MD
"While THE BOLT ACTION analyzes a bunch of bolt actions, one of the 98 Mauser's other gas-diversion features isn't mentioned. The bolt-shroud flange works very well--except it can't divert gas that might sneak UNDER the shroud. That's diverted, or at least slowed considerably, by a small ridge across the front of the rear tang. This fits a matching abutment on either side of the bottom of the bolt shroud, and a slightly wider cylinder at the rear end of the bolt body itself."
Kuhnhausen, in his Mauser Bolt Action shop manual, pointed out the wider cylinder at the back end of the bolt body provided for a wider bearing surface cocking ramp. Interesting that the wider cylinder is also part of the M98 gas baffling/diverting system.
I was unaware of the small ridge across the front of the rear tang was yet another gas handling refinement of the M98.
Thank you for yet another worthwhile read.
