Author Topic: T/C Butter Knife Bolt Handle (Read 5762 times)

lilabner · « **Reply #30 on:** July 26, 2007, 07:29:09 AM »

T/C builds good rifles. Since this one comes with two bolt handles, I would put the butter knife handle in the silverware drawer and use the other handle on the rifle.

MGMorden · « **Reply #31 on:** July 28, 2007, 07:56:21 PM »

I'm definitely not a fan of the butter knife handles myself. I know they cost more, but when I first laid eyes on such a thing many years ago the first thing that sprung to mind was "Man that looks cheap!" (the same thing always springs to mind when I see a jeweled bolt - I'd saw that effect reproduced on way too many $0.25 vending machine stickers as a kid for it to look desirable on a nice rifle). Uncomfortable and awkward to work. It's not something that I'd NOT buy a rifle over if it was priced good, but I'd definitely prefer the standard "ball" bolt handle (so long as it's a single piece smaller metal ball. Those big plastic ball bolt handles look just terrible).

Now, if you want my opinion of what looks nice, it's a good teardrop bolt handle. Just a minor variation on a ball handle, but minor variations can go a long ways. Unfortunately I don't actually own any rifles with this style handle, but the ones that I've looked at and felt have left me wanting one

ms · « **Reply #32 on:** July 29, 2007, 09:34:00 AM »

Tc icon and the Mannlicher it's the same rifle if you ask me.

Zachary · « **Reply #33 on:** July 31, 2007, 01:50:21 PM »

I don't know about that. Yes, there are some similarities, but it looks like TC really did build this gun from the ground up.

Zachary

Brithunter · « **Reply #34 on:** August 04, 2007, 08:00:43 AM »

Hi All,

Quote

Tc icon and the Mannlicher it's the same rifle if you ask me.

Sorry but this really made me smile. Having in my possession a couple of Mannlicher's one of which is a model 1903 Schoenauer with a butter knife bolt handle, so knowing the care with which they were made and the fit and finish put into them, comparing a Classic Mannlicher with a modern TC.

well there is just no comparison really is there ? Butterknife bolt handle or not the quality of the Steyr made Mannlicher is far above that of the TC.

R.W.Dale · « **Reply #35 on:** August 04, 2007, 08:08:22 AM »

Quote

Tc icon and the Mannlicher it's the same rifle if you ask me.

MMMMMM! OK riiiiiiight $:-\$ If by the same you mean thy both have spoon shaped bolt handles and bullets come out one end then you're correct. That's like saying a BMW 3 series is the same as a Ford focus just cause they both ride on round rubber thingies.

Brithunter · « **Reply #36 on:** August 04, 2007, 10:40:08 PM »

hey come on krochus,

a Ford focus is mile better than a BMW ...................................... almost any BMW. I will however make exceptions for the 6 and 7 series coupes

otherwise you could not give me a BMW. I really do loathe them. The BMW story has been a wonderful example of shrewd marketing.

Oh a few years back I spent almost a year driving a recovery truck and guess which make of new car we picked up most of?

Yep BWM by a mile. One weekend I picked up three, from one spot just off the M25 and the one which had the most miles on it only had 4800 on the clock. Oh BMW was not interested either. Two had major gearbox faults and oen had immobiser problem. BMW dealers were almost the worst for helping out and being rude. Luckily I did not have to go back to Coopers! because the staff there were so stuck up. I was trucking in a 318 Coupe which was going back for teh 5th time for the same fault and it had less than 2000 miles on the clock. I promised them that if I had to bring a car into them ever again I would trip inright in their entrance blocking it completly regardless of the condition of the vechicle. I can only recall oen helpful BMW dealership. On the other hand both Mecedes and Ford prooved helpful.

Oh I should add that i don't own nor drive a Ford not now or then, then I drove a BX17 TZD and now I have a Jeep Cherokee.

R.W.Dale · « **Reply #37 on:** August 05, 2007, 04:20:44 AM »

Relax it's just an analogy

I just used the first two models that popped into my head I was gonna type a BMW 3 and a Chevette, but a lot of people might not know what a chevette is and besides that a T/C Icon is wayyyy nicer that the part of the market the Chevette occupied.

