Author Topic: T/C Butter Knife Bolt Handle (Read 5761 times)

Zachary · « **on:** July 03, 2007, 07:51:35 AM »

With regards to the new Thompson Center (T/C) ICON, I personally hated that butter knife bolt handle it has. I know that TC is not the only manufacturer that has a butter knife handle, and I also know that TC's ICON has a tool that will allow you to quickly replace it with a more traditional bolt handle. Still, I had been wondering just how many people out there agree with me. Well, on another topic, Graybeard mentioned how he believes that T/C will find out that not too many people like the butter knife bolt, and that gave me an idea to run this poll. Keep in mind that, although this topic is titled "T/C" butter knife, I guess that it can apply to any manufacturer that has butter knife bolt handles.

So, do you guys like the butter knife bolt handle as seen on the new T/C Icon?

Zachary

Graybeard · « **Reply #1 on:** July 03, 2007, 12:38:20 PM »

To my eyes they are UGLY and totally impractical for real world use. I'm not aware of any rifle with one that has ever been very successful in the market place.

R.W.Dale · « **Reply #2 on:** July 03, 2007, 01:21:36 PM »

I rather like them in the proper applications. Using one isn't really any different than using a traditional bolt knob

nomosendero · « **Reply #3 on:** July 03, 2007, 01:26:01 PM »

I would not want it. It looks neat, but the old Mausers I have handled with them did not feel too good in operation. To me it is a non issue because the bolt handles are to be replaceable, therefor should have no impact one way or another. The bedding system on the Icon though looks great for an accurate platform, better than the HS Pre. design & I have a couple of those. I like the TC MUCH more than the new S&W & the TC accuracy guar.

Slamfire · « **Reply #4 on:** July 03, 2007, 10:43:54 PM »

I knda like the look of them. I've never tried to use one, however, so can't say I like/don't like them.
I will warn you though, I'm kinda an oddball. I prefer the 16 gauge shot guns, 44 Specials to Mags, etc., etc, etc.

Brithunter · « **Reply #5 on:** July 03, 2007, 11:27:33 PM »

Hmmmm I guess that GB's comment of course means that the Mannlicher Schoenauer was never a commercial success

and before some smart alec points out that they are no longer made

may I point out that this is due to a fire destroying the plant and machinery. The Schoenauer was never a cheap rifle to make of course.

Naturaly the Schoenauer was never popular in the US which is why they are still so sought after and comand apremium price. Likewise the Classic Mauser sporters on the Butter knife bolt handle was a std option.

Sweet 6.5 · « **Reply #6 on:** July 04, 2007, 12:10:14 AM »

Hi

I will take a butter knife bolt handle any day if it stuck to
a 6.5x54 Mannlicher-Schoenauer Carbine!

beemanbeme · « **Reply #7 on:** July 04, 2007, 03:09:44 AM »

I have one rifle in my battery that has a butter knife bolt handle. And a mannlicher stock for that matter. On game, it's not all that much different. Then I don't look at the bolt. Nor do I ever actually hold the bolt. But rather, it acts kinda like a ball joint in the palm of my hand.
Since the safety is in the same place as a model 700, the rifle is as handy for me to hunt with as any other. It's a Mark X in 7x57.

The Sodbuster · « **Reply #8 on:** July 04, 2007, 03:40:55 AM »

I like the look of it, but I've never used one before. I agree that it won't go over real well with American shooters. Wish they were chambering the Icon for lefties too (I could say the same about CZ centerfires, Mossberg, Howa, Rem 798/99, Ruger short actions, etc., etc.).

Chuck White · « **Reply #9 on:** July 04, 2007, 04:06:34 AM »

My first centerfire was a Stevens M-325 in 30-30 Win.

I shot lots of deer with it and when Remington came out with the M-600 I bought one in 6mm Rem.
After that, I traded the 30-30 to one of my brothers.

As far as the Butter Knife Bolt Handle, I didn't find it objectionable in any way.
I also found that the bolt operated just as handily as the Remingtons M-7's & M-700 , or Ruger M-77's that I currently use.

