Ron, I am a nobody from nowhere, self-taught like yourself and probably doing a bunch of things wrong. But I appreciate your videos more than most because you don't talk down to folks. You manage to walk that fine line of informing and educating without belittling. Thank you so much for them all.
Leave it to Ron Spomer to show how much meat there is to a seemingly simple and straightforward act. I don't mean he overcomplicates things, I mean that he dives deeper than most people would in a way that I think is great.
Ron I am now 71 years old and still very active bowhunting and rifle hunting in Alberta. When I was 12 years old I joined The Army Cadets where we were taught the palm lift thumb forward technique which I have used my whole hunting life. I have shown the technique to lot of hunting acquaintances over the years and to a man (lady) they have taken the advice and held on to it. Keep the great videos coming down the pipe thanks.
I've seen some British people like Bloke On The Range shoot a SMLE holding the bolt knob with the index and thumb, while firing with his middle finger. No wasted time repositioning your hand every shot.
A lot of shooters will say that they shoot great up to 1200 feet (off hands!!!!) but they will never never show you their abilities.......... Thank you for this very nice video! (Always very pleasant to watch)
Interesting subject. I watch plenty of hunting videos on UA-cam and seems like most of time after the first shot you can hear the hunter/shooter struggling to cycle the bolt after the first shot. I don’t think many hunters practice shooting and cycling including myself. Thanks Ron
Ron, years ago John Wooters wrote about what you’re calling the “palm” method (where the bolt handle is never grasped with the fingers) as the “right” way to operate a bolt action hunting rifle, namely because it’s impossible to short-stroke and jam the action if the bolt is being shoved forcefully backwards all the way to the stop before the thumb pivots around to drive the bolt forward.
I’ll add that the British developed a fearsome rate of fire with their cock-on-closing SMLE rifles using the ‘Palm’ method you demonstrated. Up, back, and foreword/down flipping your palm over. If I need to run a bolt action fast, that’s the method that works best for me. No dinged knuckles or missed grabs for the ball/knob. Great stuff Ron, as usual! Thanks!
@@raleighthomas3079 The SMLE's bolt was designed to be pinched between the thumb and forefinger and period manuals confirm this. The optimal mad-minute speed technique was to pinch the bolt handle between the thumb and forefinger and fire with the middle finger, though this is purely a speed technique. Historian/historical shooters Mike from Blokeontherange ua-cam.com/video/9raI__rimLc/v-deo.html and Rob from Britishmuzzleloaders ua-cam.com/video/asZiEuz12gE/v-deo.html are good places to start on this. Of course, this comes down to the design of one bolt action design and doesn't make it the best for all rifles with all shooters.
There's a method with the Lee Enfield where if you're in a hurry, keep a constant grip of the bolt with forefinger and thumb, and use your middle finger for the trigger.
I have one and have tried this. It works well for volume of fire. I can see it being useful if you were being charged. But hard to be accurate with the wrong finger on the trigger. Price of 303 right now, I can't afford to practice.
That is because the Enfield is a cock on close bolt and you use the heel under your thumb to close the bolt and thumb to pull bolt handle down to lock it.
Ron, I ain't the oldest shooter and pretty new to actually using firearms, this video really helped me with cycling bolt-action's. I'm far from the strongest kid you'd see so cycling the bolt can be pretty difficult depending on the firearm, but this has shown me how to do it in a way that works for me. I just want to say thanks!
Ron, after looking at some of the comments, I realize that a number of UA-cam firearms guys are subbed here also! Impressive, sir! Anyways, I was taught to drop the rifle and then use a forceful yank to eject the used case. The guy who taught me was a veteran safari hunter who swore by this method because he'd seen double load jams when hunters tried to speed through the process due to excitement, terror, or both, LOL. He also recommended Mauser style extractors because of the way they engage the next round. He said reliability was his main concern when the animal could kill you and I can't argue with his logic! On a funnier note, one of my friends brought his girlfriend along to the range to show off his abilities and how fast he could work his new custom rifle. He fired and snatched the bolt back and managed to hit himself really hard in the cheek. After a good ten seconds, he finally stopped blinking; his girlfriend laughed for the next ten minutes. What a beautiful green and purple mark the next day! Great video!
Love your humility Ron. I have found the less time you spend on off hand the better the shot. Being an old still flintlock muzzle loader guy that's been my experience
Exactly, if you try to hold the sights on the target, it starts dancing around. I start a foot low, and slowly raise the gun. When the sights are on the bullseye, I squeeze the trigger.
@@joecary3586 So true...interestingly with my "smoke pole" I start high and do the same thing... However I find it is easier to drop than raise the piece. This is a given for me since the heavier longer 40" 15/16 octagon barrel of a 50 cal. muzzleloader is easier to drop than raise.
I was taught to shoot by my best friends father. He had trained and used the wz.38M action and taught me the palm and thumb method. I am 74 and still run a bolt gun that way in the field. On the bench, I gently work the bolt with forefinger and thumb, so as to minimize rifle movement. In the field, I pride my self on making the first shot count. I took 3 deer in Ohio this year using a Savage 110 HB, .350 Legend, all one shot kills; 157 yards, 102 yards, and 75 yards, all off hand.
I am using a Ruger #1 in 30 06 for my Elk and Deer hunt coming up on the 15th in Wyoming. So 1 round of 30 06 and flick the lever down to drop the falling block, reload a round, close the breech. If my first shot isn't good.. the second one will not be quick in coming. Looks like we will have snow for opening day!
My first reaction when I saw the title of this video was “Well doah!” I’m glad I was open minded enough to watch this video. I first learned how to operate a bolt action rifle in 1964 and haven’t thought about *how* to operate the bolt since. To be honest, I’m not certain which method I use but it’s not the palm up/palm forward. That much I know. The thing is I recently got a new-to-me bolt action rifle and put a nice scope on it. Nice except that it’s a 2-lug action and the bolt comes quite close to the scope. Now I have some alternative approaches to operating the action that I can sort through. Thanks!
I don’t even know what technique I use. I’m sure it’s “wrong” though. Glad I’m not on the internet showing the world how “wrong” I am! Thanks Mr. Spomer!
RON...hook up with a Marine warrent officer from one of the training ranges. Your anticipation of each shot and arm position is scary. Sling those things and tuck in.
There are some variations such as palming the bolt up and back then running it forward and down with your thumb. And there's the reloader's ejection where the bolt is flipped up and back with the top of the thumb while your fingers cover the ejection port to prevent the case from flying so that you can drop it back into your ammo case. Then there's the most widely used method where the shooter fumbles and bumbles with the bolt, repeatedly trying to cycle it in their excitement, while the intended game runs away laughing because the first shot was a miss. Great video Ron.
