bolt handle fell off versa max

[jfornelli]

It looks like the bolt operating handle came off the last time I was out shooting my Versa Max. I got it out again this evening to inspect it before taking it to shoot again tomorrow, and I saw it was missing.

I can call Remington tomorrow during their business hours, but do you think it is okay to shoot tomorrow? Certainly, it will not be easy to pull back and lock open the ejection port, but I don't really need to do that to shoot it.

What do you think?

[SuperSet]

Ok to shoot but you'll need a way to lock open the bolt to safely unload it. I've had it happen too.

[bigbearbear]

Just find another Versa Max at the range and steal the bolt handle when the owner isn't looking. They usually put shotguns on gun racks at the range when not shooting.

I won't recommend shooting the shotgun the way it is right now. While you don't need the bolt handle in theory, in practice, you'll need to use it to keep the bolt open or clear jams. You don't want to be struggling with the bolt when there's a live round in the chamber.

[Bill Steele]

Just use a small length of wooden dowel or a small screw driver. Insert it into the bolt when you want to retract it to open the action. Remove it and put it back in your pocket when the bolt is locked back. A form of temporary tactical bolt...

[jfornelli]

Thanks for the replies.
I took it and it shot fine. I'll still have to get ahold of a replacement handle, but I'm not as worried about it now.