Anyone have a straight bolt handle on a hunting rifle? Likes or dislikes?

I'm left handed, and you need to know that. I do have both swept down scope bolts, and straight handles on different Mauser rifles.

One little tip. A straight bolt handle, opened to Top Dead center, will allow the rifle to carry nicely in a saddle scabbard, made for a scoped rifle.( Obviously, with the scope removed!)

The old Mauser Wing safety allows this handle to be carried straight up, and then snapped down, and the safety, then and only then, can be safely taken off, with the rifle mounted, looking through its open iron sights, after defining your target.

I like my PT&G straights just fine. For me everything about them is the same as a swept.
I cant see an advantage to one or the other

I've posted the picture before...



I have no problems cycling the bolt, hunting or at the range. I really don't notice the difference between when she was a Rem bolt or a PTG straight handle bolt.

I just got a woody

I like straight.

On hard kickers they don't beat up your knuckles, if that matters to you.

I also like them extra long to clear the scope.

This is my Pierce short action in 6.5x47. I believe Pierce uses the PTG bolts.

Alan

Is there a different inletting on the stock for the bolt notch?

Yes - depending on what action the stock is inletted for.

If you order a McMillan (or probably Manners also) you can specify a straight bolt handle inlet. My bolt handle inletting has no bend (like the inletting of an OEM Remington stock does).

However, the straight bolt will fit in either stock without issue. I just specified straight bolt handle inletting for a clean look.

I like that...the scope is cool.

Guys, I think the OP was referring to straight bolt handles like those on some Mauser, Arisaka, and Moisin infantry rifles, such as INDYBUSTER mentioned.

I am actually thinking about replacing my bolt on a 700, with a PT&G bolt that has a straight handle. I am liking the looks of it!

Do it!

PTG offers a swept bolt too now
Get the small firing pin hole and spec it oversized ~0.699"
They are cromoly fyi so you may want it coated. I had mine melonited.

Here's a closeup of the bolt, before it got Cerakoted.

The scope is the NF 2.5-10x32mm. I just last week mounted the newer 2.5-10x42mm. Had to lop off about 1/2" of the front of the rail to accommodate the larger objective lens. I'll post pics soon.

Alan

I like the look of a straight bolt handle and the fact that my knuckles don't get smaked when shooting.

I had the normal swept-back handle replaced when I had this FN .375 Ruger built

As promised. The new NF 2.5-10x42mm.



The new scope caps are the bomb! They're soft rubber. Won't break like Butler Creeks and are quite effective at keeping the elements out.







Alan

What are the specs on that rifle GSSP? Looks about like the build I have been kicking around in my head.

Pierce SA which I had mid-turned to remove 6 oz. Round PTG bolt knob.
Pierce 20moa pic rail
24.5" #3 Broughton, 1:8
Micky Rem Sporter, free float, glass and pillar bedded. Edge filled.
PTG BDL BM
Rem mag box, follower, spring.
Harrel brake
Rifle Basix @ 2.5lb
Triad Stock Pack
Black cerakote
Sinclair off set level bubble
Farrell 30mm alum rings
Pach 1" Decel pad

W/O stock pack


Bare rifle

That is a nice rifle! Very, very close to what I had in mind.

I apologize for the hijack!