As A teenager I had an old Lee Enfield Model 4 with the receiver peep and my friend had a 94 Winchester. In aimed fire I was as fast as he was and we tried it time after time. In just shooting as fast as we could he could beat me to seven shoots, barely. But I could always beat him to 10, no need for me to reload lol. It taught me to run a bolt. Variation between the palm roll and the other way. Years ago I shot a buck and it didn't act hit so I shot again. My son was on a stand 100 yards away and didn't think it was me because he didn't think a bolt could be run like that. Some bolt actions cannot be run fast due to where the bolt is Mosins and some others come to mind.
Using the rotating palm method, I've had many hunting companions not believe it was me shooting because of how quickly I could get off a follow up shot.
You're almost as fast as an autoloader! I don't know where you live, but that looks like some very beautiful country! Love the colors of the trees!🇺🇸✝🇺🇸
I'm glad you followed up with your final comments. While it is good to practice gaining speed with "follow-up" shots, your best plan is always to make the first shot count as much as possible. That usually ensures that, if you need a follw-up shot at all, it is at a terminally wounded and much slower target. Learning to use shooting rests of opportunity in the field is vitally important. I hunt in Southern Michigan; often in wooded areas. The most plentiful of these rests are nearby trees. Leaning your gun hand against the side of a large tree, or gasping a branch or smaller tree, is a great aid to stability. Then I rest the rifle in the web of my left hand; never directly against the tree. If you rest directly on the tree, the rifle bounces off it during recoil, potentially throwing shots astray.
With the little shooting I've done since guns are so hard to get in Australia I use the single finger to operate the bolt so I can keep eyes on the target and flags and having a super smooth tikka bolt really helps
Good stuff Ron every rifle I own is a bolt action from the.22 to.22hornet 6.5x55 and 308 for me it means anyone I take out is a bolt action and it’s in my memory how to operate love the videos
Being older, I cut my teeth on bolt actions and love them, I personally had to learn more about semi-auto operation later on. Thanks for your great videos and making it simple for everyone to understand. You're certainly an asset to the hunting and gun community with your wealth of knowledge. My cycling is pretty much the same as your grabbing the ball or palming it. I can tell you with my Ruger American as opposed to my Mauser 98s the Ruger has a shorter throw and the bolt angle is different. I almost missed a deer a couple of years ago because after getting in a stand I didn't realize the bolt was partially up. It allowed me to pull the trigger, but it didn't allow the firing pin to strike the primer. I just re-cocked (lifted the bolt and closed it) and got the following trigger pull off. I was able to get the buck, but now I always check the bolt after getting settled in for the hunt.
A good three pos safety locks the bolt down for precisely that reason. Climbing up a tree, or navigating through briors will absolutely move your bolt eventually...
@@berniestraight126 Thanks, I was lucky as he heard the click and was looking for me, but I was well hid in a blind atop a 16 foot tri-pod. Good thing is he did not bolt at the sound, but he did turn to leave.
Rifle fit is also key to running a bolt rapidly. After trying a variety of rifles in store, and finding none to fit well due to being on the upper end of the physical size scale. I decided to build a full custom rifle. While designing/building a rifle is beyond most people skills ordering a custom stock or adding skims to the butt plate is a readily available option. Also for those on a budget buying one customized in a all around cartridge simply makes sense verses buying multiple specialized rifles.
I'm an Aussie and love hunting all sorts! game a mate and I play is just with our .22 bolt action on a flip target! practice shooting straight and cycling ... how ever you do it!
Method two with the open palm then roll your hand around and close with the bolt knob in the web of your thumb is basically what was taught by the military for '03 Springfield use. I read about it as a kid and adopted the method. It works great where a firm grip can be utilized on the fore end .Off a bipod I like the 3rd method shown with the fingers.
It is refreshing to have you recognize everyone is different with different skills and various learned habits whether it is a 7 iron of a Model 70. To have your unbiased comparisons between people and the way they reload a hunting bolt action is welcomed and truly appreciated.
@@danietkissenle Left handed shooter here; I use my trigger hand for my iron sight bolt actions and go over the top of the action to get to it, but will use my support hand if it has a scope on it. Lesson I learned from that is if I ever buy a scoped bolt action rifle it’s going to be a dedicated left handed model.
You can also grab the knob to open the bolt, then cup it with the palm and push it forward to close it. Let's you quickly cycle guns with bolts that have minimal scope clearance like cz.
Picked up the rotating palm method from a sports magazine when I was 13. Been using it for longer than I care to admit. Can't force myself to run a bolt gun any other way. With practice, I believe this is the best method for any kind of shooting, except for bench rest and other precision target shooting.
RON ,I WAS WONDERING IF YOU'D EVER HUNTED WITH A STRAIGHT PULL BACK LIKE THE MERKEL HELIX ? I'D LOVE TO SEE A COMPAIRISON OF IT AGAINST YOUR 2 RIFLES THERE AND MAYBE THROW IN AN 80"S RUGER M77... KEEP UP THE GREAT VIDEOS
Great video. For me I have never had to deal with a charging Buff, or charging anything for that matter. As a hunter, I am focused on making that first shot count, and having a reserve in case a second round is called for. any of the three methods Ron demonstrates works well, but I prefer to use the palm method.
There are different rifles with different bolts and of course different shooters and i think every shooter finds for himself the best way for bolt cycle through Practice. With each shot you are getting better with your rifle. After 10 years of shooting thousands of rounds through my Tikkas I can shoot them so fast, there are occasions some of my hunting buddies hearing the shots thought i am shooting auto-loading rifle during driven hunts. Everything is practice (and 10% smooth rifle action).
Good discussion. For me lots of .22 lr shooting has made the trick because I have cykled the bolt five times for every loaded mag. When I shoot my hunting rifle, Mauser M03 in 8x68S cliber, the muscle memory kicks in and I'm doing the exact same motion as I do with the smaller rifle. I use a kind of pinch grip holding the bolt ball in my thumb, indexfinger and middlefinger. Kind of bending the bolt up and heavily pulls the bolt backwards. Pushing the holt hard back for reload still having the pinch grip that helps me to "fold" the bolt back in position but at the same time push the boltarm with my palm. I think I have a rotation in my wrist that works almost like the boltface of a straight pull action.
I usually rest my thumb on the bolt knob and press the trigger with the middle finger if I am shooting for groups. I am fan of the palm method for hunting.
Thanks MrH. I just decided there's too much rancor and name calling in our culture already. Nothing gained by it, so why not treat others with respect? We all have our struggles.
