Thank you. As someone who grew up with bolt-action rifles, everything seems obvious and natural, it's only when I try to show someone else how to use a bolt-action that I realize how complex and subtle it can be for someone who has no experience.
In anatomical terms and for clarity, the bolt knob is grasped in the distal interphalangeal joints of the the pollex and first finger. Plus you will sound like an Anglo-intellectual of the highest order as you operate this fine piece of engineering.
This is another great video. I teach the Toyota Production System and this video illustrates many of the principles of TPS. “You’re wasting movement, and movement is time.” ~ Bloke On The Range That sounds familiar to me... “Time is the shadow of motion.” ~ Shigeo Shingo I’d say that aiming and pressing the trigger are the only “value-added” elements of shooting a rifle. Every other motion must be minimized or eliminated for efficient (fast) results.
Video idea: bolt action ASMR - a 30 minute video of Bloke operating the bolts of various rifles next to a binaural microphone. I don't know if it's just me being weird but the mechanical noises a nice slick bolt action makes are very satisfying.
My first job at 16 was a stock clerk at Vons(1970) and we were taught no wasted movement. example... Cut the case of canned beans around the top discard the top then pin the case against the shelve with your waist. (now both hands are free) with your left and right hands grab two cans in each hand and put on self (spin labels to the front) repeat 2 more times (case of 12). Then center the empty box at your sternum and rip each corner...done ! One case in less than 10 seconds. You were expected to do 300 cases a night ( 8 hour shift). I watch kids today and I could still out produce three of them at 66 yrs old. No proper training and slow work ethic... Thanks for the great info. I have a 303 and a 308 and I will practice because of you ! cheers
I just recently realized the extraction/ejection problem my M1903A1 Springfield had. For the longest time, the extraction and ejection pattern of my '03 was erratic, varying between works as it should to anemically flinging the case out or to extracting the case out of the chamber and leave it lying on top of the next round. It wasn't until I compared the bolt of my little brother's Type 99 Arisaka to mine did I realize how worn out the claw extractor on my bolt was. The casing wasn't fully held against the bolt-face and during extraction it would often slip out before it hit the ejector blade. I've since put in for a new extractor.
Oh God, as soon as you said “let’s do that in slow time” My memory uncontrollably had Sergeant Major voice in the back of my head bellow out “Parade will march in slow and quick time!” 10 years was too long I think... Plus as Rowan on you commonwealth myths vid said “work the bolt in a soldierly fashion”.
Great video, which I sure wish I had a few years back when I first got my hands on a Lee and was seriously unimpressed by my results. All that "practice" with sticky Mosins was NOT good practice for running a smooth, well maintained Lee. Your ability to shoot both quickly and well with bolt guns has been a big inspiration to myself to not only spend more time with the old classics, but also push myself and the equipment to see just what we're capable of.
We talk the same about follow through in archery, the shot cycle doesn't end until you can identify the arrow on target. The entire idea is not to be in the habit of breaking your form early. Otherwise you'll start creeping toward dropping the bow arm as a part of the release. We all have some movement as a result of the tension held before the shot as it is, planning to add to it will only make it worse. And for speed, "Never do anything faster than you can do it right." will get you to both fast and precise before you know it.
If I'm directing a movie, use the palm technique. Palming does look cool when someone's good at it. But what's better, going fast or looking good? Trick question: going fast is looking good!
I recently picked up a No5 and I finally got a chance to take it out the other day, and I tried doing the proper way of thumb and index finger, but after shooting a Vz. 24 and other Mauser styles for so long it feels natural to palm it, but this was a good video for pointing out the actual technique, not just flying by the seat of my pants
In the late 70's I had the opportunity to see Co. Jeff Cooper shoot one stage of a pistol match at the Table Mountain Gun Club near Denver. What impressed me most was not his speed per se, but the economy of his movements, I don't think there was a millimeter of wasted movement in his presentation. Your points about muscle memory and not having separate steps but a continuous movement immediately made me think of that day.
For non-shooters it can be likened to changing gear from 3rd to 2nd. Push, or pull, to the left against the spring and the lever will just move over as it clears the gate.
Well, I learned a few things. Re always running the action after especially after a poor shot is just like I've been taught to run a pump action shotgun.
IIRC correctly the British Army manual(s) concerning the use of the Lee Enfield actually state that when you close the bolt on an empty rifle, to press the trigger to de-cock it. So dry firing was something which was anticipated and actually advised as best practice when handling the rifle. As Bloke correctly points out, service rifles like the Lee Enfield are designed to be robust and withstand a lot of use and at times, abuse from soldiers. They are, to quote the late Richard Holmes, 'squaddie proof'.
