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Bolt action pistols

nakneker

nakneker

Gold $$ Contributor
Ive never owned a bolt action pistol. I've been intrigued by them and since roaming around this site I've seen some really nice pictures of custom bolt action pistols, Preacher and his rigs come to mind. Is there a website dedicated to bolt action pistols that is in depth with its info? I'm thinking of building a small center fire pistol and would like to avoid as many mistakes as possible. Just curious if there's something out there that might help in this regard.
 
Saw an episode of Shooting Gallery on the Remington custom shop and it was showing a 40XP that's now available from the custom shop. I looked on their website, but didn't see any reference to it though. Probably better off building what you want.
 
luckyshot52 said:
Best bet is a left bolt for right handed shooters.
Click to expand...
OR, if you're a "lefty", the Remington XP 100 or the XP 100R (repeater) was made for you. :cool:
Left hand has/keeps control of the stock and your free right hand works the bolt and feeds ammo. Best of both worlds.:D

I'am right handed but I set up a right hand BR thumb hole stock with a left hand action. Free left hand works the bolt and feeds ammo while your right hand keeps control of the stock. No reaching "across" to work the bolt like lefty's do shooting right hand rigs.;) Couldn't feel more natural.
Only problem (?), it sure seems strange going back to the right hand action rig to take your right hand off the stock to work the bolt after doing the lefty thing.o_O
 
I had a Wichita Mk 40 in 7mm IHMSA. It had all the needed features for silhouette shooting. The left bolt, left port allowed you to never change your grip during a string. The rear sight had a four position detented adjustment (each detent was adjustable) for the chickens, pigs, turkeys and rams. The windage was on the front sight, and was seldom used. I won the 1986 IHMSA Missouri State Unlimited championship with that gun (then I retired).

The left bolt, left port is preferable, but not necessary, it just saves all that fumbling around when reloading. When you say you want to "build a small centerfire pistol" do you mean small in size, or small in caliber?

The 7 IHMSA was great for knocking down those 70 pound rams, I used a 160 gr bullet, but if I built one today, and wasn't shooting rams, I would probably go for a 6 BR with a no turn neck. Just buy brass and load it, no screwing around with a wildcat caliber. Larger calibers and really hot loads are no fun with a pistol, being able to hit small targets at 200 to 300 yards IS fun.
pic from Wichita's website.
WichitaMK40Pistol.jpg
 
Wichita is the way to go. Lots of competition history behind them. I owned a International model 7/30 Waters. Shot 200 yd rams at 200 meters w 150gr lead GC bullet. A hit anyplace was a down target. Favorite hunting gun in the day. Also had bolt 600 308 and Mod 7 243.
 
If I were to build a bolt pistol I'd go with a left hand bolt & magazine feed. When you add a scope to a single shot right hand bolt you still have to reach over the scope and around to feed cartridges. This is kind of like using your left hand to reach around your right hip to scratch your butt. ..................... Of course the Wichita MK-40 action would give similar results W/O magazine but you'd still need to drill for scope mounts. ............ Anschutz exemplar had the best designed action for this example and I believe they came in center fire configuration in smallish cartridges......... Just did a search and they came in 22 Hornet. Found one on Gunbroker for $800
 
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powderbrake said:
I had a Wichita Mk 40 in 7mm IHMSA. It had all the needed features for silhouette shooting. The left bolt, left port allowed you to never change your grip during a string. The rear sight had a four position detented adjustment (each detent was adjustable) for the chickens, pigs, turkeys and rams. The windage was on the front sight, and was seldom used. I won the 1986 IHMSA Missouri State Unlimited championship with that gun (then I retired).

The left bolt, left port is preferable, but not necessary, it just saves all that fumbling around when reloading. When you say you want to "build a small centerfire pistol" do you mean small in size, or small in caliber?

The 7 IHMSA was great for knocking down those 70 pound rams, I used a 160 gr bullet, but if I built one today, and wasn't shooting rams, I would probably go for a 6 BR with a no turn neck. Just buy brass and load it, no screwing around with a wildcat caliber. Larger calibers and really hot loads are no fun with a pistol, being able to hit small targets at 200 to 300 yards IS fun.
pic from Wichita's website.
View attachment 1010194
Click to expand...
Sorry for the late reply and thanks for the information. What you describe makes sense. When I say small I mean a small caliber. I was thinking somewhere between 223 and 6BR. Probably a 6BR since I have everything needed and tons of brass, bullets and powders.

That pistol looks awesome by the way!
 
nakneker said:
Sorry for the late reply and thanks for the information. What you describe makes sense. When I say small I mean a small caliber. I was thinking somewhere between 223 and 6BR. Probably a 6BR since I have everything needed and tons of brass, bullets and powders.

That pistol looks awesome by the way!
Click to expand...
I have an extra 1:8 twist 6mm Brux 15" 1.25" diameter barrel for sale would make an awesome br!!!!
 
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