Tactical Bolt Knobs - Why?
- Thread starter WNTFW
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Snakum
Member
The small "sporter" bolt handle knob on most rifles can be difficult to work during rapid fire. Using a large tactical knob provides better leverage, a better grip, and just seems easier to work all around. I could work a large tac knob very quickly using an 'inside knife-hand' to release and pull and then use my thumb to sling it forward and lock it down. I can't do that consistently with a small knob. Others might be able to, though.
Benelli Shooter
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- Aug 16, 2005
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The tactical knobs seem like they would catch on more things in the field.
Tactical bolt handled are easy to grasp even with gloves. They don't catch on things in the field. Several of my friends rifles have been so equipped. Yes, they do add leverage, both for opening and closing tight chamberings.
Geno
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Geno
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Maverick223
Member
They help give you a good positive hold and make rapid fire easier because of the added leverage (due to typically being longer). IME they do tend to hang up on brush and such, but I don't have them on my hunting rifles and that is why they make bolt locking safeties. In my opinion they serve a purpose, but are not necessary, and unwelcome on most hunting rifles as far as I am concerned.
Flatbush Harry
Member
I'm not tacticool, so I just go with standard knobs. I also prefer women with OEM standard equipment as well. I guess I'm just traditional.
FH
FH
Zak Smith
Member
A spherical knob, as on the AI and TRG, is very fast to operate. The large conical-shaped knobs can be knocked up a little bit by some shooters with large hands.
Bobarino
member
i don't have one on my long range build yet, but it's coming right after a new trigger. i didn't think it would be necessary either but since my scope is monstrously huge and i use low rings, i keep scraping my fingers on my scope since there's only about 1/4" of clearance between the knob and the scope. en extended bolt handle would allow me to get a full grip on it without banging my knuckles on the scope. there are some practical reasons behind them sometimes. plus they're just kinda cool
Thanks for all the replies.
I don't shoot any events where speed is an issue. In the local F-Class you are waiting for the target to be scored & have to single load anyway. I guess it is probably really nice in the sniper type of matches. I am not familiar with them much, it sounds like speed is more of an issue.
I never considered the gloves and the scope being in the way.
I don't shoot any events where speed is an issue. In the local F-Class you are waiting for the target to be scored & have to single load anyway. I guess it is probably really nice in the sniper type of matches. I am not familiar with them much, it sounds like speed is more of an issue.
I never considered the gloves and the scope being in the way.
Maverick223
Member
If it is worthless, then why do the "bees" use it? Contrary to belief they do have a purpose other than "looking tactical", and work well in some instances. That could have something to do with many of the best LRPRs in the world coming with them as standard equipment.
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LOL @ Maverick223.
Those involved in certain competitions or other applications favor specialized controls that work especially well for a specialized purpose. My match .22 pistol has a very funky custom grip on it, that works GREAT for its purpose, but would be a truly horrible thing on a general-purpose handgun.
For general use, the standard knob has been tried and tested in combat and in the field. So I understand the point of "tactical" and "standard" bolt handles.
What I DON'T get is the "butter knife" bolt handle. It's got just about the opposite of any characteristics I could ever imagine wanting.
Those involved in certain competitions or other applications favor specialized controls that work especially well for a specialized purpose. My match .22 pistol has a very funky custom grip on it, that works GREAT for its purpose, but would be a truly horrible thing on a general-purpose handgun.
For general use, the standard knob has been tried and tested in combat and in the field. So I understand the point of "tactical" and "standard" bolt handles.
What I DON'T get is the "butter knife" bolt handle. It's got just about the opposite of any characteristics I could ever imagine wanting.
rcmodel
Member in memoriam
But, real solders did not dress up in tackycool black Ninja garb, with double layer Nomax fighting gloves, when they still used bolt-action rifles with standard knobs.
Maybe you need Tackycool gear shifter knobs when you wear Tackycool nomax gloves?
rc
Maybe you need Tackycool gear shifter knobs when you wear Tackycool nomax gloves?
rc
Maverick223
Member
Doncha be laughin' at me...I'll use my mean internet face.
Never really thought about it too much (or owned one), but you are very right. They do look nice and streamlined though.
JWF III
Member
If speed is the issue, why not just use a 55-90+ year old Enfield? I don't think they can be touched by anything bolt action, when it comes to speed. (Save maybe a straight pull.)
They may have their purpose, but I think probably 75% of the people that have them, got them just for the looks.
Wyman
They may have their purpose, but I think probably 75% of the people that have them, got them just for the looks.
Wyman
Maverick223
Member
Accuracy. I am not saying that they are inaccurate, but without doing loads of work to them, there are much more accurate rifles available for less money.
doubleh
Member
"What I DON"T get is the butterknife bolt handle."
I have hunted with this type handle on a 30/06 since the late '60s. I can't tell any difference in using it compared to the other bolt actions I own with conventional bolt knobs. I also like the way it looks, especially on a rifle with a Mannlicher style stock. Whatever floats your boat I guess. Tactical style bolt knobs sink my boat.
I have hunted with this type handle on a 30/06 since the late '60s. I can't tell any difference in using it compared to the other bolt actions I own with conventional bolt knobs. I also like the way it looks, especially on a rifle with a Mannlicher style stock. Whatever floats your boat I guess. Tactical style bolt knobs sink my boat.
farscott
Member
It works well for me with my small fingers. Very easy to grasp and operate. I can see how people with longer digits may not like the "butter knife".
If I'm looking through my scope, I want something I can work entirely by feel, without my fingers slipping off. A bolt knob that sticks away from the stock slightly lets me do that, quickly and reliably, in all directions, with our without gloves on.
A butter knife offers nothing to keep one's fingers from sliding off the end when working the bolt rapidly, and many of them seem to be curved so that sliding off would be the natural thing for fingers of any length to do.
A butter knife offers nothing to keep one's fingers from sliding off the end when working the bolt rapidly, and many of them seem to be curved so that sliding off would be the natural thing for fingers of any length to do.
rcmodel
Member in memoriam
Try one on a horse hunt using a saddle scabbard.
You might change your mind.
They don't poke you in the ribs quite as hard when carrying slung either.
rc
rcmodel
Member in memoriam
Well, I think hardly anyone uses them too.
Myself, I have had a strong hankering for a Mannlicher Schoenaur Model 1950 Carbine since I fondled my first one in 1968! And not because of the butter-knife bolt handle.
Those things are just too well made, slick, & cool!
Unfortunately, I never did want one bad enough to pay over two grand for one though!
rc
Myself, I have had a strong hankering for a Mannlicher Schoenaur Model 1950 Carbine since I fondled my first one in 1968! And not because of the butter-knife bolt handle.
Those things are just too well made, slick, & cool!
Unfortunately, I never did want one bad enough to pay over two grand for one though!
rc
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