Gunsmithing Savage trigger bolt release, switch to old?

[Hawk45]

So I'm wanting to upgrade my magazine system and nothing I have found is compatible with the new bolt release that has been moved to the trigger guard instead of on top of the receiver where it's been for years (why do they keep doing these things).

Is there a way to change the sear/bolt release back to the old version?

 

[geargrinder]

Re: Savage trigger bolt release, switch to old?

You'd have to grind the side of the action off where the old style bolt release lever is.

They did it to save money. Less machining.

 

[Hawk45]

Re: Savage trigger bolt release, switch to old?

Yeah, I just noticed that after going and looking again. Man, how much did they save? I'd pony up the extra $5. I keep buying Savage, but I think all these changes they always make are their major downfall.

 

[bodywerks]

Re: Savage trigger bolt release, switch to old?

Yes it can be easily done, so to speak. You need to order the old style sear or get someone with mad TIG skills to weld a top bolt release onto your existing sear. Then, preferably, mill about .080" off the side of the receiver. I guess you can grind it also but be careful about heat build up.
I am dong exactly this to a rifle I'm having built by PCR. I am ordering the old style sear though instead of modifying the existing one (only because i don't have it anymore!
Also, just for your information, CDI DOES MAKE BOTTOM METAL FOR THE NEW STYLE BOLT RELEASE. Give them a call if you prefer not to do any shade tree gunsmithing...

 

[Hawk45]

Re: Savage trigger bolt release, switch to old?

I've been emailing with Jeff at CDI and forgot to tell him about the new bolt release. If they do make a version that has the new b olt release I'm all over it. I have Jeff's bottom metal in 2 of my other rifles.

Cheers,
John

 

[jsthntn247]

Re: Savage trigger bolt release, switch to old?

CDI makes bottome metal for the bottom bolt release guns. They put a tab in the trigger gurard similar to remington.

 

[Hawk45]

Re: Savage trigger bolt release, switch to old?

Excellent! I'll be ordering one up. Thanks everyone!