Storing rifle, bolt open

[Hoppy590]

are there any cons to storing rifles bolt open? my collection is outgrowing space. i can no longer spare the "buffer zone" between some of the rifles that is there because of awkward bolt handles.

so is there any downside to storing a rifle with either an open bolt or even sans bolt?

 

[Sniper4Life]

I dont know bout anyone else but I keep mine closed..............with one in the chamber

 

[MRIman]

I store all my bolt guns,bolt open.
Never a problem.

MRI

 

[DougW]

Nearly all my milsurps are stored bolt open. That gives me more room to "pack 'em deep"!

 

[Hoppy590]

ya but most milsurps are still smothered in cosmoline.

i opted to take the bolts out and cleared out room for another 4 rifles. i have a feeling it was a bad idea, now i have motivation to fill that void.

 

[Slamfire]

Might in fact be better to store them bolt open as air would move without obstruction through the bore. Less likely to collect mold or rust.

The only thing that is likely to be effected is the mainspring. And that is a consumable anyway. Need to replace old military mainsprings with new Wolff mainsprings, and I doubt that being compressed a little bit will have any ill effects on them.

 

[44AMP]

No harm storing bolt guns

With the bolt open, unless you are storing them in a less than sealed environment. In a gun safe, fine. In the back of the closet, not so fine, as dust, lint, mice, spiders, etc. can get in the action. Mouse pee is especially bad, as it causes rust. If you don't examine them regularly, they can get damaged if you store them in a place where the vermin can get in.

 

[GCW5]

I don't think thay you'll have any trouble storing them with bolt open. I have mine stored in "gun socks", which allow air to pass around them, keeps dust and bugs out and helps keep dings & dents to a minimum.

 

[DougW]

Of course, open bolts on my Enfields is fine, since the bolt cocks on closing. And, no cosmo or mice pee here!

 

[redranger1]

44AMP is right, unless they are stored in a sealed environment you want to keep the bolts closed. That is unless you are a cleaning freak then i reckon it wouldnt matter. And there is a simple way to remove mainspring tension with out dry firing it after you close the bolt. Simply hold the trigger as if you had just fired it as you close the bolt and it will not be cocked. Mainspring pressure problem solved.

 

[Hoppy590]

thanks guys. im not concerned about mice or spiders. just air and dust.