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How Do You Operate A Right Handed Bolt Rifle?

3K views 6 replies 7 participants last post by  dave 
#1 ·
Hello,

When I got my first .22, it was a right hander's bolt action. I would shoot it, then bring it down and work the bolt with my right hand. It was just a little better than a single shot.

I've since adopted the "reach over the receiver" method. This is almost necessary when shooting a heavy rifle like a Mosin-Nagant. I've also discovered I reacquire the target faster because I don't bring it down from my shoulder.

What's you're method? How do you work a right hander's bolt?

Josh <><
 
#2 ·
Haven't used a right hand bolt in years, as soon a left hand rifles hit the market I grabbed them. Like you, I used the reach over method, nothing else seemed to work as well. To this day this is the reason none of the cheap milsurp rifles have found a home here, I'd rather stick with my left hand bolt guns.
 
#3 ·
If I'm using a left hand Thumbhole stock I use my right hand to work the bolt, as I prefer a right hand bolt.

If it's a "standard" stock I use the "over the receiver" method. I've never shot a left hand bolt and doubt I ever will. I was "turned on" to right hand bolt, left hand thumbhole years ago and found it to be the best set-up for me.

Now I need to give Harry Lawson's son a call and talk about ordering a Cochise Thumbhole.


Biker
 
#4 ·
Easy! I just shoot it using a bipod. I use my right hand to work the bolt.

See, it's a left handed gun after all!

Yeah, I know...working the bolt from the standing, kneeling, or sitting position is annoying. I just put a bipod on the gun and use it as frequently as possible.



If there's **any** possibility of close in work required, I don't use a bolt gun. I use an AK-47 with folding stock. AK-47's are made for left-handed shooters, unlike those "other" black guns :)
 
#5 ·
My only bolt-action rifle is a Yugo surplus M24. The straight horizontal bolt handle makes it relatively easy to work the bolt with my left hand reaching over the receiver-- that's the reason I bought that particular model instead of a bent-bolt M48 or K98k. My other rifle is a Winchester .30-30 lever-action-- fully ambidextrous that!
 
#6 ·
I have a few mil-surp bolt actions thanks to my C&R license. I use the reach over method unless I'm shooting from a rest. Then I just use my right hand. I agree the straight bolted rifles are easier to manipulate.

When I finally purchase a commercial bolt action I'm leaning towards a left hand action.
 
#7 ·
I'm right-handed and frankly never gave the issue much thought until I read Josh's posts.

As for the Mosin-Nagant, there is a picture in Doug Bowser's excellent _Rifles of the White Death_ on how to keep the rifle at the shoulder and work the bolt--both for right-handers so they don't smash their noses with the bolt, and southpaw folks.

Basically, the base of the left thumb comes over the top of the receiver and hooks under the bolt where the palm of the right-hander would go. If I had a working scanner, I'd post the pic.
 
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