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AR15.COM
5/5/2024 11:31:31 AM EDT
I have a bolt action rifle I would like to cycle from the standing position while holding the rifle still in position instead of dropping it down when I open the bolt and put in another shell. It seems to me like this is difficult because when I try to open the bolt in that position I have a hard time preventing the rifle from twisting sideways as I raise up on the bolt. Is this normal? Is this just how it is? Or is my bolt extra stiff?
It's a Winchester 70 416 rem mag.
Thanks.
SIC SEMPER TYRANNIS
5/7/2024 9:59:52 AM EDT
[Last Edit: TonyF][Edited] [#1]
That is typically a result of the LOP (Length of Pull) being too long. Most rifle and SG stocks are too long (LOP) for the average shooter, especially when considering shooting / hunting in colder climates / seasons when it is cold and one is wearing a bulky outer garment.

Most manufacturers would be wise to build their rifle stocks, whether wood or synthetic, with buttstock spacers so the end user could configure the LOP to suit their stature and build. While some currently do, most do not.

One way to check whether or not this is the issue in your case would be to find a retailer that might currently stock either a youth model or something like a Ruger M77 Compact or a Winchester Model 70 Compact as these will typically have a LOP of about 12.5 inches whereas most traditional rifles and SG's will have a LOP pushing 14 inches or thereabouts.

The standard Ruger M77 Hawkeye isn't as bad at 13.5 inches.
Ruger M77 Standard

Ruger Compact is 12.5 inches.
Ruger M77 Compact

If your rifle is the Winchester Model 70 Safari Express it is 13 3/4 inches.
Winchester M70 Safari Express

Winchester Featherweight Compact is 13 inches.
Winchester M70 Featherweight
Best Regards,

TonyF
Training Forum Moderator

"No such thing as tough. There's trained and untrained. Which one are you?" (Denzel Washington -- Man on Fire)
5/7/2024 8:54:11 PM EDT
[#2]
Quote History
Originally Posted By TonyF:
That is typically a result of the LOP (Length of Pull) being too long. Most rifle and SG stocks are too long (LOP) for the average shooter, especially when considering shooting / hunting in colder climates / seasons when it is cold and one is wearing a bulky outer garment.

Most manufacturers would be wise to build their rifle stocks, whether wood or synthetic, with buttstock spacers so the end user could configure the LOP to suit their stature and build. While some currently do, most do not.

One way to check whether or not this is the issue in your case would be to find a retailer that might currently stock either a youth model or something like a Ruger M77 Compact or a Winchester Model 70 Compact as these will typically have a LOP of about 12.5 inches whereas most traditional rifles and SG's will have a LOP pushing 14 inches or thereabouts.

The standard Ruger M77 Hawkeye isn't as bad at 13.5 inches.
Ruger M77 Standard

Ruger Compact is 12.5 inches.
Ruger M77 Compact

If your rifle is the Winchester Model 70 Safari Express it is 13 3/4 inches.
Winchester M70 Safari Express

Winchester Featherweight Compact is 13 inches.
Winchester M70 Featherweight
View Quote


I already know my length of pull is almost "youth model" length and I've never got this gun adjusted. That is for sure a problem. Thanks.
SIC SEMPER TYRANNIS

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