I recently got a bass guitar after years of not having and prior stint of a jazz/orchestra/session/theater bassist. My wife who never seen me play was shocked how fast it came back to me. I handed her the bass and she could even hold correctly, i then started trying to show her stuff but just could not even explain what to do
Yeah part of the problem is its been awhile for me. But it was how bloke said when guy asked him for tips and its like oh, wait I don't know whats even going on haha
My reasoning for not palming the bolt is that in field conditions your hands are likely to be sweaty, mucky or otherwise slick. So if you don't have positive control of the bolt by thumb and index finger, you might find it slipping from under your hand making your shot cycle fumbly. Worse than that would be if your butt was too short and the bolt came back and hit you in the safety glasses giving your friends something to laugh at you for
I've seen a video of a guy who tried to shoot fast a Ruger Gunsite Scout, and his argument for palming the bolt is the fact that the action gets sticky after a few shots when it gets hot. To note, the Ruger did use a slightly updated Mauser action, and the shooter noted repeatedly that the only way to get the gun cycle positively is by positively smack the bolt handle upward by--you guessed--palming the bolt. I wonder what advice you would give to those shooters.
@@TheOz91 I think polish the chamber so it's not so sticky. And for the inevitable comment that guns are magical things that mere mortals aren't allowed to mess with-- yes of course minimally and gently. That's what polish means
I grasp my No 4 Bolt exactly the same way. Nobody ever has told me how I should do it. It came quite quickly with shooting. It is naturel the best way to do it. Maybe it is because I have competetive backround in martial arts. So I am trained to refelect my movements for biomechanic efficency.
Thank you so much for this! In regards to palming a rifle with a straight bolt handle such as a Mosin Nagant. I recently saw some Soviet footage from WW2 where an infantryman fired, dropped the rifle from the shoulder, palmed the bolt, and re-shoulders it for the next shot. Point being it was interesting how fast and efficient it was for that specific system.
Training and experience makes you fast :) Factory-fresh Mosin bolt is a bit of a pain to operate, especially the wartime crude production ones - and the bolt is way forwards of the trigger. Also, being "Cock-on-openning" makes it inherently heavier than Lee-Enfield (Cock-on-closing) to open, so no wonder they un-shouldered the rifle to apply appropriate force to the bolt knob. With polishing and an extended bolt handle Mosin bolt can be opened with just the edge of your forefinger (see the link), but the trigger-bolt handle distance is still there. ua-cam.com/video/2U3B3qtUmEw/v-deo.html
I 1st read about the British Army's phenomenal rate of fire in WW1 about a year ago. After that I would wonder about the technique every time I would pick up 1 of my bolt actions. Thank you very much for providing such a thorough and detailed lesson.
There's always hope. The best way to turn that around is to normalize it as much as possible. The more people try it and find that it isn't so scary more flexibility you have politically
My uncle told me to be aware of the cocking. Does it cock on opening, or on closing? Whichever it was, he told me to "slap the cocking and ease the rest" Not sure if was good advice, but it worked well enough I got a merit badge! I guess he was making sure I applied 'proper Wellie' when the gun was being cocked.
Nice and very useful video as usual. I like the comments on S&B it conforts my own opinion after a few problems with them on my k98k, while ppu works just fine. Can't wait for the range to open again over here to finally try my n4. Merci encore👍
This is another very information-packed video that will get multiple views from many watchers. The Bloke doesn't nanner on, but delivers valuable, practical mixes of historical and hands-on knowledge at 'mad minute' speed! Bravo! May I humbly suggest a video focusing on stripper clip(charger!) technique, preferably in your most amusing 'Strip Club' format! God bless you, lad. Keep your 'Mad Minutes' of entertaining information blasting downrange!
You should visit one of long range competitions here in poland one day. There is usually "historical" class so you can compete vs mausers and mosins. Rubins etc. Or you can just get with camera and just make a great vid
Looking forward to getting into shooting as soon as licence getting is a thing that's possible again (here in victoria Australia), very helpful video. Was really hoping to join your patreon this year but unfortunately the pandemic has made that not particularly possible
I have to say, I shot thousands of 303 rounds in static target, snap and falling plate competitions (after sprinting 1-300 yards) and I found the fastest way to put accurate shots down range, by far, was to palm the bolt. That’s because the action pushes the bolt back under its own power to a degree and your hand is already on the rifle as your closing it, so overall the rifle is moving less and so it your sight picture. Each to their own I guess...
The action doesn't push the bolt back under its own power. I suspect you are referring to the cocking piece applying pressure to the sear, but that only works if you haven't fired the rifle.
Is the technique and feel the same with a No 3 (P14)? Which is "slicker"?...No 1 Mk III or No 4? I don't own a SMLE, due to expense and what to me is an inferior sight picture, but I have a couple of No 4s (Maltby, one like new and one well worn) and a No 3 (Eddystone). The No 3 I've used in some informal milsurp target matches (100, 200, 300) to great satisfaction...love it, but I've never tried running it fast. Just curious as to your thoughts. Thank you.
I should probably try some of these drills on my CZ 527 rather than complaining about the stiffness of the action. I notice that sometimes your palm was pushing on the cooking piece on closing. Seems like the CZ closes easiest when I drive the bolt forward with my thumb on the cooking piece.