That second option was what was taught to the British Army back in the time of the Enfield. During the First Battle of Mons, Belgium, circa August of 1914, the British Expeditionary Forces were repeatedly faced with tight formations of Germany infantry attacking them head on over open ground. The British were, as seen from hindsight, woefully undersupplied with machine guns and artillery, but their infantry, at that time and place, was comprised of very tough and highly skilled and trained soldiers. Their marksmanship was fast, accurate, and just all-around good. The casualty rates suffered by the enemy were appalling. At a locale called "Langemarck" (spelling approximate), the surviving Germans imagined that they had been machine gunned. I adopted your second option for myself for whenever I was in a hurry. The beauty of it is that it is fast, baby. It involves only two crude motions instead of four. After you have done it a few times, it seems like it is only one smooth move accomplished in the blink of an eye. It is especially efficacious when using a cock-on-closing action like the Enfield or the '93 Mauser. Your third option seems to me to work best with rimfire rifles.
"Slow is smooth and smooth is fast" Here is what I found useful: 1. Open palm is easier for most people. 2. Slow down the chambering a bit for accuracy. " Slow is smooth and smooth is fast" 3. Practice away and to your natural point of aim. 4. Let the rifle come to you and don't go to it.
Hasty & loop sling is one of the most valuable tools for proper marksmanship... Unfortunately it is rarely taught or used by the younger crop who are so focused on ipsc/idpa type competitive shooting with high round counts against. When I show people a sling gets them to 500 yards offhand, it opens up a whole new world.
I read "The Art of the Rifle" by Jeff Cooper and he suggests to always shoot supported. Even in the field, find a rest if you do not have sticks or a tripod. Last hunting season, stalking the woods, I would practice that. Find a tree branch that was suitable. I still dry fire off hand, just for the one time where you don't have time to get to a handy tree or get sticks or tripod set up. I do carry a tripod. And with my newest hunting rifle, I did not put on bipods, just sighting in off of sand bags (Caldwell bag supports or the sometimes the supplied sand bags at a range.)
I recently got a TC Compass II in .308 Win. I saw others had put on a larger bolt knob from Glades Armory. So, I got one. And it works good and installs just like the original. And, in dry fire practice, I ran into a problem. The big bolt knob would get in the way of my mountain gorilla hands. So, I put the original smaller bolt knob back on and solved the problem. So, while having a big bolt knob might help with a competition target shooter, a small one helps me to get my finger to the trigger when there 140 lbs of smart-alecky ungulate in front of me.
We all love bolt guns. But it brought to mind one of the reasons I carry a BAR at least half of my time afield. If I'm in the woods especially . If I suspect a long shot I may tote the bolt gun.
Hornady's $10 Lock-N-Load Bolt Ball is fantastic! It's a rubber ball that goes over the ball on your bolt. There's a night & day difference in cycling my 416 Weatherby, as well as small calibers. I'll never hunt without it. Ron, if you try this out, I believe you'll be so impressed that you will make a review of it. Last, a rubber sling can enable a very steady freehand shot. Thanks for the great videos!
My absolute favorite action to cycle is my SAUER 202 I bought back in the 90's, it's machined so well, it's like the bolt is on ball bearings. You can tilt the rifle up, and the bolt will slid slowly open like it's hydraulically controlled, then tilt it down and it'll close the same way. I've seen no other action come close.
Mr Spomer, I love your content and an avid watcher from Africa. I agree with some of the comments I watch your videos till the last second and cant wait for the next one, you are a gentleman and a scholar!
So true, always someone wanting to push an option off on us we didn’t ask for. U use your gun just fine. If u hit what u shoot at , and safely . It all that matters.
Sometimes if I have a stiff bolt lift or heavy spring, I put my thumb on top of the scope and curl my fingers to pull the handle up to the scope. then pull back and cycle.
Im so used to saving my brass, when im at a bench or prone i tend to open the bolt with a finger, then move the palm over the opening catching the case when i move the bolt back with the top side of my thumb. Similar to what he shoved what the precision guy did. That way my cases never touch the ground or floor and get dirty. Helps alot when cases are $3 a piece. Had the sauer 101 in 6.5x55, that action was nice. To bad swedish regulation regarding maximum nr of guns, so i had to sell it to get something else. But if i ever need a new rifle in 6.5, 308 or larger a sauer 101 it will be - loved the rifle, stock, action and reliability well made rifle for the price.
Nice video. I have a Sauer 100 and I find them to have a long lop for me at 14.25” I’m barely at 5’9” so I was running the bolt when shouldered also. I ended up cutting the stock down, cut and shaped a wood plate, epoxied it in and put on a Pachmyer. Now at my normal 13.25” lop it sure made a difference when cycling the bot at the shoulder for quick follow up shots.
I use the palm method with bolts that have a knob as that is how I was taught in NRA High Power matches. A bolt with a butterknife handle such as a Mannlicher-Schoenauer, I put my thumb on top and index finger underneath to open, then switch to the palm method. May not be right but, it works for me.😁
I don’t know if my way is the right way but my gun my way. I use heal of my hand to open and close bolt and cup bolt to pull back heal to push forward. Been doing that way for 40 years. Just like Ron did before he put Cubby away. Palm roll I think he called it. My Dad taught me and he was a sharpshooter in the Army and a combat veteran.
I have two bolt action rifles and they both seem to work better with different styles. One is a Tikka and the grab the bolt with you finger and thumb works really well. The other is a Browning x bolt medallion and the bolt is shaped that the palm method works way better. Just wanted to share... Thank
I've tried all three, even learned the "finger" method for a Accuracy International rifle. Works great... expect when the ammo is sticky, your fingers are frozen or worse the bolt is frozen. My old CG63 likes the simple "grab and pull" technique. 😁
Wow, that precision method takes some strength and dexterity -- and a favorably inclined action! I like the palm method, and old Gunblue490 insists it's "the only way to fly" . . . and if you have a sling-anchored grip keeping the stock planted in your shoulder, you can stay on target pretty well -- for offhand shots anyway.
Having grown up with a bolt action single shot .22 I am pretty much relegated to bringing the rifle down to about a 45 degree angle from the horizontal (it could be calked ‘port arms’ position), working the bolt and then bringing the rifle back up to my shoulder to fire the next round. 😎
Thank you for this excellent tutorial! I have tried two of the three. I favor the "no fingers" method, especially in cold weather. It works fine when wearing gloves. Cold, stiff fingers are not a problem. Just "Whammer, Jammer!" I never tried the "thumb-and-finger" method. Truthfully, it looks like a bit too much of a fine motor skill to qualify for use in a critical moment but it might be of great value if the object were stealthy, repeated shots. Again, thanks for this video.
@@borkwoof696 The "thumb-and-finger" method is anything but forceful. It obviously requires considerable dexterity. Further, that method does not involve "grabbing" the bolt handle. I stand by my remarks.
Thank you again Ron for all your experience and expertise in your rifle handling.you’ve been hunting a lot more and a lot more dangerous game than about 90% of us out here it’s great to here your advice god bless from Washington state home of the big brown dear
Good stuff Ron. I use a modified precision cycling with the fore finger lift to unchamber and the lower part of the thumb near the crook for chambering. During Maryland unlimited doe hunt 17 years ago I was able to get 3 rounds off of my .300 WBY Sako 75, 26" barrel in probably 5 seconds at 50 to 75 yds bagging two 100lbs does. Unfortunately a terrible back injury at work left me unable to hunt or do much shooting 8 years ago.
Watch the National Rifle Matches in Sweden and Norway to see how fast a bolt can be run with accuracy by grasping the knob with thumb and index finger and tripping the trigger with the middle finger. Amazing!
I am right handed. In some situations such as from the prone position or from a rest l will bring my left hand over the top to work the bolt. This allows me to keep the crosshairs on the target .
With the palm, what advantage do you gain? You have to lift the arm up higher, your hand is infront of your face when running the bolt, higher chance to mess it up or slip off the bolt handle up while twisting your hand around. Grabbing the bolt seems like a more efficient and reliable movement.
Nice informative video. I grew up hunting with a Sporterized 1903 SPFD 30-06, that action was by far the slickest glassest smooth action I have ever cycled. The part grab and cycle part palm technique has always worked very well with that action and worked well with my other rifles. I have watched many a shooter at PRS matches and I think it comes down to what is comfortable for you and what your muscle memory wants to do.
Wrote this about a third of the way in, so I am not sure if you mentioned it. Savage just came out with a straight pull bolt action. Always something new. My Remington 600 has an unusual bolt handle that takes a little getting used to. You can modify a bolt handle if you need to. Always nice to watch your podcasts.
I only have one bolt rifle with a scope. My Ruger American Predator. Has a short bolt lift so I got plenty of space. My dragged knuckles don't scratch my scope. The rest are just iron sights. I tend to use the open finger on the Predator but my Mauser I need to grab the knob because of the forward cocking.
I always hunt in a stand don’t usually have to cycle quickly, but more quietly than anything. I usually wrap my thumb around the scope tube then lift the bolt with my fingers slowly. The back and forth action is also slow, 1. To catch my brass, 2. To make less noise.
No matter which technique used to run the bolt, the most important thing for me is a 60 degree bolt throw. In my hands, a shorter bolt throw is crucial to repeating accuracy especially when standing as opposed to sitting on a bench or even prone.
I've seen some left handed shooters use their support hand to cycle the bolt, on a right handed rifle. It works when there is a front rest, and they are shooting "fast". Even saw a right handed guy using a left handed rifle to do the same technique. I don't guess they do that when standing off hand shooting though.
Good video. I shot NRA highpower for many years. Good bolt gun shooters can shoot 10 shots with one reload in 60 seconds into a 3” x-ring at 200 yards from a seated position using a loop sling as the only support. Rifles with easy bolt lift (such as Win Model 70) make running a bolt easier than just the degree of bolt rotation. Obviously if you can get easy lift and short rotation that’s the best of both worlds but those two characteristics are generally mutually exclusive unless you weaken the firing ping spring (not wise). Most good bolt action shooters just use their fingers to work the bolt. They can run through the whole magazine accurately in no time. The loop sling securing the rifle to the should does make it easier since it immobilizes the rifle. That’s something that’s not practical for hunting. It’s all about practice with the rifle you have. I like slick rifles with a gentle cocking cam and moderate firing pin spring like the model 70. Those generally have easier bolt lift which makes running them easier.
usually hand palm standing up, more snug thump in bench or prawn. Most used on regular is palm load. faster, more secure and effective. Only rifle I got that I don't do those with is my straight pull. thumb nickel back, inner thump forward.
Those are the ones I've always used. Most interesting way I've seen was a military guy shooting prone that would hold the bolt handle and use middle or ring finger on the trigger. I played with it on my 22 bolt gun and it was very fast. Not to inaccurate either.
For fun faster shooting, I like to pull the trigger with my middle finger and keep the bolt know pinched between my thumb and index finger and crank away. Accuracy takes a hit of course and practice makes perfect. (Ruger American .223)
Ron, I am a nobody from nowhere, self-taught like yourself and probably doing a bunch of things wrong. But I appreciate your videos more than most because you don't talk down to folks. You manage to walk that fine line of informing and educating without belittling. Thank you so much for them all.
Thank you William. You are welcome.
Thanks for the videos. I watch every minute of every video
Figures you'd be first! Ruger Rich
@@richardcolligon4277 😝 gotta watch Mr. Ron
This man is a encyclopedia of knowledge..... every video is a much watch
Ron and Who Tee Who on the opposite ends of the spectrum for firearms videos but both equally enjoyable.
ua-cam.com/video/wBcoa03GXBo/v-deo.html .
Leave it to Ron Spomer to show how much meat there is to a seemingly simple and straightforward act. I don't mean he overcomplicates things, I mean that he dives deeper than most people would in a way that I think is great.
It his knowledge of what he does it’s fun to watch for sure I agree
@@berniestraight126 Indeed.
Ron
I am now 71 years old and still very active bowhunting and rifle hunting in Alberta.
When I was 12 years old I joined The Army Cadets where we were taught the palm lift thumb forward technique which I have used my whole hunting life. I have shown the technique to lot of hunting acquaintances over the years and to a man (lady) they have taken the advice and held on to it.
Keep the great videos coming down the pipe thanks.
I like the idea behind this hybrid method. Makes sense. Also works with the butterspoon bolt handles I cotton to.
Yo are so correct.
Thanks John - I hadn’t thought about combining the bolt lift of one “method” with the bolt return of another.
I've seen some British people like Bloke On The Range shoot a SMLE holding the bolt knob with the index and thumb, while firing with his middle finger.
No wasted time repositioning your hand every shot.
What you gain in speed you lose in stability. Definitely fun tho.
I’ve seen Indian Soldiers use the same technique.
I'm a firm believer in using the middle finger to address the enemy.
@@georgesakellaropoulos8162 😆 same!
A lot of shooters will say that they shoot great up to 1200 feet (off hands!!!!) but they will never never show you their abilities.......... Thank you for this very nice video! (Always very pleasant to watch)
At 400 yards, most people couldn't consistently hit a 6 foot by 6 foot target offhand.
Interesting subject. I watch plenty of hunting videos on UA-cam and seems like most of time after the first shot you can hear the hunter/shooter struggling to cycle the bolt after the first shot. I don’t think many hunters practice shooting and cycling including myself. Thanks Ron
Ron, years ago John Wooters wrote about what you’re calling the “palm” method (where the bolt handle is never grasped with the fingers) as the “right” way to operate a bolt action hunting rifle, namely because it’s impossible to short-stroke and jam the action if the bolt is being shoved forcefully backwards all the way to the stop before the thumb pivots around to drive the bolt forward.
Exactly!!!
