Kyle Posted January 4, 2007 Report Share Posted January 4, 2007 I'm just wondering what the advantages of a bend bolt are to a rifle with a straight bolt are. On nearly every commercial and sporter rifle I've seen the bolt is bent or curved as if to allow the mounting of a scope even if the rifle has a LER scope or iron sites. Is there some advantage to having a curved bolt rather then a straight military style one that sticks straight out? If I'm building a rifle with the intent of using either iron sites or a forward mounted scope would there be any reason for me to consider bending the bolt down or would it make more sense just to leave it as is? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gun nutty Posted January 4, 2007 Report Share Posted January 4, 2007 A bolt handle bent-down is closer to the right hand for subsequent cyclings of the action, allowing more rapid follow-up shots. Bent-down allows easier carry and will snag less while walking through brush and getting pulled from out of a truck. Bent-down fits in scabbards better, whether on a horse or ATV. Bent-down looks better, allowing a more "symetrical" look to the rifle. If you like the thing straight, keep it. It won't interfere with open sights or a scope mount. I doubt most major armies converted to bent-down because it looks better; I'm sure they had an idea on what they wanted. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
karlunity Posted January 4, 2007 Report Share Posted January 4, 2007 I tend to prefer the bent bolt as well. But if you have a stuck case, a straight bolt is a lot easer to knock open. Karl Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
odies dad Posted January 5, 2007 Report Share Posted January 5, 2007 A straight bolt gives a little better leverage. A bent bolt doesn't take up as much space in the gun rack. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts