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Tacticool bolt knobs......worth it or fad?

GSRswapandslow

Sergeant
Full Member
Minuteman
Dec 13, 2008
873
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North Carolina, Hudson (28638)
I, sadly, purchased another Remington.....this time, an SPS Tactical in .223. I'm setting the gun up to be a cheap/fun range/groundhog gun....and it will be shooting 50gr v-max's on top of WC844 in LC brass..6-24 pst..egw 20moa rail....hart LRT accublock stock...harris bipid up front with a protector heavy bottom rabbit ear in the back...nothing special, in the least.

So i'm at the point where I have to consider what to do next, and as this is obviously a tight budgeted gun, I don't want to spend where is unneccessary. I've all but nixed the CDI/ai mag setup...as I'll just shoot this one single with a skorehigh follower.....and I'm foregoing getting the gun trued, as long as I can work up a load that'll shoot AT LEAST 1-1.5" groups at 200yds, consistently. So...I have to consider a bolt knob now...and it's merits..

I find myself WANTING a larger bolt knob on the gun...but, do i NEED one? Is it worth the down time to send out the bolt to get done, if I can't source someone locally? Is it worth the $100 over the stock handle??? I know a lot of folks on here have them....but are you guys doing it just for the look, or do you feel that it greatly improves the function of the gun?
 
Re: Tacticool bolt knobs......worth it or fad?

I got one for a savage rifle, its very easy to swap out the bolt knob on a savage rifle. I got it because it helps reduce the heavy bolt lift on my rifle, which tends to be a problem on Savage rifles, and I also got it because it was a cheap upgrade.
 
Re: Tacticool bolt knobs......worth it or fad?

They look nice.

They make putting your rifle in a case a pain, as you almost need to remove the bolt for it to close.

It hangs up pulling the rifle out of an Eberlestock pack.

If you like them, why not DIY? Easy on a Remington.
 
Re: Tacticool bolt knobs......worth it or fad?

To me personally, the standard Remington 700 bolt handle is the most uncomfortable one out there. I'm not a "grip and rip" type shooter, but the tactical bolt knobs are simply more comfortable to me.
 
Re: Tacticool bolt knobs......worth it or fad?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: turbo54</div><div class="ubbcode-body">They look nice.

They make putting your rifle in a case a pain, as you almost need to remove the bolt for it to close.

It hangs up pulling the rifle out of an Eberlestock pack.

If you like them, why not DIY? Easy on a Remington. </div></div>

I DIY'd my savage mk2, I can throw it away if I mess it up...the rem, not so much. I have a mill here at work, but honestly....I have NO IDEA how to use it...one of the other engineering fellows is also a machineist, but he's scared to death of guns and won't help me set it up :-/
 
Re: Tacticool bolt knobs......worth it or fad?

i got a nice ball type installed on my 40xb, much more grip and easier to operate, it also looks well imho.
2e3u990.jpg
 
Re: Tacticool bolt knobs......worth it or fad?

the texture on the end of that 700 bolt handle is very harsh when im not wearing gloves. Id have to say after getting a badger ord knob threaded,the difference in comfort is night and day.
 
Re: Tacticool bolt knobs......worth it or fad?

I am not a fan of the factory rem knobs. I have a similar budget gun in 223 and it got a different knob fwiw.

It's an SPS and I have not had the action trued either, and it shoots plenty well. AZ precision did mine. Came out great and was very quick turnaround.
 
Re: Tacticool bolt knobs......worth it or fad?

I just got my first one put on my R700 XCR 300WM, its a Badger style one and i was shocked at how much easier it made lifting and locking the bolt. I have massively big hands, and it really really helped me. I definitly think it was worth the $100 installed for mine.
 
Re: Tacticool bolt knobs......worth it or fad?

I went with the KRG bolt lift because it is removeable.
The leverage was 10X better.
 
Re: Tacticool bolt knobs......worth it or fad?

I have a Badger Ord. on mine and to me maade a wolrd of difference.
 
Re: Tacticool bolt knobs......worth it or fad?

I was surprise how much it improved the bolt cycling on my rifles. However my m40 clone will stay factory. Get it done.
 
Re: Tacticool bolt knobs......worth it or fad?

Im cheap, I did mine on the Salvage with some steel stick epoxy putty from Home Depot ... is it permanently there ... YUP ... is it any shape I want it ... YUP.... can I sand on it or grind on it to look how ever I want it ... YUP... did it cost me 100 dollar bill..... NOPE...... 5 dollars.
 
Re: Tacticool bolt knobs......worth it or fad?

