I have a 300wbymag and a rem. .270. Both were my grandfather's. He taught me to take to bolts out of the rifles and take the pressure of off the firing spring to store. I'd like to know your thoughts on this?? Keep doing it or am I wasting my time?? If keep doing it should I start doing it with my stevens 200?? Thank you!!
uncocking the bolt??
- Thread starter Bryan W M
- Start date
Re: uncocking the bolt??
I always hold the trigger down and let the bolt down, can't hurt to take pressure off of the springs.
I always hold the trigger down and let the bolt down, can't hurt to take pressure off of the springs.
Re: uncocking the bolt??
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: arrowslinger</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I always hold the trigger down and let the bolt down, can't hurt to take pressure off of the springs. </div></div>
I do this most of the time too. There are rifles that have been cocked their entire lives and still function fine, but I feel better letting the pressure off the springs. To the OP, how are you re-cocking the bolt before you put it back in the rifle? That is usually a real PITA to do.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: arrowslinger</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I always hold the trigger down and let the bolt down, can't hurt to take pressure off of the springs. </div></div>
I do this most of the time too. There are rifles that have been cocked their entire lives and still function fine, but I feel better letting the pressure off the springs. To the OP, how are you re-cocking the bolt before you put it back in the rifle? That is usually a real PITA to do.
Re: uncocking the bolt??
I dont know nuttin about the spring, but I do know ya better do as Grandpa tells ya!
I dont know nuttin about the spring, but I do know ya better do as Grandpa tells ya!
Re: uncocking the bolt??
It is unnecessary and does not effect the longevity of the part.
Remember that part you are grabbing a hold of to cock and de-cock the bolt is critical to the weapon functioning properly.
I suggest just leaving it alone. If you have to store the bolt out of the rifle, then just take it out and leave it be. If you really have to store it with the pin decocked, then clear the rifle and pull the trigger.
I can't tell you how much BS has been passed from generation to generation because no one has wanted to question Daddy or Grandpappy. Lord knows my kids are experienced at asking "why" and if I don't know why...I find out.
It is unnecessary and does not effect the longevity of the part.
Remember that part you are grabbing a hold of to cock and de-cock the bolt is critical to the weapon functioning properly.
I suggest just leaving it alone. If you have to store the bolt out of the rifle, then just take it out and leave it be. If you really have to store it with the pin decocked, then clear the rifle and pull the trigger.
I can't tell you how much BS has been passed from generation to generation because no one has wanted to question Daddy or Grandpappy. Lord knows my kids are experienced at asking "why" and if I don't know why...I find out.
Re: uncocking the bolt??
on my 700 i pull the bolt out if the gun put it in case, ive all ways done it that way if their in case, same as in safe i remove the bolt their a small box i put them in
on my 700 i pull the bolt out if the gun put it in case, ive all ways done it that way if their in case, same as in safe i remove the bolt their a small box i put them in
Re: uncocking the bolt??
We store our rifles in 2 safes. The bolts/magazines for the rifles are stored in the opposite safe to where the rest of the rifle is stored. Even the break-open shotgun is stored in pieces in separate safes.
Only our Winchester 94' in .30-30 is fully operable, and it sports a beefcake of a trigger lock on it at all times.
And of course, all ammo is kept in the opposite safe to the gun it's designed for.
As for decocking the bolts, it's a personal choice. I do it on all of them except the Ruger (it's a pain to reset, the Tikkas, Enfields and CZ's are pretty easy). It doesn't hurt to decock them, so i figured why not. But i'm well aware that you can store them (and have done so) cocked for many many years without doing any harm to the spring.
We store our rifles in 2 safes. The bolts/magazines for the rifles are stored in the opposite safe to where the rest of the rifle is stored. Even the break-open shotgun is stored in pieces in separate safes.
Only our Winchester 94' in .30-30 is fully operable, and it sports a beefcake of a trigger lock on it at all times.
And of course, all ammo is kept in the opposite safe to the gun it's designed for.
As for decocking the bolts, it's a personal choice. I do it on all of them except the Ruger (it's a pain to reset, the Tikkas, Enfields and CZ's are pretty easy). It doesn't hurt to decock them, so i figured why not. But i'm well aware that you can store them (and have done so) cocked for many many years without doing any harm to the spring.
Re: uncocking the bolt??
From my understanding, the wear on springs is caused by actual use of them, as in firing then cocking. Then again it may differ from different spring construction ie flat springs like in mags or coiled springs like the fp spring.
From my understanding, the wear on springs is caused by actual use of them, as in firing then cocking. Then again it may differ from different spring construction ie flat springs like in mags or coiled springs like the fp spring.
Re: uncocking the bolt??
I have heard this from time to time and it is usually because the owner is putting it away wet, with oil in the bore and does not want the oil to get into the bolt and trigger. I have also heard of storing rifles muzzle down this way. I don’t do either...
I have heard this from time to time and it is usually because the owner is putting it away wet, with oil in the bore and does not want the oil to get into the bolt and trigger. I have also heard of storing rifles muzzle down this way. I don’t do either...
Re: uncocking the bolt??
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: 308and300wbymag</div><div class="ubbcode-body"> I have a 300wbymag and a rem. .270. Both were my grandfather's. He taught me to take to bolts out of the rifles and take the pressure of off the firing spring to store. I'd like to know your thoughts on this?? Keep doing it or am I wasting my time?? If keep doing it should I start doing it with my stevens 200?? Thank you!! </div></div>
Keep the bolt in, that way you wont misplace it. have no idea why taking the bolt out while storing it would be a good idea.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: 308and300wbymag</div><div class="ubbcode-body"> I have a 300wbymag and a rem. .270. Both were my grandfather's. He taught me to take to bolts out of the rifles and take the pressure of off the firing spring to store. I'd like to know your thoughts on this?? Keep doing it or am I wasting my time?? If keep doing it should I start doing it with my stevens 200?? Thank you!! </div></div>
Keep the bolt in, that way you wont misplace it. have no idea why taking the bolt out while storing it would be a good idea.
D
dappmgmt
Guest
Re: uncocking the bolt??
I store my rifles with the bolts removed and stored separately. Both are locked and stored in the same location every time so little risk of misplacement. I have young children and think you can never be too safe. That's why it's a good idea for me.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: JGorski</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: 308and300wbymag</div><div class="ubbcode-body"> I have a 300wbymag and a rem. .270. Both were my grandfather's. He taught me to take to bolts out of the rifles and take the pressure of off the firing spring to store. I'd like to know your thoughts on this?? Keep doing it or am I wasting my time?? If keep doing it should I start doing it with my stevens 200?? Thank you!! </div></div>
Keep the bolt in, that way you wont misplace it. have no idea why taking the bolt out while storing it would be a good idea.</div></div>
I store my rifles with the bolts removed and stored separately. Both are locked and stored in the same location every time so little risk of misplacement. I have young children and think you can never be too safe. That's why it's a good idea for me.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: JGorski</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: 308and300wbymag</div><div class="ubbcode-body"> I have a 300wbymag and a rem. .270. Both were my grandfather's. He taught me to take to bolts out of the rifles and take the pressure of off the firing spring to store. I'd like to know your thoughts on this?? Keep doing it or am I wasting my time?? If keep doing it should I start doing it with my stevens 200?? Thank you!! </div></div>
Keep the bolt in, that way you wont misplace it. have no idea why taking the bolt out while storing it would be a good idea.</div></div>
Re: uncocking the bolt??
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: jerseymike</div><div class="ubbcode-body">From my understanding, the wear on springs is caused by actual use of them, as in firing then cocking. Then again it may differ from different spring construction ie flat springs like in mags or coiled springs like the fp spring. </div></div>
This is 100% correct holding a spring in position within its elastic range (where it will not be permanently deformed) will not wear the spring, however cycling the spring will over time cause it to weaken.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: jerseymike</div><div class="ubbcode-body">From my understanding, the wear on springs is caused by actual use of them, as in firing then cocking. Then again it may differ from different spring construction ie flat springs like in mags or coiled springs like the fp spring. </div></div>
This is 100% correct holding a spring in position within its elastic range (where it will not be permanently deformed) will not wear the spring, however cycling the spring will over time cause it to weaken.
Re: uncocking the bolt??
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: AKayl</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: jerseymike</div><div class="ubbcode-body">From my understanding, the wear on springs is caused by actual use of them, as in firing then cocking. Then again it may differ from different spring construction ie flat springs like in mags or coiled springs like the fp spring. </div></div>
This is 100% correct holding a spring in position within its elastic range (where it will not be permanently deformed) will not wear the spring, however cycling the spring will over time cause it to weaken. </div></div>
Well that is a relief. I have always wondered if springs have a shelf life when left compressed. Thanks for the info.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: AKayl</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: jerseymike</div><div class="ubbcode-body">From my understanding, the wear on springs is caused by actual use of them, as in firing then cocking. Then again it may differ from different spring construction ie flat springs like in mags or coiled springs like the fp spring. </div></div>
This is 100% correct holding a spring in position within its elastic range (where it will not be permanently deformed) will not wear the spring, however cycling the spring will over time cause it to weaken. </div></div>
Well that is a relief. I have always wondered if springs have a shelf life when left compressed. Thanks for the info.