I’ll add that the British developed a fearsome rate of fire with their cock-on-closing SMLE rifles using the ‘Palm’ method you demonstrated. Up, back, and foreword/down flipping your palm over. If I need to run a bolt action fast, that’s the method that works best for me. No dinged knuckles or missed grabs for the ball/knob. Great stuff Ron, as usual! Thanks!
@@raleighthomas3079 The SMLE's bolt was designed to be pinched between the thumb and forefinger and period manuals confirm this. The optimal mad-minute speed technique was to pinch the bolt handle between the thumb and forefinger and fire with the middle finger, though this is purely a speed technique. Historian/historical shooters Mike from Blokeontherange ua-cam.com/video/9raI__rimLc/v-deo.html and Rob from Britishmuzzleloaders ua-cam.com/video/asZiEuz12gE/v-deo.html are good places to start on this. Of course, this comes down to the design of one bolt action design and doesn't make it the best for all rifles with all shooters.
I believe that is the correct method as well.
There's a method with the Lee Enfield where if you're in a hurry, keep a constant grip of the bolt with forefinger and thumb, and use your middle finger for the trigger.
I have one and have tried this. It works well for volume of fire. I can see it being useful if you were being charged. But hard to be accurate with the wrong finger on the trigger. Price of 303 right now, I can't afford to practice.
True...works well doing the"Mad Minute".
Works with modern hunting rifles as well
They called that the " mad minute".
30 sort of aimed shots can be fired in that minute. Of course it has no place in hunting!
That is because the Enfield is a cock on close bolt and you use the heel under your thumb to close the bolt and thumb to pull bolt handle down to lock it.
Ron, I ain't the oldest shooter and pretty new to actually using firearms, this video really helped me with cycling bolt-action's. I'm far from the strongest kid you'd see so cycling the bolt can be pretty difficult depending on the firearm, but this has shown me how to do it in a way that works for me. I just want to say thanks!
Ron, after looking at some of the comments, I realize that a number of UA-cam firearms guys are subbed here also! Impressive, sir!
Anyways, I was taught to drop the rifle and then use a forceful yank to eject the used case. The guy who taught me was a veteran safari hunter who swore by this method because he'd seen double load jams when hunters tried to speed through the process due to excitement, terror, or both, LOL. He also recommended Mauser style extractors because of the way they engage the next round. He said reliability was his main concern when the animal could kill you and I can't argue with his logic!
On a funnier note, one of my friends brought his girlfriend along to the range to show off his abilities and how fast he could work his new custom rifle. He fired and snatched the bolt back and managed to hit himself really hard in the cheek. After a good ten seconds, he finally stopped blinking; his girlfriend laughed for the next ten minutes. What a beautiful green and purple mark the next day!
Great video!
Thanks for the laugh, Paul.
Love your humility Ron. I have found the less time you spend on off hand the better the shot. Being an old still flintlock muzzle loader guy that's been my experience
Good advice, Theo.
Exactly, if you try to hold the sights on the target, it starts dancing around. I start a foot low, and slowly raise the gun. When the sights are on the bullseye, I squeeze the trigger.
@@joecary3586 So true...interestingly with my "smoke pole" I start high and do the same thing... However I find it is easier to drop than raise the piece. This is a given for me since the heavier longer 40" 15/16 octagon barrel of a 50 cal. muzzleloader is easier to drop than raise.
I was taught to shoot by my best friends father. He had trained and used the wz.38M action and taught me the palm and thumb method. I am 74 and still run a bolt gun that way in the field. On the bench, I gently work the bolt with forefinger and thumb, so as to minimize rifle movement. In the field, I pride my self on making the first shot count. I took 3 deer in Ohio this year using a Savage 110 HB, .350 Legend, all one shot kills; 157 yards, 102 yards, and 75 yards, all off hand.
I am using a Ruger #1 in 30 06 for my Elk and Deer hunt coming up on the 15th in Wyoming.
So 1 round of 30 06 and flick the lever down to drop the falling block, reload a round, close the breech.
If my first shot isn't good.. the second one will not be quick in coming.
Looks like we will have snow for opening day!
My first reaction when I saw the title of this video was “Well doah!” I’m glad I was open minded enough to watch this video. I first learned how to operate a bolt action rifle in 1964 and haven’t thought about *how* to operate the bolt since. To be honest, I’m not certain which method I use but it’s not the palm up/palm forward. That much I know. The thing is I recently got a new-to-me bolt action rifle and put a nice scope on it. Nice except that it’s a 2-lug action and the bolt comes quite close to the scope. Now I have some alternative approaches to operating the action that I can sort through. Thanks!
Never heard anyone talk about this...I have tried all these styles and keep changing every time.
Ron is the best…
I don’t even hunt…but I appreciate anything and everything technical explained by a great, unpretentious and humble technician
Many thanks, sir.
I like Savage Model 99, Browning BLR, Marlins, Henrys and others .
I don’t even know what technique I use. I’m sure it’s “wrong” though. Glad I’m not on the internet showing the world how “wrong” I am! Thanks Mr. Spomer!
RON...hook up with a Marine warrent officer from one of the training ranges. Your anticipation of each shot and arm position is scary. Sling those things and tuck in.
I enjoy watching his episodes cos of the way he speaks, his experience is obvious and he explains it all so easily and effortlessly
There are some variations such as palming the bolt up and back then running it forward and down with your thumb. And there's the reloader's ejection where the bolt is flipped up and back with the top of the thumb while your fingers cover the ejection port to prevent the case from flying so that you can drop it back into your ammo case. Then there's the most widely used method where the shooter fumbles and bumbles with the bolt, repeatedly trying to cycle it in their excitement, while the intended game runs away laughing because the first shot was a miss. Great video Ron.
As A teenager I had an old Lee Enfield Model 4 with the receiver peep and my friend had a 94 Winchester. In aimed fire I was as fast as he was and we tried it time after time. In just shooting as fast as we could he could beat me to seven shoots, barely. But I could always beat him to 10, no need for me to reload lol. It taught me to run a bolt. Variation between the palm roll and the other way. Years ago I shot a buck and it didn't act hit so I shot again. My son was on a stand 100 yards away and didn't think it was me because he didn't think a bolt could be run like that. Some bolt actions cannot be run fast due to where the bolt is Mosins and some others come to mind.
Using the rotating palm method, I've had many hunting companions not believe it was me shooting because of how quickly I could get off a follow up shot.
You're almost as fast as an autoloader! I don't know where you live, but that looks like some very beautiful country! Love the colors of the trees!🇺🇸✝🇺🇸
I'm glad you followed up with your final comments. While it is good to practice gaining speed with "follow-up" shots, your best plan is always to make the first shot count as much as possible. That usually ensures that, if you need a follw-up shot at all, it is at a terminally wounded and much slower target. Learning to use shooting rests of opportunity in the field is vitally important. I hunt in Southern Michigan; often in wooded areas. The most plentiful of these rests are nearby trees. Leaning your gun hand against the side of a large tree, or gasping a branch or smaller tree, is a great aid to stability. Then I rest the rifle in the web of my left hand; never directly against the tree. If you rest directly on the tree, the rifle bounces off it during recoil, potentially throwing shots astray.
