IDMilton,
I tested my T3 with a compressor like ccrifles mentioned earlier. I can feel air headed straight towards the shooter's face, under the scope. Not good! Its a heck of a lot more air than I expected.
I think the air comes from the passenger side lug region, travels along the passenger side of the bolt and through the lug cutout in the rear of the action (bolt raceway). Pull your bolt out and its almost a straight shot to the face.
You almost need 3 hands to check this and everyone else in the house is asleep (I should've skipped the last cup of coffee!). I'll try to test this again in the AM with some help. I also think I need to modify a case to simulate a case rupture, and another with primer removed to see what happens. I did the compressor test with an empty chamber and this might affect airflow. Its getting late so I might be overlooking something obvious too (air might flow along the driver side or all along the bolt body for all I know). Could really use a smoke tester!
Jason
Thanks for the detailed and informative response. That is really good to know about the T3. Kinda a downer, though. Mine is really accurate and I like it, but I just don't like that it doesn't handle gas well.
I wonder what the options are for the safest bolt gun?
Several people said Mauser 98s. I thought that the Ruger was an improved version, but looking at the eye and face injury, picture, they don't look that safe.
I don't have any experience with a CZ. I handled one in the store and it felt really heavy. Plus, I don't know if they come in stainless/plastic, like I like. If they are the safest design, I'll look at them again.
Vanguards are also heavy, but if they are really safe, maybe I should look into one. My friend had his bolt release lever screw break, so unless that tiny part has been changed, I don't think I'd want one of those either.
Anyway, please post any further testing you do on your T3.
Does anyone have any idea how the Kimbers handle gas? Just like a model 70?
The T3 and my Montana are my only centerfires right now, so I'm just curious about how safe they are.