Re: uncocking the bolt??
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: dappmgmt</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I have young children and think you can never be too safe. That's why it's a good idea for me. </div></div>
Gun-proof the child. It works much better than the other way around.
You guys WAY over think this stuff.
A couple hundred years ago you hung your shot and powder WITH your rifle. Some of us still do.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: dappmgmt</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I have young children and think you can never be too safe. That's why it's a good idea for me. </div></div>
Gun-proof the child. It works much better than the other way around.
You guys WAY over think this stuff.
A couple hundred years ago you hung your shot and powder WITH your rifle. Some of us still do.
Re: uncocking the bolt??
Items in locked storage should be safe from children. We accomplish this by ensuring the child understands there are significant social disadvantages to trying to defeat such locks.
I have rifles that have 'identical' bolts, and therefore I make a serious effort to keep them from getting mixed up. My bolts usually only come out when being cleaned, and I only handle one gun and loose bolt at a time to ensure no mixups. I may also remove a bolt at the bench to better ensure safe rifles while folks are downrange.
Otherwise, after ensuring an empty magazine and chamber, I lower the bolt handle while depressing the trigger to decock the bolt/relax the striker spring; and store the rifle with the bolt inserted and closed, to keep foreign matter, etc. away from the rifle's interior.
If there is solvent, etc., in the bore, the rifle is stored muzzle and sights down, to keep any potentially offending fluids out of the trigger mechanism.
Greg
Items in locked storage should be safe from children. We accomplish this by ensuring the child understands there are significant social disadvantages to trying to defeat such locks.
I have rifles that have 'identical' bolts, and therefore I make a serious effort to keep them from getting mixed up. My bolts usually only come out when being cleaned, and I only handle one gun and loose bolt at a time to ensure no mixups. I may also remove a bolt at the bench to better ensure safe rifles while folks are downrange.
Otherwise, after ensuring an empty magazine and chamber, I lower the bolt handle while depressing the trigger to decock the bolt/relax the striker spring; and store the rifle with the bolt inserted and closed, to keep foreign matter, etc. away from the rifle's interior.
If there is solvent, etc., in the bore, the rifle is stored muzzle and sights down, to keep any potentially offending fluids out of the trigger mechanism.
Greg
D
dappmgmt
Guest
Re: uncocking the bolt??
Couldn't agree more...but with 6, 5, 3 and 1 year old boys the learning curve is a bit different for each.
Hang your shot and powder anywhere you like. People, especially kids, do stupid shit sometimes and I'm not taking any chances.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: LoneWolfUSMC</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: dappmgmt</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I have young children and think you can never be too safe. That's why it's a good idea for me. </div></div>
Gun-proof the child. It works much better than the other way around.
You guys WAY over think this stuff.
A couple hundred years ago you hung your shot and powder WITH your rifle. Some of us still do.</div></div>
Couldn't agree more...but with 6, 5, 3 and 1 year old boys the learning curve is a bit different for each.
Hang your shot and powder anywhere you like. People, especially kids, do stupid shit sometimes and I'm not taking any chances.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: LoneWolfUSMC</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: dappmgmt</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I have young children and think you can never be too safe. That's why it's a good idea for me. </div></div>
Gun-proof the child. It works much better than the other way around.
You guys WAY over think this stuff.
A couple hundred years ago you hung your shot and powder WITH your rifle. Some of us still do.</div></div>
Re: uncocking the bolt??
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: arrowslinger</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I always hold the trigger down and let the bolt down, can't hurt to take pressure off of the springs. </div></div>
I am new to all of this and I am intrigued by this ... I always assumed that , when you cock the bolt and lower it and then pull the trigger the spring is released and relaxed ; maybe it remains a little bit under pressure , but in a negligible portion ...
Holding the trigger down while letting the bolt down... What does it do on my Savage 10FCP ? Thanks...
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: arrowslinger</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I always hold the trigger down and let the bolt down, can't hurt to take pressure off of the springs. </div></div>
I am new to all of this and I am intrigued by this ... I always assumed that , when you cock the bolt and lower it and then pull the trigger the spring is released and relaxed ; maybe it remains a little bit under pressure , but in a negligible portion ...
Holding the trigger down while letting the bolt down... What does it do on my Savage 10FCP ? Thanks...
Re: uncocking the bolt??