Could you do a quick rundown into how the Swiss straight-pull knobs are meant to be held? I find myself using two fingers to pull back then my palm to push forward, but seeing how smoothly you do it I'd appreciate guidance.
Use two fingers and a thumb in each direction. There's a go-faster trick which is closing it using mostly the thumb so you can re-position your hand to get back to the trigger quicker.
im enjoying your rather informative videos, well done and i must admit the franken rifle is growing on me.. mite buile something rather similar for my self. keep up the good works! any new videos of the entertaining aussie?
When I did the mad min in training we rested on a sandbag pull in tight to shoulder then bolt it with the left hand reaching over reload with left never taking eye off target try it
Great video Bloke and even greater rifle. Have you ever provided a full spec parts list for all of the Frankenrifle? Forend, mags, receiver, trigger, muzzle brake?
I was never allowed to wrap thumb over the stock...dad would grill me worse than a drill sergent if he caught me doing that....he taught me how to keep grip on bolt and use ring finger to pull trigger ....shot 5 coyotes in a conest in 15 seconds ...scared me how well i did 😳
I wonder if you put something on the forend of frankinrifle (skateboard tape or a smooth rivet) that made it feel slightly different than the standard enfield if that would help create a muscle memory for mag changes
How do you feel about the phrase “Slow is smooth. Smooth is fast.”? I need to practice gripping the bolt as you do between the thumb and index. I do not palm, but I sorta do that other technique you did.
I think "slow is smooth. Smooth is fast" is a terrible cope. Smooth and fast is fastest! But to get there, start slow and smooth and get faster. I find web better than leather, but don't always get the choice due to competition rules.
I used to shoot high power matches with an older guy who used a bolt gun even though the AR is almost completely dominant. He'd say that while all of us auto guys were waiting for our actions to cycle he'd already be past that and shooting 😂
What would be your recommendation for bolt holding techniques for other guns, like belt-bolt Mausers? I have an 1895 Chilean Mauser, and I can't really figure how how to effectively work it from the shoulder. Closing the bolt takes enough force it knocks my sight picture off almost as much as dismounting the rifle does, and it's much easier to fumble at the shoulder than down low.
You can use the same technique, but not all action types have the same potential. For instance, an anschutz .22 target rifle has a very jerky action compared to a lee, and it almost forces you to adopt 4 separate movements in cycling the bolt regardless of your intent.
Why on Earth didn't Australians itegrate SKS clip guiderails into the bridge of that M10A1? Also, too many Lee-Enfields, to little 'other bolt-action rifles'.
I know this is an old video but speaking of large magazines have you ever seen or heard of an original Enfield (NO.1 or NO.4) converted to take .303 Bren gun mags?
No, it's entirely impossible. BREN mags are far too long front-to-back. Converting the 308 conversions to take mags bodged together from an L8/L42 and an SLR/L4 was done though.
I'd like to try it on my Anschutz mpr64, but its side lock does not exactly lend itself to smooth operations. Addendum: I tried and it works, if I do in a soldierly fashion.
Great video! Any tips on making an Ishapore 2A cycle smoother? Bolt is sticky to open whether loaded or empty. Headspace is good is does not close on field gauge. Thanks
@@BlokeontheRange yep that's what I am thinking too. I have heard that the extractor can sharpen itself over time and can begin to scrape the groove causing this. Have you heard of this being the culprit? Thx
I hate that the 7.62 Enfield rifle was killed in its infancy. I was so looking forward to buying one. If I remember right, the US wouldn't allow them in because the wood for the stocks was sourced from Vietnam, thus making it a no go for the US market.
qui doscet, discet, (those who teach, learn) While a person will have one level of understanding if they have mastered something, they will achieve another, deeper level of understanding when they have to explain it to someone else.
There are videos where I take the forend off like this one: ua-cam.com/video/073noIUERZU/v-deo.html And I've never seen it necessary to strip the bolt further than taking the bolt head off, so I don't have a full strip of that (you need a tool anyway).
I noticed you covered the Mosin without sullying the video by speaking that name... Have you ever measured the difference cartridge length makes on cycle time? It's easy to think that there would be a significant difference between 7.62x39 and 7.62x63...
@@BlokeontheRange Thanks! I was thinking that the different lengths of travel for different cartridges might make a bit of difference in the cycle time.
@@BlokeontheRange there is a video of ian mcollum from forgotten weapions running an enfield fairly fast on a match i think in inrange maybe, he has a fairly strange technique but it seems to work.
Fastest way to cycle a bolt when prone is to only use your index finger on the bolt, not having to lift your elbow or head is a huge advantage when it comes to stay on target. This will not work with a cock on close bolt. And it takes a lot of practice to do well.
