Need some bolt action advice guys (gals)

T

twoblink

New member
OK, so for the past 2 months, I've been agonizing over weather to get a Tikka, or save my money for a Sako.

Here's the problem though, so I'll need some advice.

I am left handed. I originally was looking to get something like a Browning BAR, but the problem is the breach is clipped back a bit, and so the shell JUST misses my right eye (Insert: preach eye + ear protection here) it's a bit too close for comfort, so no semi-auto's. So we move on to bolt actions. I tried a few times at the store to work a Tikka. Smooth as Land O Lake butter. So I can manipulate it with my left hand (I think) at least in the store. What about under real conditions? I'm not so sure.

So... I had a thought today after reading one of the threads.

Should I go and spend about $100-$125 on a Marlin .22 bolt action first?

The reasoning I'm coming up with (and you guys correct me if it's flawed) OK, why should I blow $1200 on a Sako if I am not all that sure in the real world, I can manipulate a bolt action when I need to? If I'm going to try, then shouldn't I get something like a Marlin .22 (or some other .22 bolt) first, see if I like it, and can work it? If not, then I have a bolt action I spent $100 or so on. Won't kill me. $1250 without glass WILL kill my piggy bank however.

What do you guys think? Good idea, or just buy a Sako .243Win?

Assuming I do get a .22 bolt, aside from Marlin, any other recommendations? Remember, I'm aiming for low $$ but also decent quality.

Thanks!
Albert
 
From your post it sounds like you are trying to use regular right handed bolt action rifles. Is that true? You do know that left handed bolt action rifles exist don't you? My brother-in-law is left handed and uses a left handed Remington 700 in .270Win. You might try one of those. They surely don't cost $1200. I don't know where you are located, but perhaps someone would let you try their bolt gun to see how you do with it. You would certainly be welcome to try one of mine if you ever come to Utah. Best. Watch-Six
 
Yes, I'm trying to use a right handed bolt action. I do NOT want a left handed bolt action for 5 reasons:

1) My gf (or most anybody else) won't be able to use it
2) There's a premium on a left hander action
3) Hard to sell if you need to sell
4) Parts are hard to find
5) If you ever need to borrow someone else's rifle, chances are you won't know how to use it.

Going shooting this weekend, perhaps someone with a bolt action will let me try theirs. I'm in the belly of the beast, Kalifornia.

Albert
 
So for what you would spend on a Tikka, why don't you get TWO Savage 110s; one left-handed, and one right-handed?

Do your homework, shop around, and you should still have more than enough money to put decent glass on BOTH rifles, and still be under your Tikka/Sako price.
 
how are the savage .22 bolt's?

If you had to buy a .22 bolt action and put a $150 price cap, which wyould you get? Savage, or Marlin?

The Rugers are way too $$$$.



Are the Savage 110's are buttery smooth as the Tikka's? How about accuracy?

Albert
 
Savage's are fine accuracy wise, rougher on the bolt travel.

A good friend is a lefty and shoots his right handed rifle from the left shoulder. He manipulates the bolt with his right hand. He never breaks his cheek weld or firing grip, just brings his right hand off the fore end and runs the bolt. I was intrigued enough to try a left hand rifle his way. You have to have the strength to hold the rifle up with your firing hand, but it's pretty fast and has some real advantages.

Giz
 
Bolt rifle...

Couple thoughts...guess I'm a little confused as to why you couldn't use a bolt, right or left. Tens of millions of soldiers used them for years.

If you're not sure right now, get something used. My local dealer has a nice Rem 700 30-06 CHEAP because it's a lefty. Nice set-up w/ scope, rings, sling.

Check pawn shops (my favorite), want-ads, trader papers. Depends on how big a hurry you're in and how particular about brand and caliber, but you can save a lot of money if you take your time and let the first guy takes the "out-the-door" loss.

If I remember correctly, some lever actions eject out the bottom. It would have to be older and wouldn't be as purty, but hey, depends on the need.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top