Ruger American bolt lifts TOO easily

[Danehunter]

Ruger designed their American line of bolt guns so there is a dual cam action for ease of bolt cycling. BUT... this permits the bolt to easily (and inadvertently) lift and open when carrying it. I've lost a cartridge carrying RAP in a Kifaru Gun Bearer. I looked down and there was the bolt, entirely open, and, naturally, no cartridge in the chamber. (I carry a cartridge in the chamber only when solo hunting.)

So, is there any fix for this? Maybe a Remington style "safety" lever that engages a hole drilled in the bolt to lock it in place? I realize this is one more item to manipulate before being able to work the bolt to take a second shot but I think it is necessary.

Eric B.

 

[Danehunter]

BUMP:

Would a stiffer firing pin spring help much?

Eric B.

 

[Gord0]

Sorry, got nothing for you. I'd just suggest leaving the chamber empty until ready to shoot. A 3 position safety is one feature that is really overlooked and something I love about my Savages.

 

[ShtrRdy]

People would love to have a lite weight bolt lift. If you're really wanting to increase the force it takes to lift the bolt you might try grinding away one of the cocking ramps - either on the cocking piece or the bolt body. ( I've not actually ever seen the design I'm just thinking what it might look like )

 

[Danehunter]

Guys,

I'm going to order a stiffer Wolf firing pin spring and see what happens. At least I'll have a faster lock time.
If that is not enough then I'll take it to my gunsmith and see what he thinks.

Eric B.

 

[ak7an]

I understand.. When I bought my daughter a Ruger American at our local Cabelas, I commented that the bolt opening with the safety on was kind of bass Ackwards.. The guy selling the rifle to me looked at me as if I had a third eyeball in my forehead.. I was shocked that Ruger would build a rifle like that.., But then again its a race to the bottom with these new style (and I use that term loosely)rifles..

 

[Garycrow]

..I commented that the bolt opening with the safety on was kind of bass Ackwards..

It's a liability thing. Remington 700's used to lock the bolt when on safe and you had to take the safety off to cycle the bolt. They changed that years ago to where they all will allow the bolt to open with the safety on. I guess the lawyers said there was too much chance of someone touching the trigger when the safety was off so they have to protect us from ourselves. Any rifle sold today that I can think of with a two position safety will allow the bolt to open with the safety on. The only ones I know of that lock the bolt any more have three position safeties.

I personally prefer the bolt to lock when the safety is on. My next preference is a three position safety but I'd rather have just two positions for the sake of simplicity.