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: dappmgmt</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Couldn't agree more...but with 6, 5, 3 and 1 year old boys the learning curve is a bit different for each.</div></div>
Teach, then trust buy verify.
If you have a one year old capable of loading and readying an unsecured long gun, then you really have something. Three is still pushing it. My four year old can't slingshot a bolt, rack a pump or lock down a bolt. When my oldest was five, he was shooting with me and knew the implications of live weapons and the pain and suffering that would befall him should I catch him doing something he shouldn't.
When my oldest was two, we did a little experiment with him. We unloaded a handgun, verified that it was safe and clear. We then left it on the ground in an area of the house he plays in. He didn't know we were watching him. He saw the handgun and immediately ran to get us. In fact he scolded me for leaving my handgun out.
Both of my boys have known that if they want to see/handle/etc. any of our guns they just need to ask. There has never been any need for them to "sneak" into the guns.
Maybe I am just old-fashioned in that I instill respect and discipline in my children and then expect that they will make the appropriate decisions.
In the end it is for you to make appropriate decisions concerning your family. However I can tell you that many of the gun/kid "accidents" occur because kids feel the need to explore what is off-limits. It is impossible to ensure that they are always protected from what could harm them. Lord knows I have recovered enough firearms from alleys, playgrounds, trash cans, etc.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: dappmgmt</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Couldn't agree more...but with 6, 5, 3 and 1 year old boys the learning curve is a bit different for each.</div></div>
Teach, then trust buy verify.
If you have a one year old capable of loading and readying an unsecured long gun, then you really have something. Three is still pushing it. My four year old can't slingshot a bolt, rack a pump or lock down a bolt. When my oldest was five, he was shooting with me and knew the implications of live weapons and the pain and suffering that would befall him should I catch him doing something he shouldn't.
When my oldest was two, we did a little experiment with him. We unloaded a handgun, verified that it was safe and clear. We then left it on the ground in an area of the house he plays in. He didn't know we were watching him. He saw the handgun and immediately ran to get us. In fact he scolded me for leaving my handgun out.
Both of my boys have known that if they want to see/handle/etc. any of our guns they just need to ask. There has never been any need for them to "sneak" into the guns.
Maybe I am just old-fashioned in that I instill respect and discipline in my children and then expect that they will make the appropriate decisions.
In the end it is for you to make appropriate decisions concerning your family. However I can tell you that many of the gun/kid "accidents" occur because kids feel the need to explore what is off-limits. It is impossible to ensure that they are always protected from what could harm them. Lord knows I have recovered enough firearms from alleys, playgrounds, trash cans, etc.
D
dappmgmt
Guest
Re: uncocking the bolt??
Good counsel.
I've heard of others that have taken the same approach of leaving an unloaded weapon lying around to see what would happen. Personally not a tactic I'd employ but as you said it is for the individual parents to make that call.
This is not about creating the impression that the guns are the "forbidden fruit". Its just good safety protocol. My two older boys know if they want to see one of the guns all they have to do is ask, well, ask and be able to tell me the rules of safe gun handling. My oldest is ready now, but we've decided he can start shooting with me in another year or two. For the others it will be the same - whenever they demonstrate they're ready plus some time.
Admittedly, I get a bit frustrated with the entirely overused sentiment that instilling respect, disciplining your children or expecting them to make appropriate decisions somehow qualifies a person as old fashioned or the implication that those who are not old fashioned don't do the same. I am most certainly not old fashioned (we're having a virtual conversation over 1000s miles on a gun forum - fairly certain that's a disqualifier) but most certainly do expect all of those things from my children whether pertaining to guns or not.
I apologize to the OP for taking this so far off topic and will respectfully bow out of the conversation at this point but I'm fairly certainly locking up my guns is a sound practice regardless of how much respect my boys have for them.
Good counsel.
I've heard of others that have taken the same approach of leaving an unloaded weapon lying around to see what would happen. Personally not a tactic I'd employ but as you said it is for the individual parents to make that call.
This is not about creating the impression that the guns are the "forbidden fruit". Its just good safety protocol. My two older boys know if they want to see one of the guns all they have to do is ask, well, ask and be able to tell me the rules of safe gun handling. My oldest is ready now, but we've decided he can start shooting with me in another year or two. For the others it will be the same - whenever they demonstrate they're ready plus some time.
Admittedly, I get a bit frustrated with the entirely overused sentiment that instilling respect, disciplining your children or expecting them to make appropriate decisions somehow qualifies a person as old fashioned or the implication that those who are not old fashioned don't do the same. I am most certainly not old fashioned (we're having a virtual conversation over 1000s miles on a gun forum - fairly certain that's a disqualifier) but most certainly do expect all of those things from my children whether pertaining to guns or not.