@@BlokeontheRange not me, im not good enough yet, but at 4:30, second guy from the left. I have seen this guy shooting 4 shots on target in 2 seconds on a really good day. its a slow and controlled pace in the video. ua-cam.com/video/BRZZcNCTFyQ/v-deo.html
Interesting, thanks, but it doesn't correspond with your description: a) he's not only doing it with his index finger, he's holding the bolt knob between forefinger and thumb. b) he's still lifting his head. c) that's a modern rifle set up for that kind of shooting, not a bog standard military or sporting rifle. d) it's a technique that only works in the prone position.
@@BlokeontheRange yeah, you lift the bolt and give it some movement backwards with your middle finger, index does the rest. It works in all posisions. Works with a krag jørgensen. He lifts his head, but its not nessescary. The rifle is a standard Sauer 200STR same action as the ssg3000
There's a trick to holding it. It's far from optimal for shooting, but least it's an improvement over a completely straight stock like on a Mosin, Swedish Mauser, and some Springfields.
Why use a bolt action? Because you can. I have a number of 19th century replica rifles and pistols and the plan then was to be as proficient with them as the period user was.
16:16 uh oh! bloke said the naughty s-word! I say, bloke! Say ye not that one chargeth one's firearm with a charger, and not a "stripper clip"? The only stripper-related clips I have in _my_ house are on the betamax tapes I hide under my bed!
Thank you. As someone who grew up with bolt-action rifles, everything seems obvious and natural, it's only when I try to show someone else how to use a bolt-action that I realize how complex and subtle it can be for someone who has no experience.
In anatomical terms and for clarity, the bolt knob is grasped in the distal interphalangeal joints of the the pollex and first finger. Plus you will sound like an Anglo-intellectual of the highest order as you operate this fine piece of engineering.
you'll sound like a knob, more like
This is another great video. I teach the Toyota Production System and this video illustrates many of the principles of TPS.
“You’re wasting movement, and movement is time.” ~ Bloke On The Range
That sounds familiar to me...
“Time is the shadow of motion.” ~ Shigeo Shingo
I’d say that aiming and pressing the trigger are the only “value-added” elements of shooting a rifle. Every other motion must be minimized or eliminated for efficient (fast) results.
Video idea: bolt action ASMR - a 30 minute video of Bloke operating the bolts of various rifles next to a binaural microphone. I don't know if it's just me being weird but the mechanical noises a nice slick bolt action makes are very satisfying.
ua-cam.com/video/P_FitnuCyG8/v-deo.html
Where do I sign up? I’ll let that put me to sleep.
रेज कितना है
My first job at 16 was a stock clerk at Vons(1970) and we were taught no wasted movement. example...
Cut the case of canned beans around the top discard the top then pin the case against the shelve with your waist. (now both hands are free) with your left and right hands grab two cans in each hand and put on self (spin labels to the front) repeat 2 more times (case of 12). Then center the empty box at your sternum and rip each corner...done ! One case in less than 10 seconds. You were expected to do 300 cases a night ( 8 hour shift). I watch kids today and I could still out produce three of them at 66 yrs old. No proper training and slow work ethic...
Thanks for the great info. I have a 303 and a 308 and I will practice because of you ! cheers
I just recently realized the extraction/ejection problem my M1903A1 Springfield had. For the longest time, the extraction and ejection pattern of my '03 was erratic, varying between works as it should to anemically flinging the case out or to extracting the case out of the chamber and leave it lying on top of the next round. It wasn't until I compared the bolt of my little brother's Type 99 Arisaka to mine did I realize how worn out the claw extractor on my bolt was. The casing wasn't fully held against the bolt-face and during extraction it would often slip out before it hit the ejector blade. I've since put in for a new extractor.
Oh God, as soon as you said “let’s do that in slow time”
My memory uncontrollably had Sergeant Major voice in the back of my head bellow out “Parade will march in slow and quick time!”
10 years was too long I think...
Plus as Rowan on you commonwealth myths vid said “work the bolt in a soldierly fashion”.
I too mentally went 'up, two three, back two three, down two three' when you did the bolt movement in slow time.
Great video, which I sure wish I had a few years back when I first got my hands on a Lee and was seriously unimpressed by my results. All that "practice" with sticky Mosins was NOT good practice for running a smooth, well maintained Lee.
Your ability to shoot both quickly and well with bolt guns has been a big inspiration to myself to not only spend more time with the old classics, but also push myself and the equipment to see just what we're capable of.
We talk the same about follow through in archery, the shot cycle doesn't end until you can identify the arrow on target.
The entire idea is not to be in the habit of breaking your form early. Otherwise you'll start creeping toward dropping the bow arm as a part of the release. We all have some movement as a result of the tension held before the shot as it is, planning to add to it will only make it worse.
And for speed, "Never do anything faster than you can do it right." will get you to both fast and precise before you know it.
If I'm directing a movie, use the palm technique. Palming does look cool when someone's good at it. But what's better, going fast or looking good?
Trick question: going fast is looking good!