I have used some form of all three methods. What works best is really determined by the rifle/sight setup being used. Well presented Ron!
With the little shooting I've done since guns are so hard to get in Australia I use the single finger to operate the bolt so I can keep eyes on the target and flags and having a super smooth tikka bolt really helps
Good stuff Ron every rifle I own is a bolt action from the.22 to.22hornet 6.5x55 and 308 for me it means anyone I take out is a bolt action and it’s in my memory how to operate love the videos
Thanks Allan.
Being older, I cut my teeth on bolt actions and love them, I personally had to learn more about semi-auto operation later on. Thanks for your great videos and making it simple for everyone to understand. You're certainly an asset to the hunting and gun community with your wealth of knowledge. My cycling is pretty much the same as your grabbing the ball or palming it. I can tell you with my Ruger American as opposed to my Mauser 98s the Ruger has a shorter throw and the bolt angle is different. I almost missed a deer a couple of years ago because after getting in a stand I didn't realize the bolt was partially up. It allowed me to pull the trigger, but it didn't allow the firing pin to strike the primer. I just re-cocked (lifted the bolt and closed it) and got the following trigger pull off. I was able to get the buck, but now I always check the bolt after getting settled in for the hunt.
A good three pos safety locks the bolt down for precisely that reason. Climbing up a tree, or navigating through briors will absolutely move your bolt eventually...
He would have got away we me great recovery I must say
@@berniestraight126 Thanks, I was lucky as he heard the click and was looking for me, but I was well hid in a blind atop a 16 foot tri-pod. Good thing is he did not bolt at the sound, but he did turn to leave.
@@jacobdendinger4140 Thanks, I agree.
You're lucky it didn't fire out of battery. Lesson learned, always double and triple check your gear. Model 70 safety would prevent that issue.
Rifle fit is also key to running a bolt rapidly. After trying a variety of rifles in store, and finding none to fit well due to being on the upper end of the physical size scale. I decided to build a full custom rifle. While designing/building a rifle is beyond most people skills ordering a custom stock or adding skims to the butt plate is a readily available option. Also for those on a budget buying one customized in a all around cartridge simply makes sense verses buying multiple specialized rifles.
I'm an Aussie and love hunting all sorts! game a mate and I play is just with our .22 bolt action on a flip target! practice shooting straight and cycling ... how ever you do it!
Method two with the open palm then roll your hand around and close with the bolt knob in the web of your thumb is basically what was taught by the military for '03 Springfield use. I read about it as a kid and adopted the method. It works great where a firm grip can be utilized on the fore end .Off a bipod I like the 3rd method shown with the fingers.
It is refreshing to have you recognize everyone is different with different skills and various learned habits whether it is a 7 iron of a Model 70. To have your unbiased comparisons between people and the way they reload a hunting bolt action is welcomed and truly appreciated.
You left one style out Mr Ron. I'm a left-handed shooter that shoots right-handed rifles. Thank you for your content
Do you reach around with your trigger handor do you cock with your support hand
Would have to film it but from the bench I did not have to take my hand off the trigger I use my right hand to bolt the gun
@@danietkissenle Left handed shooter here; I use my trigger hand for my iron sight bolt actions and go over the top of the action to get to it, but will use my support hand if it has a scope on it.
Lesson I learned from that is if I ever buy a scoped bolt action rifle it’s going to be a dedicated left handed model.
@@danietkissenle it depends on if I'm bench shooting or jump shooting
I don’t know about a correct way to run a bolt. But I do know that Kimber is a gorgeous rifle. Wow the wood on that thing is beautiful!!
You can also grab the knob to open the bolt, then cup it with the palm and push it forward to close it. Let's you quickly cycle guns with bolts that have minimal scope clearance like cz.
These techniques have been around for a century. Preference is personal.
The best quick way I’ve learned to use a bolt action is I don’t I just use a lever action, I enjoyed your video very good information here
Picked up the rotating palm method from a sports magazine when I was 13. Been using it for longer than I care to admit. Can't force myself to run a bolt gun any other way. With practice, I believe this is the best method for any kind of shooting, except for bench rest and other precision target shooting.
Palming has always been fastest for me just a natural motion for my hand to to go back to the trigger
RON ,I WAS WONDERING IF YOU'D EVER HUNTED WITH A STRAIGHT PULL BACK LIKE THE MERKEL HELIX ?
I'D LOVE TO SEE A COMPAIRISON OF IT AGAINST YOUR 2 RIFLES THERE AND MAYBE THROW IN AN 80"S RUGER M77...
KEEP UP THE GREAT VIDEOS
Great video. For me I have never had to deal with a charging Buff, or charging anything for that matter. As a hunter, I am focused on making that first shot count, and having a reserve in case a second round is called for. any of the three methods Ron demonstrates works well, but I prefer to use the palm method.
There are different rifles with different bolts and of course different shooters and i think every shooter finds for himself the best way for bolt cycle through Practice. With each shot you are getting better with your rifle. After 10 years of shooting thousands of rounds through my Tikkas I can shoot them so fast, there are occasions some of my hunting buddies hearing the shots thought i am shooting auto-loading rifle during driven hunts. Everything is practice (and 10% smooth rifle action).
Good discussion. For me lots of .22 lr shooting has made the trick because I have cykled the bolt five times for every loaded mag. When I shoot my hunting rifle, Mauser M03 in 8x68S cliber, the muscle memory kicks in and I'm doing the exact same motion as I do with the smaller rifle. I use a kind of pinch grip holding the bolt ball in my thumb, indexfinger and middlefinger. Kind of bending the bolt up and heavily pulls the bolt backwards. Pushing the holt hard back for reload still having the pinch grip that helps me to "fold" the bolt back in position but at the same time push the boltarm with my palm. I think I have a rotation in my wrist that works almost like the boltface of a straight pull action.
I usually rest my thumb on the bolt knob and press the trigger with the middle finger if I am shooting for groups.
I am fan of the palm method for hunting.
Those rifles just made me appreciate my XPR just a little more!
Those Winchester XPRs do cycle fast and smoothly, don't they? Full diameter bolts with three locking lugs run smooth, but cocking is a bit stiffer.
I love your attitude and ability to take criticism regardless of its merit.
Thanks MrH. I just decided there's too much rancor and name calling in our culture already. Nothing gained by it, so why not treat others with respect? We all have our struggles.