+1 for KRG, you can add it and it is functional. If you change your mind, just take it off and sell it.
 
Re: Tacticool bolt knobs......worth it or fad?

I don't fondle my bolt knob enough to care how it feels. I can work the factory bolt without out any thought and no more effort than any one finger can easily deliver. As for speed, maybe, I have some doubts, but you said you're single loading so it isn't gonna gain you a thing there. I hate any non essential shit that increases snags.
Maybe the extra leverage will do some good if you fire a hot test load. I think in your application it'd just be for looks from a practical standpoint. One the plus side, they're relatively inexpensive, especially if you install yourself, and even I'll admit most are pretty good looking. If you want to try before you buy there is a non permanent plastic job out there.
 
Re: Tacticool bolt knobs......worth it or fad?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Northland</div><div class="ubbcode-body">more leverage and gripping surface</div></div>

+1.

Also, I've seen the scope get in the way of cycling the bolt with the factory knob. Your hands can hit the scope trying the pass the bolt back with the small knob. Get a large knob and it's a non issue. You'll be able to cycle the bolt faster, and you'll have more leverage to extract cases if you find yourself experimenting with hot loads.
 
Re: Tacticool bolt knobs......worth it or fad?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: TakeOutBox</div><div class="ubbcode-body">after getting a badger ord knob threaded,the difference in comfort is night and day. </div></div>

I agree 100% This is a must do. Best of all, you can do it yourself. There is a great thread on the hide complete with pics. It motivated me enough to do my own. It turned out great and was simple. I would do it again in a heartbeat. VERY worthwhile!
 
Re: Tacticool bolt knobs......worth it or fad?

I like the feel of the Badger knob over the stock Remington. I went diy so it only cost me $35 each and about 45min of my time to do it.
 
Re: Tacticool bolt knobs......worth it or fad?

Worth it. Heres a sneak peak at one I just had done by Monteboy84



Shitty cell phone pic.

untitled-3.jpg
 
Re: Tacticool bolt knobs......worth it or fad?

Been running the factory knob for 15 years. Never noticed a problem.

HRF
 
Re: Tacticool bolt knobs......worth it or fad?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: boone</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Worth it. Heres a sneak peak at one I just had done by Monteboy84



Shitty cell phone pic.

untitled-3.jpg
</div></div>

Very nice!
 
Re: Tacticool bolt knobs......worth it or fad?

A bolt knob makes the bolt handle longer thus getting your hand farther away from the scope when you open and close the bolt. I ran factory bolts on my 700s for years. Now that Ive shot with a bolt knob, Ill just say the last 700 I bought new went from the dealer right to the smith to get a knob conv
 
Re: Tacticool bolt knobs......worth it or fad?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I'm foregoing getting the gun trued, as long as I can work up a load that'll shoot AT LEAST 1-1.5" groups at 200yds, consistently.</div></div>

Shouldn't have any trouble getting a factory gun to shoot at least 1-1.5" groups @ 200. Now if you're wanting it to shoot 1-1.5" at <span style="font-weight: bold">most</span>, now that's another story.
 
Re: Tacticool bolt knobs......worth it or fad?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: GSRswapandslow</div><div class="ubbcode-body"> as I'll just shoot this one single with a skorehigh follower </div></div>

in your situation, i wouldn't have a larger knob installed. for a single shot rifle, obviously speed isn't your priority. why create a big snag and increase the potential of breaking off the handle?
 
Re: Tacticool bolt knobs......worth it or fad?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: GSRswapandslow</div><div class="ubbcode-body">well....i guess I need to find someone to do mine now :-/

I want to get my barrel threaded at the same time....any suggestions? </div></div>

Take a look at Phoenix Custom Rifles. Turnaround is quick, work is OUTSTANDING!!! I had a full build with them earlier this year and am at 1/2" groups at 200 yds. My knob is a MAJOR improvement over the factory one. They are still quoting 2 day turnaround on knob installs. Brad and Keith are gtg.

http://www.snipershide.com/forum/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=2726767&nt=3&page=1
 
Re: Tacticool bolt knobs......worth it or fad?

X'3 on the KRG, best product going for the money. I have them on both my 700's.
 
Re: Tacticool bolt knobs......worth it or fad?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: gathumper</div><div class="ubbcode-body">X'3 on the KRG, best product going for the money. I have them on both my 700's.</div></div>

if they weren't so damn ugly, i would....
 