I recently picked up a No5 and I finally got a chance to take it out the other day, and I tried doing the proper way of thumb and index finger, but after shooting a Vz. 24 and other Mauser styles for so long it feels natural to palm it, but this was a good video for pointing out the actual technique, not just flying by the seat of my pants
In the late 70's I had the opportunity to see Co. Jeff Cooper shoot one stage of a pistol match at the Table Mountain Gun Club near Denver. What impressed me most was not his speed per se, but the economy of his movements, I don't think there was a millimeter of wasted movement in his presentation. Your points about muscle memory and not having separate steps but a continuous movement immediately made me think of that day.
For non-shooters it can be likened to changing gear from 3rd to 2nd. Push, or pull, to the left against the spring and the lever will just move over as it clears the gate.
I never driven a stick shift
Well, I learned a few things. Re always running the action after especially after a poor shot is just like I've been taught to run a pump action shotgun.
Economy of movement in practical application. Brilliant demonstration, extremely concise and well delivered.
Great vid, Bloke. Despite its obsolescence a properly run bolt gun can save one's hide...and anything that goes bang is better than fingernails!
IIRC correctly the British Army manual(s) concerning the use of the Lee Enfield actually state that when you close the bolt on an empty rifle, to press the trigger to de-cock it. So dry firing was something which was anticipated and actually advised as best practice when handling the rifle. As Bloke correctly points out, service rifles like the Lee Enfield are designed to be robust and withstand a lot of use and at times, abuse from soldiers. They are, to quote the late Richard Holmes, 'squaddie proof'.
Just the sort of in-depth training video I needed! I've been practicing with my no4 much more often since finding your channel, merçi beaucoup Bloke
ਮਾਈਕ ਵੀਰੇ ਸ਼ਾਨਦਾਰ ਰਾਈਫਲ ਹੈ ਇਹ ਰੀ ਇੰਨਫੀਲਡ 3o3 ਅਤੇ ਤੁਸੀਂ ਇਸ ਯੁੱਗ ਵਿੱਚ ਇਸ ਹਥਿਆਰਾਂ ਦੇ ਮਹਾਂਰਥੀ ਹੋ ਤੁਹਾਡੀਆਂ ਸਾਰੀਆਂ ਜਾਣਕਾਰੀ ਭਰਭੂਰ ਵੀਡੀਓ ਲਈ ਧੰਨਵਾਦ ਜੀ
I recently got a bass guitar after years of not having and prior stint of a jazz/orchestra/session/theater bassist. My wife who never seen me play was shocked how fast it came back to me. I handed her the bass and she could even hold correctly, i then started trying to show her stuff but just could not even explain what to do
Just watch yourself doing it, learn to explain what you do and every time you watch focus on another aspect.
Yeah part of the problem is its been awhile for me. But it was how bloke said when guy asked him for tips and its like oh, wait I don't know whats even going on haha
"I don't like dry firing".... so lets crack some rounds off in the house, NICE. Cheers for the vid.
My reasoning for not palming the bolt is that in field conditions your hands are likely to be sweaty, mucky or otherwise slick. So if you don't have positive control of the bolt by thumb and index finger, you might find it slipping from under your hand making your shot cycle fumbly. Worse than that would be if your butt was too short and the bolt came back and hit you in the safety glasses giving your friends something to laugh at you for
Oh, you've got a terrible lack of control with palming...
I've seen a video of a guy who tried to shoot fast a Ruger Gunsite Scout, and his argument for palming the bolt is the fact that the action gets sticky after a few shots when it gets hot. To note, the Ruger did use a slightly updated Mauser action, and the shooter noted repeatedly that the only way to get the gun cycle positively is by positively smack the bolt handle upward by--you guessed--palming the bolt.
I wonder what advice you would give to those shooters.
@@TheOz91 Buy an Enfield :-p
@@Vandecker Exactly xD
@@TheOz91 I think polish the chamber so it's not so sticky.
And for the inevitable comment that guns are magical things that mere mortals aren't allowed to mess with-- yes of course minimally and gently. That's what polish means
I grasp my No 4 Bolt exactly the same way. Nobody ever has told me how I should do it. It came quite quickly with shooting. It is naturel the best way to do it. Maybe it is because I have competetive backround in martial arts. So I am trained to refelect my movements for biomechanic efficency.
Just got a .303 added to my FAC so getting a SMLEIIII soon cant wait!
Thank you so much for this! In regards to palming a rifle with a straight bolt handle such as a Mosin Nagant. I recently saw some Soviet footage from WW2 where an infantryman fired, dropped the rifle from the shoulder, palmed the bolt, and re-shoulders it for the next shot. Point being it was interesting how fast and efficient it was for that specific system.
Training and experience makes you fast :)
Factory-fresh Mosin bolt is a bit of a pain to operate, especially the wartime crude production ones - and the bolt is way forwards of the trigger.
