Thread: Sako 75 halfcock

Greetings Again,
Thanks to Tentman and 10-Ring for your likes. This morning I read through the current Arms Code 2013 on line to check what is actually in it these days. The relevant parts are mostly unchanged since 1990. The code talks about using a half open action for bolt rifles when game has been sighted or it is expected to be sighted (flushed) at any moment. I don't know about you but for me this covers pretty much all active hunting. Later the code acknowledges that half open is not always practical. For these times the code recommends loading the chamber and controlling muzzle direction. No mention of using the safety catch. For semi auto rifles the a loaded chamber with a previously tested safety catch applied is recommended in lieu of half open bolt.

Half open bolt. This position is described in the Code as the cartridge partly in the chamber with the action half open. In a Lee Enfield there are two distinct movements to close the action from here, forward against the resistance to cock the firing mechanism and then down to lock the action. This works reasonably well with the .303 but not with the Mauser type actions.

Part open bolt. This is the position where the cartridge is fully in the chamber and the bolt partly closed. This seems to be the position used by many today. In this position only downward pressure on the bolt handle is needed to close the bolt. The firing mechanism is already cocked. This position has never been recommended in the arms code in spite of what some may think. It is definitely not as safe as the half open action above and in my opinion much less safe than a previously tested safety catch.

It does concern me that many are using part open bolt as a safe position for hunting, believing that it is recommended practice when this is not the case. The arms code is currently under review and we would hope that this lack of clarity in what is other wise excellent booklet may be addressed. I'm not holding my breath.

Regards Grandpamac.