Smoothest bolt

[kennyboy]

Which rifle has the smoothest bolt? I have three Winchester 70's. The bolts are smooth, but when I bring the bolt forward and pull down, I have difficulty pulling the bolt. It doesn't seem as smooth as it should be. Shouldn't the bolt just basically go in place effortlessly? I'll note that I have shot Winchester model 70 bolt actions as well as other brands such as Remington. However, I only notice my gun because it is mine.

 

[otomik]

tikka t3, smooth

 

[Cosmoline]

I've heard the Steyr SBS rifles are quite smooth. Haven't had a chance to shoot one.

The Mannlicher-Schoenauer commercial rifles have amazingly smooth actions. They will cycle themselves if you let them.

 

[Redhat]

Colt-Sauer was the smoothest I ever tried

 

[MCgunner]

Amazingly, I think the smoothest bolt I've ever turned is on a $27.50 Mauser 88 commission rifle I bought 30 years ago. It is UNREAL smooth. Second best is my Remington M722, another older, well broke in action. Either of these rifles, if you open the bolt, then tilt them slightly rearward, the bolt will just glide open.

 

[ACORN]

Colt-Sauer is the smoothest I've used. It is like the bolt is riding on ball bearings. An honorable mention has to go to the old Krag's, considering they were military rifles and not sporting guns.

 

[f4t9r]

Browning A-bolt is pretty smooth

 

[Ohen Cepel]

Of ones that I have handled, I would second the Tikka T3.

Sure there are better, but I haven't touched them.

 

[Darkside852003]

My Steyr has the smoothest I have ever used.

 

[rbernie]

Sauer 202.

 

[Rembrandt]

Colt Sauer........nothing smoooooother. Feels like the bolt is on ball bearings.

 

[IV Troop]

Tikka T3, hands down.

 

[esldude]

Steyr SBS is best I have used in a centerfire.

 

[EZ CZ75]

I agree with the T3 vote, except that my Sako 75 is a little smoother. Absolutely nice!

 

[kentucky_smith]

1895 Chileno Mauser. With the safety on (it's cock on close) it would close itself. Butter.

 

[Dionysusigma]

Personally, I think it's a tie between the old Krags and a Steyr CISM. Maybe Azrael256's K31.

 

[beerslurpy]

In my humble opinion tikka/sako > rem 700, winchester, browning. The tikka was the only one that felt completely smooth and effortless. It doesnt seem to bind up at either end of the motion. A lot of bolt guns tend to be very tight and almost feel "stuck" when you try to cycle them with a less than brutal effort.

It is also nice that the gun is tack drivingly accurate with even cheap factory loads.

 

[jobu07]

Any Enfield i've ever handled had a wonderfully smooth action.

 

[Hemicuda]

My Manlicher Schoenauer bolt gun with the butterknife handle... that thing will darned near bolt itself... it is SO smooth and easy...

 

[John G]

Another vote for the Browning A-bolt.

 

[Beav]

of the 3 bolts I own my SIG is the smoothest then the Remington 700P, last is the CZ550.

 

[hank327]

Every Lee-Enfield I've handled was very smooth, almost glass like. No Mauser 98 based bolt action is even close to a Lee-Enfield in smoothness or speed of manipulation.

 

[hoghunting]

My vote is for the Tikka T3. It is definitely smoother and more accurate than my Kimber; and also about half the cost. I have not used the Sako, but I would buy another Tikka without considering any other brands.

 

[ghost squire]

One of the reasons the Enfield is the king of bolt action combat rifles is because of its fantastic speed. A Mauser doesn't really come close.

The Mannlicher butter knife bolt handled have been known to handle well and cycle smoothly for about 100 years or more. Even the British with their Enfields bought them because of this.

They all have their niches.

 

[Sam]

Krag,
Hands down

Sam