I apologize to the OP for taking this so far off topic and will respectfully bow out of the conversation at this point but I'm fairly certainly locking up my guns is a sound practice regardless of how much respect my boys have for them.
Re: uncocking the bolt??
since it went off topic ill go off topic. when i was 12 or 13 i knew gun safty in and out but one of my friends did he was at my house and took a few .22 rounds that shouldve been locked up. his mom found the before they got washed in his pockets. I dont know if it would go off in the dryer or not but dont want to find out.
since it went off topic ill go off topic. when i was 12 or 13 i knew gun safty in and out but one of my friends did he was at my house and took a few .22 rounds that shouldve been locked up. his mom found the before they got washed in his pockets. I dont know if it would go off in the dryer or not but dont want to find out.
Re: uncocking the bolt??
Well, just because you ain't using it, does that mean you need to keep your pecker hard all the time???
Well, just because you ain't using it, does that mean you need to keep your pecker hard all the time???
Re: uncocking the bolt??
What, you mean you don't do that?
If anything I just hold the trigger and let it cock down. Doesn't really matter, nothing is going to happen to it while in the safe.
What, you mean you don't do that?
If anything I just hold the trigger and let it cock down. Doesn't really matter, nothing is going to happen to it while in the safe.
Re: uncocking the bolt??
No, I don't but wish I could, but I wouldn't.
Never no need to over torque the engine if ya don't have to.
Guys, metal does have a memory. The probability of leaving the firing pin spring in a state of readiness and reducing its effectiveness does exist, but it remotely marginal, at best.
It's just that I've always subscribed to the hypothesis that, if there is no reason for force to be applied, then do not apply the force, or relieve it.
If one were to leave the spring in a cocked position for a couple of hundred years, it might have an effect upon the discharge capacity of the weapon based upon a weakend spring.
Thing here is that so many people get into so many pissing contests about things that, given the life span of the average man, will never, never have any consequence or affect upon their lives, be shooting or whatever.
It's just that my piss smells stronger than your piss.
Enjoy the contest.
No, I don't but wish I could, but I wouldn't.
Never no need to over torque the engine if ya don't have to.
Guys, metal does have a memory. The probability of leaving the firing pin spring in a state of readiness and reducing its effectiveness does exist, but it remotely marginal, at best.
It's just that I've always subscribed to the hypothesis that, if there is no reason for force to be applied, then do not apply the force, or relieve it.
If one were to leave the spring in a cocked position for a couple of hundred years, it might have an effect upon the discharge capacity of the weapon based upon a weakend spring.
Thing here is that so many people get into so many pissing contests about things that, given the life span of the average man, will never, never have any consequence or affect upon their lives, be shooting or whatever.
It's just that my piss smells stronger than your piss.
Enjoy the contest.
Re: uncocking the bolt??
I sell me pee on the black market then buy another firing pin if I'm really concerned for a couple bucks and problem is re-solved at that point.
I sell me pee on the black market then buy another firing pin if I'm really concerned for a couple bucks and problem is re-solved at that point.
Re: uncocking the bolt??
Ask yourself this....do you put your car up on jack stands at the end of a drive?
Springs wear out from cycling, not from staying compressed.
Ask yourself this....do you put your car up on jack stands at the end of a drive?
Springs wear out from cycling, not from staying compressed.
Re: uncocking the bolt??
I had an HS rifle that sat with the bolt removed and stored for 8 years this way. With the bolt removed the firing spring is pretty much fully compressed. Needless to say the rifle would not detonate Military issue ammo and commercial ammo was questionable. After a trip back to HS the returned bolt has positive ignition and the comparison of the old firing pin hits versus new was very clear the spring had lessened over time. I Always drop the hammer on every firearm before it enters the safe plain and simple.
I had an HS rifle that sat with the bolt removed and stored for 8 years this way. With the bolt removed the firing spring is pretty much fully compressed. Needless to say the rifle would not detonate Military issue ammo and commercial ammo was questionable. After a trip back to HS the returned bolt has positive ignition and the comparison of the old firing pin hits versus new was very clear the spring had lessened over time. I Always drop the hammer on every firearm before it enters the safe plain and simple.
Re: uncocking the bolt??
Most of my guns are stored loaded and ready for battle, placed around my house in covert locations, easily usable at a moments notice, like they were designed for.
Most of my guns are stored loaded and ready for battle, placed around my house in covert locations, easily usable at a moments notice, like they were designed for.
