Posted: 11/6/2019 10:39:57 AM EDT
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While shopping for a new bolt handle I came across bolt lift kits for the savages. I didn't know there was an issue but apparently people think that savage bolts are difficult to lift the bolt in the cocking operation.
There are a couple different ones. The one I purchased off ebay came with two washers, a thrust bearing, and a collar. Installation was easy. Remove the BAS screw in the back of the bolt, insert the washer thats cut to fit into the cocking collar with the bearing groove up, insert bearing, insert the other washer with bearing groove down, and then put the collar behind the bolt handle and reinstall the BAS screw. That's a simplified version but there's videos on Youtube. Attached File I used a fishing type scale to check the bolt lift before and after. Before installation I was getting 10-12lbs of force to cock the bolt and after it was 6-7. The bolt definitely feels smoother but I don't know if I can actually tell much of a difference in weight. This rifle is in the middle of getting a new chassis and barrel, so maybe when it's all back together and on the range the difference will be more apparent. I've got 3 other savages to compare it to. As of now I won't be upgrading the others. |
| I don't know. After cocking it several times with the scale, there is a definite clunky resistance at the top. Maybe if you were used to nicer rifles it would be an irritant or maybe newer savages are worse. All of my savages have target bolt handles, maybe its worse with the shorter hunting bolt handle. |
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FWIW - Those kits aren't aimed at the young or elderly. They're aimed at the competition crowd. Savage actually builds rifles that are pretty decent out of the box for a few disciplines (Palma & F-Class). The problem with them as they come from the factory is the insanely heavy bolt lift, and the poor triggers (relatively speaking). The whole point behind the bolt lift kits is to reduce the bolt lift force, so as not to disturb the rifle in the bags, enabling you to get a faster follow-up shot down range. This won't bring a Savage down to the level of a custom, but it will stop you from camming your rifle over 45 degrees in the bags, and having to re-set before putting another shot on target. The Savage based setups can win, but if left unmodified, next to a custom it feels like a 1970s Yugo vs. a 2020 Bentley in terms of refinement. |
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Bendigo, can you post a link to where you got it? I was looking at these but was only ever able to find versions that weren’t compatible with my bolt. I’d love to lighten the bolt lift on mine. It’s a great shooter and I’ve got a killer load developed for it but the bolt lift remains a weak point.
ETA: never mind, I found the one I need. Thanks for posting! I’m sure lots of other savage owners would be interested in this, too. |
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Quoted:
Been around awhile, never put one in because I can't imagine sand dust and dirt would play well with the thrust bearing. |
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https://www.calguns.net/calgunforum/showthread.php?t=450082
I followed this DIY (just noticed his pictures are blurry now)........basically cutting the firing pin spring shorter. I bought a new spring in case I messed up. Works fine on my 110 tactical and no light strikes. |