Also, being "Cock-on-openning" makes it inherently heavier than Lee-Enfield (Cock-on-closing) to open, so no wonder they un-shouldered the rifle to apply appropriate force to the bolt knob.
With polishing and an extended bolt handle Mosin bolt can be opened with just the edge of your forefinger (see the link), but the trigger-bolt handle distance is still there.
ua-cam.com/video/2U3B3qtUmEw/v-deo.html
Ha,ha, drifire snowflakes I'm going to be laughing about that one for a while.
I 1st read about the British Army's phenomenal rate of fire in WW1 about a year ago. After that I would wonder about the technique every time I would pick up 1 of my bolt actions. Thank you very much for providing such a thorough and detailed lesson.
I'll be sure to take these tips to heart when shooting the only thing I'm allowed to own.
An air rifle
..
Kill me
There's always hope. The best way to turn that around is to normalize it as much as possible. The more people try it and find that it isn't so scary more flexibility you have politically
Same here, when I'm older I'm hoping to get an FAC, but until then I'm just working with my bsa r10.
Gday mate finally some 303 content!!!
😂😂🇦🇺👍🏿👍🏿
Ah well...that particular rifle is not a .303
One of the rifles is ;)
The tikka arctic is such a cool rifle
I shot 4 rds on a running buck and made a connection on the final shot. It's a useful skill.
A really good analogy of shooting a bolt gun fast. And now to take what I've learned and go to the range thank you.
My uncle told me to be aware of the cocking.
Does it cock on opening, or on closing?
Whichever it was, he told me to "slap the cocking and ease the rest"
Not sure if was good advice, but it worked well enough I got a merit badge!
I guess he was making sure I applied 'proper Wellie' when the gun was being cocked.
Nice and very useful video as usual. I like the comments on S&B it conforts my own opinion after a few problems with them on my k98k, while ppu works just fine. Can't wait for the range to open again over here to finally try my n4. Merci encore👍
This is another very information-packed video that will get multiple views from many watchers. The Bloke doesn't nanner on, but delivers valuable, practical mixes of historical and hands-on knowledge at 'mad minute' speed! Bravo! May I humbly suggest a video focusing on stripper clip(charger!) technique, preferably in your most amusing 'Strip Club' format! God bless you, lad. Keep your 'Mad Minutes' of entertaining information blasting downrange!
There's a couple of early vids dealing with exactly that, if you use the search function (bearing in mind that it's a "charger" in British parlance)
Thanks for posting this. I've been getting a little sloppy with my Ruger Scout Rifle so the next time I'm on the range, I'll be trying some of this.
Great video, I have a Lithgow crossover signature series which only has a 65 degree throw so will be interesting how much this help my follow up shots
You should visit one of long range competitions here in poland one day. There is usually "historical" class so you can compete vs mausers and mosins. Rubins etc. Or you can just get with camera and just make a great vid
Looking forward to getting into shooting as soon as licence getting is a thing that's possible again (here in victoria Australia), very helpful video. Was really hoping to join your patreon this year but unfortunately the pandemic has made that not particularly possible
I have to say, I shot thousands of 303 rounds in static target, snap and falling plate competitions (after sprinting 1-300 yards) and I found the fastest way to put accurate shots down range, by far, was to palm the bolt. That’s because the action pushes the bolt back under its own power to a degree and your hand is already on the rifle as your closing it, so overall the rifle is moving less and so it your sight picture.
Each to their own I guess...
... with a No.4 I should add.
The action doesn't push the bolt back under its own power. I suspect you are referring to the cocking piece applying pressure to the sear, but that only works if you haven't fired the rifle.
Good info, will try this next time I'm out with my bolt rifle(s). I've probably been guilty of the palm technique too often in the past.
Great video, Lee-Enfields really are made for speed, now at least I have much better understanding of how to work towards that
Is the technique and feel the same with a No 3 (P14)? Which is "slicker"?...No 1 Mk III or No 4? I don't own a SMLE, due to expense and what to me is an inferior sight picture, but I have a couple of No 4s (Maltby, one like new and one well worn) and a No 3 (Eddystone). The No 3 I've used in some informal milsurp target matches (100, 200, 300) to great satisfaction...love it, but I've never tried running it fast. Just curious as to your thoughts. Thank you.
I should probably try some of these drills on my CZ 527 rather than complaining about the stiffness of the action. I notice that sometimes your palm was pushing on the cooking piece on closing. Seems like the CZ closes easiest when I drive the bolt forward with my thumb on the cooking piece.
Could you do a quick rundown into how the Swiss straight-pull knobs are meant to be held? I find myself using two fingers to pull back then my palm to push forward, but seeing how smoothly you do it I'd appreciate guidance.
Use two fingers and a thumb in each direction. There's a go-faster trick which is closing it using mostly the thumb so you can re-position your hand to get back to the trigger quicker.
So you cup the ball with your thumb and forefinger, leave the shaft dry and give it a tug?
