Smooth as butter bolt function

[nekshot]

When I was a kid I saw someone take a expensive bolt action rifle and when barrel was tipped down bolt slid smoothly into receiver and locked. I was impressed. After years of polishing turds and never attaining total desired result I decided to lower the follower down from bolt. I was shocked how even the turds improved. My zeal got me into trouble a time or two but it always was redeemable. I am not telling you to do this but I found it helpful. If this is attempted the cartridge on follower obviously must be high enough for bolt to push it forward. When is enough cartridge enough is for the gun to tell you. I simply get two responses consistently when others handle my bolt actions, one is this gun is really light and the other is I can’t believe how smooth the bolt works with cartridges. Are thes guns expensive hand built guns, nope, just a average pawn shop find that was cheap!

[cwtebay]

Are you lowering the follower by spring change / compression or modifying the follower itself?

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[waksupi]

Some of it may depend on if it is push feed or controlled feed. I could see a Remington doing it, but not a Mauser. Followers are designed for specific case designs to function in a particular receiver design. Not something to mess with, unless you have access to a replacement.

[Nines&Twos]

A clean Krag in very good shape has been known to close on an empty chamber by tilting the rifle about 30 degrees forward....or so I have heard most of my life.

[cwtebay]

A clean Krag in very good shape has been known to close on an empty chamber by tilting the rifle about 30 degrees forward....or so I have heard most of my life.

There is nothing smoother than a Krag in good shape. And if the disconnect is engaged it will close (and open) by tilting alone.

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[Nobade]

If you use those Score High Benchrest followers I used to make almost any rifle will do that as it keeps the follower from touching the bolt. Or use a Tikka...

[nekshot]

Yes, lowering the follower after polishing is often required.

[nekshot]

Your so right. Mausers are a work unto them selves. I have all vz24’s except for 2 and my approach to the vz’s is scrub clean and a soft polish and Lucas oil. I have never altered a Mauser rail, never saw the need. I have made different followers if I think needed. I always keep originals so no harm done. Savages shower most improvement.

[K43]

All of my rifles will do that if the follower is removed. But then, they become single shots, which negates the coolness of butter smooth.