What's the silicone pad on the root of the bolt handle?

When the silicone pad fell off the bolt handle of my model 12 lrpv the groups got larger with more flyers.

I put it back on and the gun grouped noticeably tighter with fewer flyers.

Anyone else notice this.

Probably there to cushion the bolt handle as it hits the action as the firing pin is released. That or to keep the bolt from closing more than necessary and having the cocking piece hit the ramp at the end of it's travel. If it works better with it, go with it.

On another brand of rifle I built up the slot in the action with some Devcon so the Bolt couldn't be closes to the point the cocking piece hit the edge of the radius and made the bolt close more when firing.

It is there to keep from tripping the sear on some models

Yeah I figured after adjusting the trigger too light and closing the bolt too hard the trigger "un-sets". and read the same here.

im wondering if the cushion provided by the rubbery pad reduces variable vibrations from the huge bolt clanking into the receiver.

Anywho, I saw a reduction in flyers with the rubbery cushion

Picture?

I don't have pics. I'll see what I can do

Someone else posted this pic, it shows the silicone pad:

http://photobucket.com/gallery/user/...4My5qcGc=?ref=

Interesting. Neither one of my rifles have this. Is it something new?

That's the first time I'm seeing this also. Maybe dampens harmonics from a slight amount of movement. Interesting for sure.

The silicone pad was an ill attempt to reduce "accu-trips" on the 6 oz. version of the accutrigger. At some particular point they will fall off, resulting in the bolt over rotating, causing the cocking piece pin to interfere with the bottom of the cocking ramp. You are better off with a bolt handle that doesn't have the relief cut for the pad. Either build up the notch, or replace the bolt handle.

My LRP had one,lasted about 100rds and fell off. I think its mainly for the target actions with the red blade accutriggers.