Super DERP.
im enjoying your rather informative videos, well done and i must admit the franken rifle is growing on me.. mite buile something rather similar for my self. keep up the good works! any new videos of the entertaining aussie?
When I did the mad min in training we rested on a sandbag pull in tight to shoulder then bolt it with the left hand reaching over reload with left never taking eye off target try it
Do you have a video of someone shooting like this? I don't see how running a right handed bolt with your left hand could be faster.
Great video Bloke and even greater rifle. Have you ever provided a full spec parts list for all of the Frankenrifle? Forend, mags, receiver, trigger, muzzle brake?
Search for "bloke on the range frankenrifle"
I am still working on being able to shoot my rifles well. hopefully I will be able to graduate to fast at some point.
I was never allowed to wrap thumb over the stock...dad would grill me worse than a drill sergent if he caught me doing that....he taught me how to keep grip on bolt and use ring finger to pull trigger ....shot 5 coyotes in a conest in 15 seconds ...scared me how well i did 😳
I wonder if you put something on the forend of frankinrifle (skateboard tape or a smooth rivet) that made it feel slightly different than the standard enfield if that would help create a muscle memory for mag changes
It feels very different to a standard Enfield due to the carbon fibre tube with a QD stud on the bottom :)
is Franken-rifle 7.62X39? You are using AK Mags, so I'm confused... Nice tips on operating the bolt smoothly/"in a soldierly fashion". Thank you.
How do you feel about the phrase “Slow is smooth. Smooth is fast.”? I need to practice gripping the bolt as you do between the thumb and index. I do not palm, but I sorta do that other technique you did.
Also out of curiosity: is it better to have a leather or web sling for supported shooting?
I think "slow is smooth. Smooth is fast" is a terrible cope. Smooth and fast is fastest! But to get there, start slow and smooth and get faster.
I find web better than leather, but don't always get the choice due to competition rules.
I used to shoot high power matches with an older guy who used a bolt gun even though the AR is almost completely dominant. He'd say that while all of us auto guys were waiting for our actions to cycle he'd already be past that and shooting 😂
Which was the video that described everything you had to do to get the franken rifle to shoot well?
ua-cam.com/video/NOAHKzyYWYo/v-deo.html
What would be your recommendation for bolt holding techniques for other guns, like belt-bolt Mausers? I have an 1895 Chilean Mauser, and I can't really figure how how to effectively work it from the shoulder. Closing the bolt takes enough force it knocks my sight picture off almost as much as dismounting the rifle does, and it's much easier to fumble at the shoulder than down low.
You can use the same technique, but not all action types have the same potential. For instance, an anschutz .22 target rifle has a very jerky action compared to a lee, and it almost forces you to adopt 4 separate movements in cycling the bolt regardless of your intent.
I wonder what that special thing is🤔
great vid, given me some things to work on
Why on Earth didn't Australians itegrate SKS clip guiderails into the bridge of that M10A1?
Also, too many Lee-Enfields, to little 'other bolt-action rifles'.
M10a1 So want one of them , where can i get one ?
frankenrifle has a dictinct de lisle vibe to it !
"The bolt is not your friend! WORK IT!" Clint Smith of Thunder Ranch
Frankenrifle has become ,my, word for jealousy.
I was shown the muscle memory for rapid fire used by special forces before D Day. It is unusual and different. None of those guys are alive anymore.
I know this is an old video but speaking of large magazines have you ever seen or heard of an original Enfield (NO.1 or NO.4) converted to take .303 Bren gun mags?
No, it's entirely impossible. BREN mags are far too long front-to-back. Converting the 308 conversions to take mags bodged together from an L8/L42 and an SLR/L4 was done though.
I'd like to try it on my Anschutz mpr64, but its side lock does not exactly lend itself to smooth operations. Addendum: I tried and it works, if I do in a soldierly fashion.
Great video! Any tips on making an Ishapore 2A cycle smoother? Bolt is sticky to open whether loaded or empty. Headspace is good is does not close on field gauge. Thanks
Something's rough and should be polished. And it's nothing to do with headspace...
@@BlokeontheRange yep that's what I am thinking too. I have heard that the extractor can sharpen itself over time and can begin to scrape the groove causing this. Have you heard of this being the culprit? Thx
No, cos extractors get blunt over time not sharp...
Pretty kewl.
I hate that the 7.62 Enfield rifle was killed in its infancy. I was so looking forward to buying one. If I remember right, the US wouldn't allow them in because the wood for the stocks was sourced from Vietnam, thus making it a no go for the US market.
You had me at Lee-Enfield...
qui doscet, discet, (those who teach, learn) While a person will have one level of understanding if they have mastered something, they will achieve another, deeper level of understanding when they have to explain it to someone else.
I was wondering. What exactly does he mean by following through?