So, I guess my vote is: I LIKE IT!

Cement Man · « **Reply #10 on:** July 04, 2007, 05:02:40 AM »

I have never had my hands on one, but was always very attracted to the Mannlicher Schoenauer. I'd have to try one to know. With the right contours, I don't see why it wouldn't work just fine, and the style kind of intrigues me. I like the idea of being able to change the handle on the Icon.

Graybeard · « **Reply #11 on:** July 04, 2007, 07:15:39 AM »

Quote from: Brithunter on July 03, 2007, 11:27:33 PM

Hmmmm I guess that GB's comment of course means that the Mannlicher Schoenauer was never a commercial success and before some smart alec points out that they are no longer made may I point out that this is due to a fire destroying the plant and machinery. The Schoenauer was never a cheap rifle to make of course.

Naturaly the Schoenauer was never popular in the US which is why they are still so sought after and comand apremium price. Likewise the Classic Mauser sporters on the Butter knife bolt handle was a std option.

No I guess I really don't look at it as a commercial success. There were never a lot of them made and that is why the price on them is so high as well as the fact they were very well made guns. But I don't believe production on them was high enough to really call it a commercial success.

No doubt there are folks who just absolutely love the looks of them, I'm just not one of them.

gunnut69 · « **Reply #12 on:** July 04, 2007, 08:15:14 AM »

Butter knife handles work OK but I much prefer the modified BK handle with the rounded ball on the bottom. For most of use it really makes little difference. For maximum speed of reload a very large round or tear drop ball is probably better but not enough to matter. I've built several and am in the process just now. I prefer those of my own make to most of what's commercially available. Mannlicker's were around for many years and while not cranked out in huge numbers were a commercial success.

Zachary · « **Reply #13 on:** July 04, 2007, 10:30:41 AM »

I know that it's "still early in the polls" but as of right now, I'm surprised that the vote is a virtual tie with 5 for yes and 5 for no.

Zachary

davem270win · « **Reply #14 on:** July 04, 2007, 11:10:24 AM »

I've hunted for years with a Mark X Mannlicher with a butter knife bolt handle. I like the look on an appropriate gun, and the operation of it was never a problem for me.

fordisto · « **Reply #15 on:** July 04, 2007, 04:34:05 PM »

I like it! When mine arrives in late August/ early September, I'll let you know how it feels. Slamfire, if you're an oddball, welcome to the Oddball club.

Slamfire · « **Reply #16 on:** July 04, 2007, 07:10:53 PM »

Quote from: davem270win on July 04, 2007, 11:10:24 AM

I've hunted for years with a Mark X Mannlicher with a butter knife bolt handle. I like the look on an appropriate gun, and the operation of it was never a problem for me.

Arethose old Remington Nylon stocked rifles appropriate, the Model 11 had one?

james · « **Reply #17 on:** July 05, 2007, 09:56:33 AM »

Put me down for a NO but..... accuracy is more important to me. If it is more accurate than a Rem 700, I could overlook it or weld a ball bearing on it.

Zachary · « **Reply #18 on:** July 05, 2007, 10:41:58 AM »

Well, you wouldn't need to weld a ball on this particular bolt handle because TC has this unique design where you can easily replace the butter knife handle with a standard ball type handle with the use of a simple tool.

I just wonder if TC will continue to have the butter knife a "standard feature" and try and make some extra money by selling the traditional bolt handle as an option.

Zachary

Brithunter · « **Reply #19 on:** July 05, 2007, 10:47:59 AM »

Oh dear ... Oh dear

In my range experience I have only know one really accurate rem 700 which is a model VSS in .223. Others I have had contact with were marginal in accuracy and awful in the feel department. Even John who had the VSS found that the Winchester Mod 70 Heavy barrel Varmint in .308 he brought was more accurate then the VSS. He has none of them now as he can no longer shoot due to ill health.