Re: Tacticool bolt knobs......worth it or fad?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Searcher</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: TakeOutBox</div><div class="ubbcode-body">after getting a badger ord knob threaded,the difference in comfort is night and day. </div></div>

I agree 100% This is a must do. Best of all, you can do it yourself. There is a great thread on the hide complete with pics. It motivated me enough to do my own. It turned out great and was simple. I would do it again in a heartbeat. VERY worthwhile! </div></div>

where is the pic thread?
 
Re: Tacticool bolt knobs......worth it or fad?

The first custom work on my 700 has been cautiously removing the knurling textture from the bolt handle,and I've never regretted it_ Thanks to the Hide forum,I've start thinking about a different bolt knob_ After mutilating the original and replacing it with a handmade bolt knob, at today I 'm very happy with the intervention, and I can only recommend it_
 
Re: Tacticool bolt knobs......worth it or fad?

I had my whole bolt handle replaced with a Holland's 'tactical" bolt handle, and I couldn't be happier. Accu-Tig did the whole thing cheaper than most smiths charge for a bolt knob and istall. I don't personally care for the big handles, but I do like the extra leverage the bigger knobs/longer handles provide. The other thing I liked was he was able to get the timing of my action tighter which helped with extraction.
 
Re: Tacticool bolt knobs......worth it or fad?

Install KRG Bolt Lift kit and problem solved..you have the custom knob for under 30 bucks and its removable.
 
Re: Tacticool bolt knobs......worth it or fad?

First...to answer the question. A tactical bolt knob makes running the bolt a lot easier but does catch on things if that is an issue. Not a fad, its for function.
Second. rkaires, that makes that rem look like an AI. I like it.
 
Re: Tacticool bolt knobs......worth it or fad?

a regular bolt know works just fine but a extended one works better. so yes, it is worth it.
 
Re: Tacticool bolt knobs......worth it or fad?

I voted no. I've been running a factory 700 bolt for over 10 years, and never a problem. There were some pics on here showing aftermarket bolt knobs snapped off from excessive/hard use. Lemme see you snap off a factory 700 bolt knob. I would rather spend the money on ammo.
 
Re: Tacticool bolt knobs......worth it or fad?

I've always shot with factory bolts and thought the tactical knobs were just for looks. Today I cycled a rifle with an oversized tactical knob and all I can say is I will be upgrading all my bolts. It felt better in the hand and made working the bolt easier.
 
Re: Tacticool bolt knobs......worth it or fad?

i'll be getting a KRG bolt knob on mine so if i decide i dont want/like it i can always sell it
 
Re: Tacticool bolt knobs......worth it or fad?

Bolt knobs are great for grip and rip, I installed one and found out I am more of a flip and slip bolt manipulator (flip the bolt up with index finger and cycle with three fingers.) The knob was great when the rifle was new, but now that it is broken in, "I" find no need for it.

I have a KRG on my 223 and it works out perfect, not purdy but effective and reversible.
 
Re: Tacticool bolt knobs......worth it or fad?

Just don`t get one too BIG. Alot of people is going with those huge DUMB looking knobs. I like a nice an oversized bolt knob but anything bigger than a Badger is retarded looking. I would prefer if the Badger was a tad bit smaller.
 
Re: Tacticool bolt knobs......worth it or fad?

My Team member and I have the same 700 sps tactical. Only diference is he has Badger ordinance knob. Its all personal prefernce but I like the Badger ord knob much more than the skinny factory knob.
 
Re: Tacticool bolt knobs......worth it or fad?

Worth it to me. A lot easier to manipulate the bolt on my sps tactical with the tactical knob.
 
Re: Tacticool bolt knobs......worth it or fad?

Recently installed a Badger Ordnance on the 700 I've been building for awhile. I think it was well worth it, I could manipulate the bolt faster and easier with the extra leverage the larger bolt knob provides.
 
Re: Tacticool bolt knobs......worth it or fad?

No you don't "NEED" one. The factory job works.

However if you WANT one, then get it. If you don't know, then get the KRG Bolt Lift and give it a swing. It's cheap if you don't like it, but I don't see any reason to swap out the one on my wife's rifle. I am considering another for one of my chassis equipped rifles.



<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: TakeOutBox</div><div class="ubbcode-body">the texture on the end of that 700 bolt handle is very harsh when im not wearing gloves.....</div></div>

That made me giggle a bit. I am far from a "tough guy" but I wear the finish off of the factory handles without any problems of blisters, etc. It's all about technique.
 
Re: Tacticool bolt knobs......worth it or fad?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: TakeOutBox</div><div class="ubbcode-body">the texture on the end of that 700 bolt handle is very harsh when im not wearing gloves. </div></div>

You need gloves to work the handle of a Rem 700?

Wow...I'm at a total loss here.....Yup.....I got nothing.