Ruger Magnum bolt handle

MS Hitman

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How many shooters have had a problem with the bolt handle hitting their trigger finger during recoil? I have not personally, but it is in close proximity.
 
Have an RSM in .416 Rigby and this has never been a problem.
 
It has never been a problem for me.
 
MS Hitman,

I have never figured out why the "swept back" style of bolt handle became so popular here in The USA (Model 54 and Model 70 Winchester, Model 700 Remington, Model 77 Ruger, etc., etc., etc.)

They are ugly if nothing else, sort of like the wind flange, aka "spoiler" across the trunk of a car or, vinyl tops (aka "Landau Top") on 1970's cars, etc., etc.

The best looking and most functional bolt handle in the world IMO, was the Pre-War Orberndorf Model 98 Mauser sporting rifle - perfect in every way.

Another pretty good one was on the 6.5x55 Swede Military Mauser.

I've not been smacked by the Ruger version but, I do not own one at the moment however, I do like them (aside from their weird bolt handle though).

Did get my trigger finger knuckle bruised properly from a Pre-64 Model 70 Winchester in .375 H&H that I used to own.

But admittedly, it was because I did not have a stout grasp with my shooting hand on the rifle as I touched off that particular shot.

The world would be such a wonderful place, if only I could be in charge, LOL.

Cheers,
Velo Dog.
 
MS Hitman,

I have never figured out why the "swept back" style of bolt handle became so popular here in The USA (Model 54 and Model 70 Winchester, Model 700 Remington, Model 77 Ruger, etc., etc., etc.)

They are ugly if nothing else, sort of like the wind flange, aka "spoiler" across the trunk of a car or, vinyl tops (aka "Landau Top") on 1970's cars, etc., etc.

The best looking and most functional bolt handle in the world IMO, was the Pre-War Orberndorf Model 98 Mauser sporting rifle - perfect in every way.

Another pretty good one was on the 6.5x55 Swede Military Mauser.

I've not been smacked by the Ruger version but, I do not own one at the moment however, I do like them (aside from their weird bolt handle though).

Did get my trigger finger knuckle bruised properly from a Pre-64 Model 70 Winchester in .375 H&H that I used to own.

But admittedly, it was because I did not have a stout grasp with my shooting hand on the rifle as I touched off that particular shot.

The world would be such a wonderful place, if only I could be in charge, LOL.

Cheers,
Velo Dog.
Two things. 1. How did you get a Ruger to fit in with Mausers and doubles? 2. If you run as an independent, I will vote for you over Trump and Hillary!!!
 
I actually find the bolt handle on my RSM to be too small. It is the same bolt used on the "regular" Rugers, and since the stock of the RSM is considerably more robust ( fat) at that point the only part of the bolt handle sticking out is the knob. I'd appreciate about 1cm or 1/2" longer bolt handle. The shape is perfectly OK to me, I like the multiple angles on the standard Ruger bolt handle.
 
Velo has it right. The ridiculous looking bolt on many American guns can be excused because most are not in heavy recoiling calibers. But Ruger had a chance to get it right on their RSM series. Everything else on the gun is great. The most important was to get the swivel off of the forend and onto the barrel so it wont strip past your sweaty left hand during recoil. They did that right. But they still had to put their dog leg bolt handle on this gun, which is a real eye sore if nothing else. Yes, I have been hit in the right index finger during recoil of a Whitworth Interarms mauser, which was even worse with its swept back bolt. I had that bolt replaced with a straight bolt, but that of course doesnt fit the stock, so it had to change too. The stock on the RSM is french walnut, and not so easy to throw away. suggest you keep it as is..................FWB
 
Velo has it right. The ridiculous looking bolt on many American guns can be excused because most are not in heavy recoiling calibers. But Ruger had a chance to get it right on their RSM series. Everything else on the gun is great. The most important was to get the swivel off of the forend and onto the barrel so it wont strip past your sweaty left hand during recoil. They did that right. But they still had to put their dog leg bolt handle on this gun, which is a real eye sore if nothing else. Yes, I have been hit in the right index finger during recoil of a Whitworth Interarms mauser, which was even worse with its swept back bolt. I had that bolt replaced with a straight bolt, but that of course doesnt fit the stock, so it had to change too. The stock on the RSM is french walnut, and not so easy to throw away. suggest you keep it as is..................FWB

Thanks for your insight on this matter. I have no problems with the rifle as it comes stock and will keep it as is. Like I posted originally, I don't have a problem with it, just wondering if others might.

All the best!
 
I have two Rugers (both left handed) and they both slap my trigger finger bad enough that I had to carefully bend the bolt handles slightly up and forward.
Not noticeable unless you hold it up next to an unmodified bolt but they were quite painful to shoot before the mod, and my hands are not particularly large.
My son has identical rifles also left handed and does not suffer this problem....so?
 
I have both .416 & .375 Ruger and I've never had the problem you mention. Mine both have 2 Edwards Recoil Reducers installed by Edwards in he stock and they shoot like a dream. It amazes me that I've never found one single person, of all the know it all gun people I know, who has ever heard of Edwards Recoil Reducer. It is simply the most amazing gun modification (if you can even call it that) I've ever done.
Regards,
Philip
 
I have an RSM in .458 Lott and have not been bitten by the bolt handle. It looks as if would be an issue, but has not been for me to date.
 
I've never been hit by Ruger M77 bolt handles, even with RSM's, but I do find my hand crowded near it, which I feel affects my bolt throw speed - I feel like I need to clear my knuckle of the knob to roll my palm up and cycle the action (I don't cycle with my thumb and index finger, I run it with the knob in my palm; slower, but more forceful).

My concession to this, however, is it's no longer a problem once I restock the rifle. I like more of a palm swell, with a steeper pistol grip angle. I rode bulls and bareback broncs (as in rodeo) for too many years, so my shooting hand - my riding hand as well - wrist mobility is poor. Dropping and opening my hand a bit via custom fit stocks lowers my wrist, and gives me a much more comfortable grip on the rifle.

The bolt knob crowds my hand in the factory Ruger stocks, but in a proper stock to fit my "ailment," this mental discomfort is eliminated - as is the potential for the knob to whack me in the knuckle.
 
I've got a collection of RSM's which includes one in 505 Gibbs. Used it on hunt in Africa with great success, and a fair bit of practice before hand. Never got my knuckle bumped. Love the gun except that it only holds two down. Also have a CZ in 505 Gibbs, and the back of the trigger guard tends to rap my middle finger occasionally. In fact I took to wrapping it in tape when shooting that gun a lot.

It would seem a sin to take off that beautiful RSM stock! Other than if it truly did not fit you as in the case IronCowboy;)
 

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