That second option was what was taught to the British Army back in the time of the Enfield. During the First Battle of Mons, Belgium, circa August of 1914, the British Expeditionary Forces were repeatedly faced with tight formations of Germany infantry attacking them head on over open ground. The British were, as seen from hindsight, woefully undersupplied with machine guns and artillery, but their infantry, at that time and place, was comprised of very tough and highly skilled and trained soldiers. Their marksmanship was fast, accurate, and just all-around good. The casualty rates suffered by the enemy were appalling. At a locale called "Langemarck" (spelling approximate), the surviving Germans imagined that they had been machine gunned.
I adopted your second option for myself for whenever I was in a hurry. The beauty of it is that it is fast, baby. It involves only two crude motions instead of four. After you have done it a few times, it seems like it is only one smooth move accomplished in the blink of an eye. It is especially efficacious when using a cock-on-closing action like the Enfield or the '93 Mauser. Your third option seems to me to work best with rimfire rifles.
I like you called them SOLDIERS and not operators
"Slow is smooth and smooth is fast"
Here is what I found useful:
1. Open palm is easier for most people.
2. Slow down the chambering a bit for accuracy. " Slow is smooth and smooth is fast"
3. Practice away and to your natural point of aim.
4. Let the rifle come to you and don't go to it.
Great great tutorial Ron. You will always have those who think they know and actually don't know squat. You've taught me a lot. Thank you😎😎😎
Good stuff, Ron. Offhand, try a modified sling. USMC teachs that for offhand. I see the next series will go over things like that. Can't wait
Hasty & loop sling is one of the most valuable tools for proper marksmanship... Unfortunately it is rarely taught or used by the younger crop who are so focused on ipsc/idpa type competitive shooting with high round counts against. When I show people a sling gets them to 500 yards offhand, it opens up a whole new world.
Thanks, just bought my first bolt action gun a couple days ago and hoping to try it out tomorrow, this will be good to know beforehand
I read "The Art of the Rifle" by Jeff Cooper and he suggests to always shoot supported. Even in the field, find a rest if you do not have sticks or a tripod. Last hunting season, stalking the woods, I would practice that. Find a tree branch that was suitable. I still dry fire off hand, just for the one time where you don't have time to get to a handy tree or get sticks or tripod set up. I do carry a tripod. And with my newest hunting rifle, I did not put on bipods, just sighting in off of sand bags (Caldwell bag supports or the sometimes the supplied sand bags at a range.)
We were them hats in Australia just tilt the hat backwards a little bit and that eliminates the hat getting bumped by the bolt another great video 👍
What a class act you are. Love the channel. Thank you sir.
Thank you kindly
I recently got a TC Compass II in .308 Win. I saw others had put on a larger bolt knob from Glades Armory. So, I got one. And it works good and installs just like the original. And, in dry fire practice, I ran into a problem. The big bolt knob would get in the way of my mountain gorilla hands. So, I put the original smaller bolt knob back on and solved the problem. So, while having a big bolt knob might help with a competition target shooter, a small one helps me to get my finger to the trigger when there 140 lbs of smart-alecky ungulate in front of me.
We all love bolt guns. But it brought to mind one of the reasons I carry a BAR at least half of my time afield. If I'm in the woods especially . If I suspect a long shot I may tote the bolt gun.
Hornady's $10 Lock-N-Load Bolt Ball is fantastic! It's a rubber ball that goes over the ball on your bolt. There's a night & day difference in cycling my 416 Weatherby, as well as small calibers. I'll never hunt without it. Ron, if you try this out, I believe you'll be so impressed that you will make a review of it. Last, a rubber sling can enable a very steady freehand shot. Thanks for the great videos!
My absolute favorite action to cycle is my SAUER 202 I bought back in the 90's, it's machined so well, it's like the bolt is on ball bearings. You can tilt the rifle up, and the bolt will slid slowly open like it's hydraulically controlled, then tilt it down and it'll close the same way. I've seen no other action come close.
Sauers are famous for their smooth bolts for a reason ;)
Mr Spomer, I love your content and an avid watcher from Africa. I agree with some of the comments I watch your videos till the last second and cant wait for the next one, you are a gentleman and a scholar!
Many thanks, Francois. I'm eager to get back to Africa for some hunting, but current travel conditions argue against it.
So true, always someone wanting to push an option off on us we didn’t ask for. U use your gun just fine. If u hit what u shoot at , and safely . It all that matters.
My Tikka has quite a heavy bolt lift so I use a mix between palming and grabbing the bolt
Sometimes if I have a stiff bolt lift or heavy spring, I put my thumb on top of the scope and curl my fingers to pull the handle up to the scope. then pull back and cycle.
Im so used to saving my brass, when im at a bench or prone i tend to open the bolt with a finger, then move the palm over the opening catching the case when i move the bolt back with the top side of my thumb. Similar to what he shoved what the precision guy did. That way my cases never touch the ground or floor and get dirty. Helps alot when cases are $3 a piece.
Had the sauer 101 in 6.5x55, that action was nice. To bad swedish regulation regarding maximum nr of guns, so i had to sell it to get something else.
But if i ever need a new rifle in 6.5, 308 or larger a sauer 101 it will be - loved the rifle, stock, action and reliability well made rifle for the price.
Nice video. I have a Sauer 100 and I find them to have a long lop for me at 14.25” I’m barely at 5’9” so I was running the bolt when shouldered also. I ended up cutting the stock down, cut and shaped a wood plate, epoxied it in and put on a Pachmyer. Now at my normal 13.25” lop it sure made a difference when cycling the bot at the shoulder for quick follow up shots.
Real fun being a lefty running bolt actions fast.
I use the palm method with bolts that have a knob as that is how I was taught in NRA High Power matches. A bolt with a butterknife handle such as a Mannlicher-Schoenauer, I put my thumb on top and index finger underneath to open, then switch to the palm method. May not be right but, it works for me.😁
Thank you for taking the time to do these videos. I have never thought about how i could be effecting my point of aim
Thank you Ron for always giving honest information and helpful techniques on hunting and firearm handling.
Thanks for your support, Matt.
I don’t know if my way is the right way but my gun my way. I use heal of my hand to open and close bolt and cup bolt to pull back heal to push forward. Been doing that way for 40 years. Just like Ron did before he put Cubby away. Palm roll I think he called it. My Dad taught me and he was a sharpshooter in the Army and a combat veteran.
I have two bolt action rifles and they both seem to work better with different styles. One is a Tikka and the grab the bolt with you finger and thumb works really well. The other is a Browning x bolt medallion and the bolt is shaped that the palm method works way better. Just wanted to share... Thank
I've tried all three, even learned the "finger" method for a Accuracy International rifle. Works great... expect when the ammo is sticky, your fingers are frozen or worse the bolt is frozen.
