Bolt release - top vs bottom?

[choclabs]

The 2 different bolt release configurations, top on side of rear portion of the action and bottom in front of the trigger guard.
Question - Did the newer bottom bolt release come to life as a result of the AccuStock aluminum block running along side of the action?

If that is correct then is it safe to assume that all factory rifles with actions that come with an AccuStock have bottom bolt releases?
And all factory rifles with actions that come with stocks different than AccuStock are top bolt release?

Or is that too much of a simplification?

[Hotolds442]

No. Models such as the Trophy Hunter XP are a bottom bolt release model not equipped with an accustock.

[J.Baker]

Nope, the bottom bolt release first appeared on the Model 14/114 American Classic when it was introduced in 2004(?). Basically Savage was looking at ways to "dress up" or "clean up" the lines of the 110-Series. Besides the bolt release location change, they also employed the smooth barrel nut on select models.

How Savage determines which models get the top release and which get the bottom is beyond me at this point...though I do think a coin might be involved.

[Fotheringill]

I have a new model 12 F/TR with a side release. It is, indeed, awkward and a general PITA. No Accustock, but does have a Target action and target Accu-Trigger.

[choclabs]

Nope, the bottom bolt release first appeared on the Model 14/114 American Classic when it was introduced in 2004(?). Basically Savage was looking at ways to "dress up" or "clean up" the lines of the 110-Series. Besides the bolt release location change, they also employed the smooth barrel nut on select models.

How Savage determines which models get the top release and which get the bottom is beyond me at this point...though I do think a coin might be involved.

Now that's another curiosity, they create a VERY successful market distinction - The Barrel Nut - and then proceed to produce smooth barrel nuts. I have read some very interesting posts on removing the smooth barrel nut, from no problem to significant problem.

Are they nuts?

[stomp442]

I find the bottom bolt release to be a huge pain and much more awkward to use than the top version. I will never understand why savage has to change things so often and have so many different options.

[Robinhood]

I think the problem is they overcomplicated a simple function. All they had to do was make it work like a Remington. It would need a little more travel and it would need to defeat a stronger spring but I bet it was doable. Sounds like a project...

[J.Baker]

The bolt release location has really turned into a personal preference thing. Some love it, some hate it, and others (like myself) are indifferent. Like anything, you just have to get used to it and figure out the best way to hold the gun to manipulate it whichever style you have.

[DonnyRay]

If you ever want to install different bottom metal to run 10 rounds mags or something, the receiver mounted bolt release is much easier to work with.

[clintsrv]

I have a project underway that will utilize a Bottom Bolt Release action coupled with Top Bolt Release HFP bottom.

It looks good and functions the same. When I need the bolt removed I'll take the stock off and do any work needed.

I'll get a few pics up tonight.

[choclabs]

I appreciate all of the input on this subject. I have no problem with my front of trigger bolt release location and find it easy enough for my usage.

My opinion and what I would like more feedback on is this, it seems as though most aftermarket stocks are made for the topside next to action bolt release location. And some that have used these aftermarket stocks have stated that the mods to use this style of stock inletting are minor. If I were to pay $600 or more for an aftermarket stock, I would like to have no modifications needing to be done by myself.

Am I correct in that more stocks are setup for the topside bolt release?

[foxx]

that's correct. Stocks for top is more common. A lot more.

[clintsrv]

I would agree also most aftermarket stocks are top bolt. A lot of manufacturers are making efforts to offer bottom bolt release stocks to there lineup. Chassis are now offered for bottom and major players like Manners and McM can inlet for anything you request.

I picked up a T5A used and had to modify it for top release action. So they are being built.

Here's a project using bottom release action with top release bottom metal.

http://tapatalk.imageshack.com/v2/15/02/20/72c4aa288df2db44972052e4ba60ae89.jpghttp://tapatalk.imageshack.com/v2/15/02/20/5b486b4f8f58a47aed6ea3863835642b.jpghttp://tapatalk.imageshack.com/v2/15/02/20/679b53e31c0433cda02e4e15f0a16c86.jpg

Here's T5A modded for top release

http://tapatalk.imageshack.com/v2/15/02/20/eba333a5437fd7b3859cfcfd039fe9f5.jpghttp://tapatalk.imageshack.com/v2/15/02/20/3b919a9e42ccb48c24a6d81fdf74d4ea.jpghttp://tapatalk.imageshack.com/v2/15/02/20/fba1453595d222c5181cdd05edec834a.jpg

Both of these are still in incomplete.

[Donnie D]

To me the bottom release is easier to use.
Donnie D

[sharpshooter]

Nope, the bottom bolt release first appeared on the Model 14/114 American Classic when it was introduced in 2004(?). Basically Savage was looking at ways to "dress up" or "clean up" the lines of the 110-Series. Besides the bolt release location change, they also employed the smooth barrel nut on select models.


Actually the bottom bolt release didn't appear on guns until 2010. If you remember correctly Jim, we actually saw a bottom style bolt release at the factory tour in November 2005.

[DonnyRay]

@ Clint...
Is that CDI bottom metal and a 110BA bolt handle on the second rifle?
My 10FCP is set up the same way...lol

[clintsrv]

Yes on both.

CDI is a good product. This one was modified to be used with a bottom bolt release action.

[DonnyRay]

Yes on both.

CDI is a good product. This one was modified to be used with a bottom bolt release action.

Yep. I have no complaints about CDI either. I have only ran AI mags in mine so far. I was noticing that Alpha mags are less expensive, and shorter too. I was curious if you've ever ran any Alpha mags with your CDI metal?

[clintsrv]

I don't have any Alpha brand. Mine are AI and Accurate Mag.
I kinda like the AM's better.
I do not like the 10 rounders. They are way too long.

[DonnyRay]

OK. I see. Thanks. I was just curious.