I was recently showing a friend some of my rifles and he came up with a question that had never ocurred to me, as simple as it is. Why do so many early bolt action rifles have a straight bolt handle, and not a bent one?
I can imagine that one answer would be for cost and time of production issues, but is there any other reason? Also, it seems that American and British weapons had bent bolts fairly early on. Why did the Mausers, Arisakas and Mosins retain the straight handle for so long? The advantages of a bent bolt are obvious. At least, to me. Is there another reason/advantage to retaining a straight bolt handle?
Thanks,
John
I can imagine that one answer would be for cost and time of production issues, but is there any other reason? Also, it seems that American and British weapons had bent bolts fairly early on. Why did the Mausers, Arisakas and Mosins retain the straight handle for so long? The advantages of a bent bolt are obvious. At least, to me. Is there another reason/advantage to retaining a straight bolt handle?
Thanks,
John