My old CG63 likes the simple "grab and pull" technique. 😁
Wow, that precision method takes some strength and dexterity -- and a favorably inclined action! I like the palm method, and old Gunblue490 insists it's "the only way to fly" . . . and if you have a sling-anchored grip keeping the stock planted in your shoulder, you can stay on target pretty well -- for offhand shots anyway.
A Ruger model 77/.357 + Dillon Square Deal .357 Magnum press = a lot of bolt action practice and fun.
Seen and tried the knife hand up and palm manipulation as well. From limited observation, the various SOF snipers use a full grab or ball in palm.
Having grown up with a bolt action single shot .22 I am pretty much relegated to bringing the rifle down to about a 45 degree angle from the horizontal (it could be calked ‘port arms’ position), working the bolt and then bringing the rifle back up to my shoulder to fire the next round. 😎
A video that makes us all think about our techniques and also think about practicing a little more 👍🏼
Very straightforward video with great information. Thank you for taking the time to record and share.
Thank you for this excellent tutorial!
I have tried two of the three. I favor the "no fingers" method, especially in cold weather. It works fine when wearing gloves. Cold, stiff fingers are not a problem. Just "Whammer, Jammer!"
I never tried the "thumb-and-finger" method. Truthfully, it looks like a bit too much of a fine motor skill to qualify for use in a critical moment but it might be of great value if the object were stealthy, repeated shots.
Again, thanks for this video.
Nothing "fine motor skill" about grabbing a metal ball and pulling it backwards and forwards forcefully.
@@borkwoof696 The "thumb-and-finger" method is anything but forceful. It obviously requires considerable dexterity. Further, that method does not involve "grabbing" the bolt handle.
I stand by my remarks.
Thank you again Ron for all your experience and expertise in your rifle handling.you’ve been hunting a lot more and a lot more dangerous game than about 90% of us out here it’s great to here your advice god bless from Washington state home of the big brown dear
Thanks for your support, Bernie.
Good stuff Ron. I use a modified precision cycling with the fore finger lift to unchamber and the lower part of the thumb near the crook for chambering. During Maryland unlimited doe hunt 17 years ago I was able to get 3 rounds off of my .300 WBY Sako 75, 26" barrel in probably 5 seconds at 50 to 75 yds bagging two 100lbs does. Unfortunately a terrible back injury at work left me unable to hunt or do much shooting 8 years ago.
Great shooting, Sam. So sorry about your back injury.
Watch the National Rifle Matches in Sweden and Norway to see how fast a bolt can be run with accuracy by grasping the knob with thumb and index finger and tripping the trigger with the middle finger. Amazing!
I am right handed. In some situations such as from the prone position or from a rest l will bring my left hand over the top to work the bolt. This allows me to keep the crosshairs on the target .
With the palm, what advantage do you gain? You have to lift the arm up higher, your hand is infront of your face when running the bolt, higher chance to mess it up or slip off the bolt handle up while twisting your hand around. Grabbing the bolt seems like a more efficient and reliable movement.
All my bolt guns are win m70’s. I’ve got magnum and long actions and I really prefer the palm to cycle the bolt.
Like the technic of handling it, salute 💂💪
Nice informative video. I grew up hunting with a Sporterized 1903 SPFD 30-06, that action was by far the slickest glassest smooth action I have ever cycled. The part grab and cycle part palm technique has always worked very well with that action and worked well with my other rifles. I have watched many a shooter at PRS matches and I think it comes down to what is comfortable for you and what your muscle memory wants to do.
Wrote this about a third of the way in, so I am not sure if you mentioned it. Savage just came out with a straight pull bolt action. Always something new. My Remington 600 has an unusual bolt handle that takes a little getting used to. You can modify a bolt handle if you need to. Always nice to watch your podcasts.
Thanks Robt. Savage's "new" straight pull bolt action has been out for some time in the Heym SR30. Nice action.
I only have one bolt rifle with a scope.
My Ruger American Predator.
Has a short bolt lift so I got plenty of space. My dragged knuckles don't scratch my scope.
The rest are just iron sights.
I tend to use the open finger on the Predator but my Mauser I need to grab the knob because of the forward cocking.
Great tips Ron. Your humor is so much fun. Thanks love the videos!
Very welcome. Thanks.
Ron rocks! I’m a palm-style operator.
Thanks Ron, great video, it's so often to see people with wrong practice👍😊
I'm left handed so it's a bit different for me. Thanks for the great vids.
You're welcome!
See if Mr. Gun Jesus will give you some advice. He runs bolt guns pretty fast for a leftie. Alternatively, you could learn to shoot right handed.
I always hunt in a stand don’t usually have to cycle quickly, but more quietly than anything. I usually wrap my thumb around the scope tube then lift the bolt with my fingers slowly. The back and forth action is also slow, 1. To catch my brass, 2. To make less noise.
The option of loading noiselessly is a nice feature of the bolt.
No matter which technique used to run the bolt, the most important thing for me is a 60 degree bolt throw. In my hands, a shorter bolt throw is crucial to repeating accuracy especially when standing as opposed to sitting on a bench or even prone.
I've seen some left handed shooters use their support hand to cycle the bolt, on a right handed rifle. It works when there is a front rest, and they are shooting "fast". Even saw a right handed guy using a left handed rifle to do the same technique.
I don't guess they do that when standing off hand shooting though.
Good video. I shot NRA highpower for many years. Good bolt gun shooters can shoot 10 shots with one reload in 60 seconds into a 3” x-ring at 200 yards from a seated position using a loop sling as the only support. Rifles with easy bolt lift (such as Win Model 70) make running a bolt easier than just the degree of bolt rotation. Obviously if you can get easy lift and short rotation that’s the best of both worlds but those two characteristics are generally mutually exclusive unless you weaken the firing ping spring (not wise). Most good bolt action shooters just use their fingers to work the bolt. They can run through the whole magazine accurately in no time. The loop sling securing the rifle to the should does make it easier since it immobilizes the rifle. That’s something that’s not practical for hunting. It’s all about practice with the rifle you have. I like slick rifles with a gentle cocking cam and moderate firing pin spring like the model 70. Those generally have easier bolt lift which makes running them easier.
Excellent points, T30. Thanks for contributing your experiences and wisdom.
usually hand palm standing up, more snug thump in bench or prawn. Most used on regular is palm load. faster, more secure and effective. Only rifle I got that I don't do those with is my straight pull. thumb nickel back, inner thump forward.
Those are the ones I've always used. Most interesting way I've seen was a military guy shooting prone that would hold the bolt handle and use middle or ring finger on the trigger. I played with it on my 22 bolt gun and it was very fast. Not to inaccurate either.
For fun faster shooting, I like to pull the trigger with my middle finger and keep the bolt know pinched between my thumb and index finger and crank away. Accuracy takes a hit of course and practice makes perfect. (Ruger American .223)