Perhaps I am different as I collect rifles however I collect only those which appeal to me and so far no modern Remingtons, well those made since the Model 30, have appealed to me and the way their design and development department is heading I doubt it ever will. Comparign even a Model 30 against a Mannlicher Schoenauer is like comparing a Remington Model 700 against a Model 710.

SuperstitionCoues · « **Reply #20 on:** July 06, 2007, 04:48:07 AM »

Hmmm.

First off, I have yet to actually see one. They haven't really made it out to my neck of the woods yet. That being said, and only judging from the pictures, I kinda like it. It has a certain flow and graceful elegance to it that compliments the weapon. Refinement is the word I am looking for.

Now, how well it would actually work, that is a different story and one I would like to find out. The minute that the edge cuts into the palm of my hand as I work the action during a hunt - "refinement" would go out the window and the design of the handle would be cussed. The jury is out on this one until I hear some field data on it.

I know Boddington tried it out for either Rifleshooter or Guns and Ammo. Anyone know what his impressions were? Could be interesting, as he is a leftie and I think they aren't offering them in left-handed models.

J'hawker · « **Reply #21 on:** July 06, 2007, 07:56:03 AM »

I like the looks of the butter knife handle although I think it would be better with the edges completely rounded off. When cycling a bolt fast, I don't grab the end anyway, just pushing/pulling with the flat of my hand.

GatCat · « **Reply #22 on:** July 08, 2007, 09:07:21 PM »

Well, for my 2 cents worth, I think a butterknife handle looks good only on a european style rifle; short barrel, full, dainty stock, straight comb, and so on. It's kind of a complete package, appearance-wise. I have one, like it, but for practicallity I think a knob is best; how many military rifles in the heyday of bolt rifles came with butterknife handles??

Dave in WV · « **Reply #23 on:** July 09, 2007, 11:28:04 AM »

I voted yes but I don't like the TC version. The Mannlicher/Mauser classic rifle butter knife handles look great to me.

beemanbeme · « **Reply #24 on:** July 09, 2007, 03:40:39 PM »

For what it's worth, the butter knife bolt handle on my rifle looks much more refined than the one on the rifle Krochus posted. It's inletted part way down the side of the stock and the bolt handle has a gradual flair at the bottom.

Heavy C · « **Reply #25 on:** July 09, 2007, 05:13:21 PM »

I dig it. I hope they make them for lefties. I saw an episode of Guns and Ammo TV last week and they gave it rave reviews. I'm already setting money aside to add one to the collection. I applaud T/C for breaking away from the standard issue bolt action.

Mac11700 · « **Reply #26 on:** July 22, 2007, 07:14:25 AM »

To each his own...but..for me...I have always liked the looks of them...and with the ability to change to a different style only makes it better IMHO...and I can see I'm not the only one who feels this way in this either...

Mac

huntswithdogs · « **Reply #27 on:** July 23, 2007, 05:23:57 AM »

Personally, I like the looks and feel of the butter nife handles.

HWD

Zachary · « **Reply #28 on:** July 23, 2007, 06:39:42 AM »

Well, at this point, the poll is about 2 to 1 in favor of the butter knife handle. I must say that I am very surprised. Granted, this is not a professional scientific poll, but GBO is quite a popular site so, for what it's worth, I do give a fair amount of credibility to the poll results.

I guess only time will tell if that bolt handle turns out to be a success for T/C but, from our current poll, it looks like it will.

I'll leave the poll up for a while longer and see what happens. In the meantime, if any of you still have any comments, we'd love to hear from 'ya.

Zachary

K.K · « **Reply #29 on:** July 23, 2007, 11:10:23 AM »

The reviews that I read stated that there were some sharp edges on the TC butter-knife bolt. I personally don't like the looks of it. However, they can be changed out, as mentioned above. The rifle does have quite a bit going for it otherwise, It's pillar bedded, piccatinny rail, nice walnut, etc. I would not let that bolt deter me if I were looking to buy one.

Poll

Do you Like Butter Knife bolt handles?

Author Topic: T/C Butter Knife Bolt Handle (Read 5761 times)