Thanks Bloke :)
Do you have any vids on your channel on how to properly disassemble and reassemble a no4 mk1 lee enfield
There are videos where I take the forend off like this one: ua-cam.com/video/073noIUERZU/v-deo.html
And I've never seen it necessary to strip the bolt further than taking the bolt head off, so I don't have a full strip of that (you need a tool anyway).
I noticed you covered the Mosin without sullying the video by speaking that name...
Have you ever measured the difference cartridge length makes on cycle time? It's easy to think that there would be a significant difference between 7.62x39 and 7.62x63...
Cartridge length is irrelevant - it's the length of throw of the bolt. Frankenrifle is 7.62x39 but the bolt throw is the same as on a .303 rifle.
@@BlokeontheRange Thanks! I was thinking that the different lengths of travel for different cartridges might make a bit of difference in the cycle time.
Nice, thanks for sharing.
Any tips for lefties?
Since I'm not one, I can't possibly advise
@@BlokeontheRange there is a video of ian mcollum from forgotten weapions running an enfield fairly fast on a match i think in inrange maybe, he has a fairly strange technique but it seems to work.
Hey Bloke and Chap, I just picked up a rather cherry early pattern 1891 Argentinian Mauser. Do you lads know much about those old girls?
Nope, sorry.
So what is the point of the charger bridge without a charger cut out...looks like a Stevens Savage bolt release
It's a base for a scope mount.
Fastest way to cycle a bolt when prone is to only use your index finger on the bolt, not having to lift your elbow or head is a huge advantage when it comes to stay on target. This will not work with a cock on close bolt. And it takes a lot of practice to do well.
Well that's certainly a novel one..... Please show me you doing sub 1.5 second splits in prone aimed rapid fire with this technique so I can learn :)
@@BlokeontheRange not me, im not good enough yet, but at 4:30, second guy from the left. I have seen this guy shooting 4 shots on target in 2 seconds on a really good day. its a slow and controlled pace in the video.
ua-cam.com/video/BRZZcNCTFyQ/v-deo.html
Interesting, thanks, but it doesn't correspond with your description:
a) he's not only doing it with his index finger, he's holding the bolt knob between forefinger and thumb.
b) he's still lifting his head.
c) that's a modern rifle set up for that kind of shooting, not a bog standard military or sporting rifle.
d) it's a technique that only works in the prone position.
@@BlokeontheRange yeah, you lift the bolt and give it some movement backwards with your middle finger, index does the rest. It works in all posisions. Works with a krag jørgensen. He lifts his head, but its not nessescary. The rifle is a standard Sauer 200STR same action as the ssg3000
@@BlokeontheRange The thumb is used as a way to use the bolt knob as a grip, it never touches the bolt when its operated
I cannot make the SMLE grip angle work, brits must have 90 degree wrist joints.
There's a trick to holding it. It's far from optimal for shooting, but least it's an improvement over a completely straight stock like on a Mosin, Swedish Mauser, and some Springfields.
Are you getting a "Rim Jam" patch from C&Arsenal?
Given that he made it to troll me personally, of course! :D
@@BlokeontheRange What does he get in return?
A number of American Dollars! :D
@@BlokeontheRange No plans for "War was declared"?
Nice vid
Does anyone know what happened to Australian International Arms? I can't seem to find anything about them anymore.
Went bankrupt around 2011.
@@BlokeontheRange Bugger as an aussie I wanted to get one in the same caliber as yours cause cheap ammo. :(
What a cumbersome rifle.
You know a video is entertaining when it's 20 minutes long, but only feels like 5 minutes.
If you have a Lee-Enfield and you want to shoot faster, you sell it and buy a semiauto.
I'm kidding. Great video.
LHO vs JFK?
Which mags do you run? Bulgarian?
The 10 rounders supplied by AIA, an East German 30 rounder which functions without work, and 2 unknown 20 rounders that needed serious dremel work.
It is nice to be young. I can no longer get into the prone position.
Hail Frankenrifle!
Maoist Rifle sling?
You can have a M16 in Britain? Well bugger me, we can’t have anything semi aut in Australia.
You can't have an M16 in Britain.
Grab the ball firmly....got it
Franken rifle needs a charger cut out.
Why use a bolt action? Because you can. I have a number of 19th century replica rifles and pistols and the plan then was to be as proficient with them as the period user was.
16:16 uh oh! bloke said the naughty s-word!
I say, bloke! Say ye not that one chargeth one's firearm with a charger, and not a "stripper clip"?
The only stripper-related clips I have in _my_ house are on the betamax tapes I hide under my bed!
I hope you're being sarcastic. I think gun pedantry can be some of the most unnecessary and obnoxious pedantry that exists.
yeah it was a joke
British stereotypes: proper, kind, gentle
British rifles: just beat the shit out of it
⚡
1:56 - is that ... rust?
No, that's red lacquer from around primers.
@@BlokeontheRange whew!
palm the bolt to shoot fast, simple as that
.......why?
Even with bolt action airsoft guns I find it better to do it like what Bloke preaches here