Let's see your bolt knob checkering - looking for ideas.

[Ku-winda]

As the old saying going goes, "imitation is the sincerest form of flattery!" Matt Roberts is currently working on a bespoke rifle for me and I am looking for something cool, and maybe a little bit different for the bolt knob. I saw one on AHF about three or four months ago that I really liked, but can't find anymore - it may have been buried in Good Gun Deals of the Week. It was essentially three panel checkering to about 2/3 - 3/4 way down that bled into something akin to feathers for the remainder. In any case, I am looking for some artistic and unique ideas, and would appreciate any input the forum would care to share. Obviously there is no need to guild the Lily with a Matt Roberts rifle, but looking for a good compliment. Many thanks in advance!

 

[KJE81]

This is how the bolt checkering looks on my incoming custom rifle, not yet delivered so these are taken by the engraver.

 

[Ontario Hunter]

Here's an idea. I thought about filling the cavity with black epoxy but decided to try something different. Zebrawood insert.

 

[rookhawk]

As the old saying going goes, "imitation is the sincerest form of flattery!" Matt Roberts is currently working on a bespoke rifle for me and I am looking for something cool, and maybe a little bit different for the bolt knob. I saw one on AHF about three or four months ago that I really liked, but can't find anymore - it may have been buried in Good Gun Deals of the Week. It was essentially three panel checkering to about 2/3 - 3/4 way down that bled into something akin to feathers for the remainder. In any case, I am looking for some artistic and unique ideas, and would appreciate any input the forum would care to share. Obviously there is no need to guild the Lily with a Matt Roberts rifle, but looking for a good compliment. Many thanks in advance!

@Wyatt Smith would you mind showing off the bolt knob on your 270? That is a masterpiece.

 

[Wyatt Smith]

It is indeed a lovely job.

 

[Borderer]

I looked at a new Daniel Fraser rifle last week. The Fraser bolt was amazing. Looks very traditional but feels tactical. I understand it was developed for WW1 sniper rifles, which explains it. It is shaped and very carefully chequered to their own design. That would definitely be my starting point.

 

[Ku-winda]

It is indeed a lovely job.
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That is exceptional @Wyatt Smith , thank you for sharing! We've got a leader in the clubhouse boys, but please keep them coming!

 

[CM McKenzie]

Look up Charity Littleton bolt checkering. She started for Dakota Arms years ago. Now she works out of her barn in Newell South Dakota.

 

[odonata]

A couple of years ago, I lost an auction on a left-handed Dakota 76. One of the things I liked was the bolt handle:

 

[Andrew Short]

 

[odonata]

Here's a bolt handle from a left-handed Dakota 458 that I stumbled across last year. It was so similar to the other Dakota 76 bolt handle that I posted a picture of above, I saved a copy of it for reference:

 

[Clodo Ferreira]

Hi,

What would be the reason to checker the bolt knob...? To me, the bolt knob must be as clean and free of any obstruction as possible for a smooth operation!

 

[odonata]

What would be the reason to checker the bolt knob...? To me, the bolt knob must be as clean and free of any obstruction as possible for a smooth operation!

To my mind, bolt checkering & rifle engraving is often an aesthetic choice. My Remington 700 has a checkered bolt knob. My Ruger MkII does not. I can operate either one with the same efficiency. Some people might like a smooth bolt because it feels good to their hands. Others might prefer the extra grip it provides. For me personally, it's purely a visual design element.

 

[AZDAVE]

There are some true works of art there. Thank you all for sharing

 

[SETH RINGER]

Here's a bolt handle from a left-handed Dakota 458 that I stumbled across last year. It was so similar to the other Dakota 76 bolt handle that I posted a picture of above, I saved a copy of it for reference:

View attachment 670472

View attachment 670473

View attachment 670474

I DON'T DO BOLT ACTIONS, BUT IF I DID, I WOULD NEED SOMETHING LIKE THIS ON ALL MY GUNS.

 

[IvW]

Bolt knobs should be uncheckered.....for the palm loading dg users anyway.....

 

[putter97127]

I saw this today at my local Cabela's... I am pretty sure it is an example of what Not to do to a rifle... I just don't understand

 

[Spearhead]

We are very fortunate that we even get to this point of wanting to see bolt knobs. Thank goodness we are in a place where firearms talk is like saying hi to the neighbor while walking down the street.

 

[franzfmdavis]

Tudor rose:

Logo or an idea for initials?

 

[VertigoBE]

Bolt knobs should be uncheckered.....for the palm loading dg users anyway.....

Could that maybe be the source of checkering on the bolt knob?

The English stalkers and hunters using the finger technique, often with gloves, necessitating more grip there, while a big bore rifle user, using the palm technique, is better off with a slightly larger but fully smooth bolt knob?