Thread: T/CR22 bolt hold open... why?

Originally Posted by Ben Waimata

Interesting. I guess this comes down to how we use our rifles. I've had the same 10/22 for over 35 years now, right back at the beginning I got into the habit of keeping the mag full all the time, even 1 shot at a rabbit, first thing I do is remove the mag and loaded round, reload the mag and re-insert. I've shot with people who rely on safety catch and not reloading until their mags are empty, but I don't like that technique (and I usually only go out with them once only). Too many times I've come across a group of hares etc and needed every round in my mag., no advantage in ever having a less than full mag in my opinion, and no excuse for carrying a semi auto with one up the spout except in exceptional circumstances. Also my shooting is more along the lines of 'lead in the air' rather than pride in shot placement, all I'm trying to do is pest control, I've seen hares do $2000/night in damage to young tree seedlings so even emptying a full 10rds (or 15rds as it was) at one is a very good investment compared to letting them get away. I guess for other people the bolt hold open might be an advantage, for me, counting to 10 is not a big deal.

Totally get that. I use the clear magazines in my 10/22 and just pull them out and top them off once I have had a shoot, or I got in the habit of just putting a fresh magazine in after I had shot a six or so rounds off and topping off the partial one later on.

I do prefer the bolt hold open if i can get it as I was personally used to it on my old semi centerfires and I have had a couple of times where I have been caught on an empty chamber with my 10/22 when something has popped it's head up after I have just been shooting (and I haven't realised my magazine is totally empty).

You are right though, it is just what you are used to personally and how you manage your magazines/rifle.