Why Bolt Action over Other Single Shot Configs?

[Papa Charlie]

So I know that this will probably be a stupid question and will generate some interesting replies, but here it goes.

All single shot competition target rifles are made in Bolt Action config. Why are the other configurations like Rolling or Drop Block not used. Seems like an action without a rotating bolt would be just as or not better than a bolt config. Is it due to the seating pressure that a bolt can apply or some other reason?

 

[Toolbreaker]

Just my opinion, but the basic design of a bolt action goes a long ways towards a safe means to run the higher-pressure loads such as those used in many competition rifles nowadays. Depending on the specific design, they offer a completely enclosed chamber to capture the cartridge and it's generated pressure, full-length lug abutments behind at least two bolt lugs to lock the bolt positively to the action, and most that I'm aware of have some type of port to redirect gasses away from the shooter in the event of a case failure. They also offer a good means to reload the rifle without completely breaking shooting position, as might be the case in a break-open or under-lever style rifle.

 

[savagedasher]

Bolt allows you to opean the action without move in the gun from the bags
. You have to use tall bags When not haveing a bolt
As far a shooting I don’t see one being better then the other . Larry

 

[GSPV]

Rigidity. Vibration isolation. Ability to handle high pressures.

 

[Mozella]

F-Class normally has a 22 minute time limit to fire two sighters and 20 shots for score. That's why there is a dearth of muzzle loaders on the firing line. They just take too much time to load compared with a bolt action. And, as others have mentioned, it's an advantage if you can leave the rifle in place on the rear bag and front rest or bipod for faster re-aiming.

As much as I love muzzle loaders, I really don't think they're going to catch on, in F-Class anyway.

EDITED TO POINT OUT THAT THIS IS A JOKE

 

[Papa Charlie]

F-Class normally has a 22 minute time limit to fire two sighters and 20 shots for score. That's why there is a dearth of muzzle loaders on the firing line. They just take too much time to load compared with a bolt action. And, as others have mentioned, it's an advantage if you can leave the rifle in place on the rear bag and front rest or bipod for faster re-aiming.

As much as I love muzzle loaders, I really don't think they're going to catch on, in F-Class anyway.

I was't referring to Muzzle Loaders, instead I meant the cartridge breach loaders with rolling or drop blocks.

I can see the logic in the bolt for not having to move the rifle as much or having it higher than would be comfortable to shoot.

 

[TimS]

I've often wondered the same. My rifles usually are multi purpose.

I like my 1885's because of longer barrels and shorter OAL.

 

[people]

Some actions almost require a two piece stock. A bolt action almost never needs a two piece stock.

 

[Toby Bradshaw]

Warren Page wrote about this in "The Accurate Rifle" (which is now out of print, I believe). Advantages of the turning bolt over falling/rolling block: consistent breeching, large bedding surface, rigidity, 1-piece stock (related to bedding), scope mounts on the action instead of the barrel.

 

[Papa Charlie]

Warren Page wrote about this in "The Accurate Rifle" (which is now out of print, I believe). Advantages of the turning bolt over falling/rolling block: consistent breeching, large bedding surface, rigidity, 1-piece stock (related to bedding), scope mounts on the action instead of the barrel.

Makes sense when spelled out.

Thanks everyone for posting.

 

[TRA]

I believe it was BAT that built some falling blocks along with a few others. As for the advantages listed above, they could all be incorporated into a falling block.

 

[XTR]

Even if you solve the one piece stock you still need to solve the lock time difference. The lock time on a turning bolt rifle is nearly insignificant. In most other configurations this is not the case.

 

[mongo chicago]

Bolt actions are generally EASIER and CHEAPER to perform the necessary alterations on for accuracy. Semi autos require more tune ups to maintain that accuracy. But that doesn't mean that the other actions can't be made accurate. I have a Ruger #1 in 6mm Rem. that I got a seven inch five shot group at one thousand yards. That was without any load tuning.

 

[4xforfun]

I can't remember where I saw it......at one of the 1000 yard IBS Nationals maybe...a few years ago...someone had a HG falling block leaver action. I think he did OK with it. It curtainly would help with bag manners IMO.

Tod

 

[Papa Charlie]

What do you mean by bag manner's.

 

[4xforfun]

What do you mean by bag manner's.

Many times working the bolt upsets the gun in the bags... pulling a lever straight down would minimize the torquing on the bags.

 

[Papa Charlie]

Interesting, it would seem that non bolt guns may have a place at the line. Wonder if it really boils down to the cost of refining there accuracy or just in their manufacturing.

 

[dkhunt14]

That falling block was built on a Hall. He won Nationals a couple of times. The downside is you got to have lower pressure because you dont have the camming shut or extraction leverage. Matt

 

[wiuprof]

I can't remember where I saw it......at one of the 1000 yard IBS Nationals maybe...a few years ago...someone had a HG falling block leaver action. I think he did OK with it. It curtainly would help with bag manners IMO.

Tod

Tod,
That was at Yukon, the year Henry Pasquet won it. I remember that you and Ed Nazy & I
talked about it. Somewhere in my photo archive, I've got some pics of it but can't find them!
Joe

 

[wapiti25]

Most single shots have lousy triggers. If you can do better with one go for it.