knuckle, and are too cumbersome to work fast. Funny thing is the huge ones tend to be on rifles shot slow fire off of benches, where you don't need a big handle to work quick from various support positions while wearing gloves.
E.Shell
Ultimate Member
Yep.
I've also noticed that the huge ones are usually on rifles sporting every other available tacticool gizmo. Ever seen an M60 handle on top of an M700 PSS?
https://www.combathunting.com/AR-15_Parts_-_AR-15_Accessories-M60_Style_Carry_Handle.html
xtreme43s10
Ultimate Member
I have one on one of my hunting rifles, ( remington 700 ) I like it because it helps with my big hands when I have gloves on in the winter. It depends on application.
I think it was a military thing - the large bolt handled made it easier to acquire for fast repeat shots, especially when wearing gloves. IMO unless you really want to be tacti-cool or are actually using it in a forward military setting, it's kind of superfluous. Then again, I've never actually used one - seen them, messed with them on other guns I've handled, but never actually fired one and worked the bolt. The normal bolt handles on the guns I own all seem to be adequate.
IX-3
Active Member
I have a larger bolt handle for my Ruger American Predator from Anarchy Outdoors that my brother bought me for Christmas. I love the thing. It's so much nicer and easier to manipulate than the factory one from Ruger. I will say I have bigger hands so that may be the reason I like it so much.
- Feb 4, 2013
- 28,175
I put a Kampfeld Kampfire knob on my rifle that started as a Rem 700 PS-1 (PSS with PC name and detachable box mag).
I like it is round and smooth, so if there is any rotation between the knob and my fingers, it just slides. The Campfire is a smaller knob. I thing mine is perfectly smooth.
http://www.kampfeldcustom.com/boltfluting0914_007.htm
Short Action Customs did the work. They mill off the factory knob, then drill and tap the shaft for piece of threaded rod for reinforcing. It seems the Rem bolt handle is investment cast and there have been a few that broke off. Not common, but if you are going to take the knob of, not a bit deal to reinforce the shaft.
https://www.shortactioncustoms.com/factory-bolt-knob
I like it is round and smooth, so if there is any rotation between the knob and my fingers, it just slides. The Campfire is a smaller knob. I thing mine is perfectly smooth.
http://www.kampfeldcustom.com/boltfluting0914_007.htm
Short Action Customs did the work. They mill off the factory knob, then drill and tap the shaft for piece of threaded rod for reinforcing. It seems the Rem bolt handle is investment cast and there have been a few that broke off. Not common, but if you are going to take the knob of, not a bit deal to reinforce the shaft.
https://www.shortactioncustoms.com/factory-bolt-knob
dist1646
Ultimate Member
Don't really care for larger diameter bolt knobs but, a little extra length is good. Not much, I only added 2 bb's inside the knob of my Tubb gun to get what I prefer. On my model 70 match rifles, a 3/8 cap bolt added to the bolt knob gets it done.
Doco Overboard
Ultimate Member
This guy likes his bolt knob size and is all into it with his kit.
He does a good job I think with reasonable hits and expectations.
Carefully fitting the extractor at the bottom for slightly more clearance helps out too on a LE, just breaking any sharp edges off itself makes loading a little more smooth.
Anyone ever try this with a LE ? I'm too clumsy to do it very well and low on shooter ammo to try anymore.
He does a good job I think with reasonable hits and expectations.
Carefully fitting the extractor at the bottom for slightly more clearance helps out too on a LE, just breaking any sharp edges off itself makes loading a little more smooth.
Anyone ever try this with a LE ? I'm too clumsy to do it very well and low on shooter ammo to try anymore.
Boats
Broken Member
I feel that they are good for shooting while wearing gloves but otherwise unnecessary. They MAY provide a slight advantage in speed for follow up shots, but that is debatable.
Basically I see them as a tactical/tactical thing that has little practical advantage for civilians or people who don't hunt in freezing weather
Basically I see them as a tactical/tactical thing that has little practical advantage for civilians or people who don't hunt in freezing weather
antco
Ultimate Member
My TacOps rifles came with oversized smooth knobs. I like them. These things don’t go tramping through the woods for hunting.
I would not go out of my way to add a larger knob to a rifle. I do like oversized trigger guards though as they give more room for a gloved finger.
I would not go out of my way to add a larger knob to a rifle. I do like oversized trigger guards though as they give more room for a gloved finger.
I decided to put my money in a Timney trigger for my RAR at least for now.
Sam Salvati
blacksmith
You don’t rack em like a regular bolt handle, and in that way it is nicer. You won’t like it if you grab the knob and try to operate it.
Location of the knob and angle of the handle matters more but some of my rigs have them. I find them less necessary on sako's, browning's, and other 60deg three lug actions. With gloves, I typically cut away the first two fingers and thumb if I will be shooting anyway.
On the subject of long bolt handles (and, often, big knobs) for bench guns, one of the smiths I know who was a long time benchrest shooter explained to me that it is for smoother cocking operation (opening the bolt) so as not to disturb the stock in the bags.
To each his own.
On the subject of long bolt handles (and, often, big knobs) for bench guns, one of the smiths I know who was a long time benchrest shooter explained to me that it is for smoother cocking operation (opening the bolt) so as not to disturb the stock in the bags.
To each his own.
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