Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Hunting Rifles Bolt stops... Howa and Vanguard

Are the bolt stops on these really weak or just an internet myth?

Jason

I have several and have never had an issue.

I have a howa and have yet to have an issue.

Good to know guys.

Jason

Have had a few Vanguards now with no issue.

I know of one that failed. The screw broke off flush with the receiver and had to be drilled out. the rifle belonged to my pastor and I took it to a gunsmith for him.

If you're referring to the bolt release tab on the LHS of the action, twice I've gotten out of my truck with rifle in hand behind me and had the bolt drop out on the ground. The release is, IMHO, far too easy to bump, and releases far too easy.

Naturally, both times it happened there was a very big buck that needed shooting right away, and waiting for me to get my unowhat together. To say this was a tad bit irritating at the time would be somewhat of an understatement.

My only complaint about an otherwise very good rifle.

Thanks Leon.

Have pulled up some pics of that screw and it looks fairly small.

Jason

Have three. No issues to date.



Travis

Springer,

I've never fired or played with a Vanguard/1500 other than in the store. The bolt stop failures I've heard about all seem to lead to the small screw as the root cause.

Jason

The bolt stop itself was trapped in the stock so all that was needed was to remove the broken screw and replace it. I was surprised at how small the screw was.

I broke the head off the screw that holds the bolt stop in place. Was a pain in the ass to get it removed and a new one installed. I've had 5 vanguards and that's the only one I've broke.

4th point...

My Vanguard hasn't specifically failed, no broken screws or springs.

It's a design flaw, IMHO...in the same manner as might be a release that unexpectedly drops the clip on the ground because it's too accessible.

Open the bolt and slide to rear position. With the barrel pointed up, lightly bump the all too accessible release button that apparently has a very weak spring...and watch the bolt drop out on the floor...or, as the situation may dictate, into the dirt, rocks, snow, under the truck seat, etc...!

Under the light use most bolt stops see, the Howa release should be OK. Under hard rapid-fire use, there is a good chance of breaking the screw. I have seen Model 70's, which have a similar, though more robust, stop with bent pins. Early Model 70 stops had a step which transferred force to the receiver rather than counting on the pin. The Howa is a bit weak and it can be depressed inadvertently but I never saw a whole bunch coming into the shop. GD

the screw that secures the bolt stop on those rifles is pitiful...very small shank and easily broken


out of 2 Vanguards I own I broke the one on the 300 , didn't even know when it happened

I broke the screw on my Howa 1500 in 30-06. It is about the only fault I can find in the Howa/Vanguard line.

I may be the extreme here, but I don't like to take my Howa hunting anymore due to this flaw. The screw on mine broke at the range, but I would be pissed if it broke far from home.

How are they getting broken?

Just came into possession of my first Vanguard (S2). Is this something that could be remedied with an aftermarket side bolt release, should the need arise?

I broke mine when I dumped a 226" mule deer, I was a bit excited and worked the bolt with alittle extra umph!

On mine, I pulled the bolt back to cycle a round and the bolt never stopped. Ended up pulling the bolt right out of the action.