BTW What year model is your jeep? Do the euro models still use the 4.0 I6

Please feel free to com on down to and post some pics of it
http://www.gboreloaded.com/forums/index.php/topic,110065.0.html

Brithunter · « **Reply #38 on:** August 05, 2007, 08:56:37 AM »

The Jeep is a 1993 model and yes it has the 4.0L I6 engine. The differences for our models are the trim levels and mine has wood trim and full leather trim. I will post some photos.

canon6 · « **Reply #39 on:** August 07, 2007, 06:20:30 AM »

Love them, I have had them on 6.5x55's .7x57 and on a 308.I put them all on myself. Doug

Zachary · « **Reply #40 on:** August 10, 2007, 05:48:36 AM »

Quote from: Brithunter on August 04, 2007, 10:40:08 PM

hey come on krochus,

a Ford focus is mile better than a BMW ...................................... almost any BMW. I will however make exceptions for the 6 and 7 series coupes otherwise you could not give me a BMW. I really do loathe them. The BMW story has been a wonderful example of shrewd marketing.

BMW doesn't make the 7 series in a coupe - just the 3 and 6. I have owned a 1999 528i, a 2004 645 convertible, and a 2005 545i Sport. Next to my Toyotas and Hondas, the BMWs were the most reliable and durable cars I have ever owned. And as far as handling, braking, and acceleration, you just can't beat a BMW - sure as heck drives circles around any Mercedes, even the AMG (which is like driving a $70,000 buick.)

As it relates to this Topic, I would equate a BMW to a Sako. I've never held a TC Icon, so I really can't compare it. For reference, I'd compare a Tikka to a Toyota or Honda - very well made, and super reliable, and all at a good price.

Zachary

Brithunter · « **Reply #41 on:** August 11, 2007, 03:20:37 AM »

Well here in the UK I see 735i fixed Coupe's not sure if they do Drop heads. Never bothered to find out. The Boss I worked for driving the recovery drove Mercs but he was more concerned about the seats that the rest after an accident at home where he severly dmaged the lower spine, fracturing it and losing one side of several vertibrae

Now Tikks'a well I liked the old 690 & 695's however I am not so sure about the T3's. A friend recently brought the T3 Tactical and I have shot it however it did not grab me and I was not overly impressed with the finish. Comparing it to his older model 695 I would happilt take the 695 and leave the tactical

.

Nessmuk#1 · « **Reply #42 on:** August 11, 2007, 03:50:19 AM »

I don't see my previous reply, so I'll try again.
I like them. Wanted one for my custom 700 after seeing one on a Shoenaur at a gun shop. I also wanted an extended length handle, and ended up with a fugly Holland handle. Fugly to my eyes at least. However, it sure works well, fits right into the palm of my hand.

Lead Poison · « **Reply #43 on:** August 14, 2007, 10:46:41 AM »

Zachary, I agree with you; I HATE the butter knife bolt handle.

Keep my bolts traditional, please and thank you!!!!!!!!!!

Daniel · « **Reply #44 on:** August 20, 2007, 05:27:59 AM »

I voted no. I hate the looks of 'em.

LaOtto222 · « **Reply #45 on:** August 25, 2007, 01:21:21 PM »

I voted no. I do not like the looks of them either. I am glad we all do not like the same thing. If they are so good great looking why don't custom guns have them on? Very rarely do they have them when they could have. I do not think T/C is that confident in it either, that is why they made it with a changeable bolt handle, with a conventional type as an option. If the Icon becomes real popular, I predict in the long run the butter knife handle will fall to the way side as standard and be replaced with a more conventional type of handle as standard. If it becomes a niche type gun, the butter knife might make it. I personally like the BK style handle or the long, and large tactical types. I really like the feel of the over sized smooth handle. I can work it with my palm or by grabbing it, no sharp corners and it gives a large surface area to spread out the bolt force. It makes it feel even smoother than the action really is and I feel I have a hold of something robust. Just my 2 cents

Brithunter · « **Reply #46 on:** August 28, 2007, 11:08:21 AM »

Quote from: Lead Poison on August 14, 2007, 10:46:41 AM

Zachary, I agree with you; I HATE the butter knife bolt handle.

Keep my bolts traditional, please and thank you!!!!!!!!!!

Traditional? well may I suggest that you do a little research and if you do you will find that the flat butterknife bolt handle is traditional! and in fact was popular back in the 1880's when bolt actions first became more commonly available.

