Remington 700 bolt handle *OUCH!*

[Dooligan]

So, I was at the range getting my 700 300 win mag dialed in, and I noticed an issue I need to get corrected.

Between the factory stock, factory bolt handle, and my hand position, there is about 3/4" space between my index knuckle and the bolt handle. Hence, the recoil drives the bolt handle into my knuckle with enough force that after about 15 rounds I had to tap.

Now, I can control this by using a much tighter grip, but naturally, it effects my aim. So, I need to fix the rifle to suit me.

So, what do I do? Get the handle bent/repositioned? Do I need an aftermarket stock to reposition my hand? Is there another handle I can put on? Is anyone else experiencing this?

Thanks in advance!

[john323]

You can get the bolt handle bent/repositioned by a gunsmith or do it yourself if you have access to a torch. Be careful not to heat the bolt body and make sure the bolt will clear the scope when working the action.

[Dooligan]

Thanks john, I appreciate it. Has avyone else experienced this with a larger-caliber 700?

[kendog4570]

Can you post a picture of your grip on the rifle? A different grip technique might help. Or a Badger style knob?

[Argonaut]

Bolts on the 700 Remington are "interesting" (I love my 700's) They are not a forged part of the bolt body like many other rifles. They are "Soldered" on to the bolt body. Years ago, I miss-loaded a small lot of high speed 7mm Mag ammo for my Left hand 700BDL. I mixed up the powders and had a huge over charge. I shot one of the rounds at a Southern Idaho buck, missed for obvious reasons. The bolt locked, so, I took out my Knapp saw and tapped the bolt handle to get it open. With very little tapping, the bolt simply came off the body. I took it to the smith and he said it was common. Last week when I was at the Shot Show, I asked the Remington guys if they were still the same.....Yes......and it can be a problem. So, be careful heating or trying to work on the bolt handle, They are lightly attached. I have never had trouble with the position of the bolt handle but everyone is different. Maybe you have huge long fingers or something?

[Dooligan]

Nah, the thing bit my stepdad too, and he is considerably smaller than me. I tried different grips, but none were "right". I would much rather adjust the rifle to fit me than change the way I learned how to shoot.

Maybe a call to Remington?

[adamsreeftank]

Some people mod the handle by drilling and tapping screws and then soldering them in to connect the handle to the bolt. If you heat it up to bend it and break the solder, you could try that to re-attach it.

[Argonaut]

Get a Brownells catalog, You could have a custom bolt handle welded on and adjusted where you need it. Brownells has a bunch of different ones that are commonly used on custom rifles and you could have it actually "welded' which would be an improvement from the original design as well. The Custom shop at Remington would probably do it but it is not a difficult or uncommon job so a good local smith would be a good choice.