30-06man · « **Reply #47 on:** September 03, 2007, 11:01:13 AM »

if the action is as smooth as averised then you wouldn't worry about "slamming" or putting force into moving it.

ronbow · « **Reply #48 on:** September 18, 2007, 09:45:50 AM »

Nope. Don't like it. Doesn't fit my palm like the ball.

30-06man · « **Reply #49 on:** September 18, 2007, 01:13:25 PM »

i think it has a second bolt handle in the pack. a traditional one. if not i am sure it wouldn't be too much from t/c

RaySendero · « **Reply #50 on:** September 18, 2007, 03:01:33 PM »

Haven't tried one, but I don't even like the looks of it!

RicMic · « **Reply #51 on:** September 20, 2007, 02:41:44 PM »

I voted no too, but come to think of it my Encore has a butter knife release. That's it, I'm gonna grind off the butter knife part and weld on a post and ball!

30-06man · « **Reply #52 on:** September 21, 2007, 10:19:04 AM »

then your encore will look very strange. its not butterknife its just a wedge

jro45 · « **Reply #53 on:** October 18, 2007, 03:07:24 AM »

*I haven't seen one and don't Looks of it . Good Shooting to youy

Lawful Larry · « **Reply #54 on:** October 20, 2007, 06:24:46 AM »

I personally don't like it. I view it as a gimmick. Just something to catch a gun buyer. If they were so great we would be seeing them on all the bolt actions!

Just my .02 cents though.

TX Devil Doc · « **Reply #55 on:** November 24, 2007, 01:33:02 PM »

I didn't read through all the other posts to see if this was already submitted... I shoot Steyr-Mannlicher rifles which come with this style handle. The butter knife handle was designed so that one can quickly cycle the bolt while the rifle is still at the cheek. It fits between the thumb and the side of the palm near the index finger. Since you don't make a fist while grasping the bolt, its easier to move the hand past the cheek. This allows for quicker target acquisition if a second shot is needed because your eyes don't leave the area of your target after the first shot.

30-06man · « **Reply #56 on:** November 24, 2007, 02:29:41 PM »

I think that is the first that was brought up.

Skeezix · « **Reply #57 on:** November 29, 2007, 07:06:13 AM »

My answer is "it depends".

I had a Browning A-Bolt Euro, with butter knife bolt handle, and used it one season. Something about it just felt clunky and clumsy to me. Even though I practiced with it, I couldn't come up with a quick and natural way to cycle the bolt. I got into a covey of does in a green field one evening and was only able to get one of 'em, because I couldn't cycle the bolt quickly enough, whereas, had I had a standard bolt knob, I believe I could have gotten two of 'em (if I'd had my old #4 Mk1 Lee Enfield, I mighta gotten three of 'em). I traded it off soon afterwards.

I once borrowed a friend's Mauser traditional German sporting rifle that had the butter knife handle, double-set triggers, and Mannlicher stock with hogs-back butt and comb. The feel of the rifle was great, the bolt came to hand naturally and cycled Oh-so-slick, smooth and quick, and pointed perfectly for me. I really didn't like the way that rifle looked, but it sure operated to near perfection of efficiency, including the bolt. The way that butter knife handle was executed, I'd put it up against most any regular bolt knob for quickness and ease of operation. I was stupid at the time and didn't buy that rifle.... Live and learn....

lilabner · « **Reply #58 on:** December 01, 2007, 05:28:47 AM »

I was joking about throwing the butterknife handle in the silverware drawer. However, here are a couple of more serious observations: If you hunt from horseback, the butterknife might make it easier to pull the rifle from a saddle scabbard. That would depend on how the scabbard is built, though. Mine is cut out for the bolt and has a snap closure for the bolt handle. Also, some tactical rifles are provided with oversize round bolt handles. I interpret that to mean that in life and death situations, a big round handle has proven advantages.

Zachary · « **Reply #59 on:** December 04, 2007, 04:27:32 AM »

I've had this topic up for a while now and, to my continued surprise, the butter-knife handle is favored 2 to 1 in our poll. I think that's a pretty decisive spread, so I'll take it off "Sticky-mode" now.

For the record, though, I still don't like that handle.

Zachary

Poll

Do you Like Butter Knife bolt handles?

Author Topic: T/C Butter Knife Bolt Handle (Read 5762 times)