OpticsTalk by SWFA, Inc. Homepage SWFA     SampleList.com
Forum Home Forum Home > Firearms, Bows, and Ammunition > Shooting
  New Posts New Posts RSS Feed - Right bolt left port actions, dangerous?
  FAQ FAQ  Forum Search   Events   Register Register  Login Login

Visit the SWFA.com site to check out our current specials.

Right bolt left port actions, dangerous?

 Post Reply Post Reply
Author
Message
Gil P. View Drop Down
Optics Journeyman
Optics Journeyman
Avatar

Joined: February/01/2012
Location: Henderson, NV
Status: Offline
Points: 316
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Gil P. Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Topic: Right bolt left port actions, dangerous?
    Posted: March/11/2014 at 19:00
What are your opinions on right bolt left port actions for a right handed tactical shooter? It would be nice to be able to see the round being chambered instead of relying on feel or doing press checks. But are they dangerous? The port would then be lined up with your left eye and if something blew, your eye would be in more danger. I do wear quality safety glasses (admittedly) almost all the time. What are your thoughts on these for tactical shooting? Do you think the danger is not worth what little time you might save during a stage or is there no danger at all?
Easy come easy go

Always remember that you are absolutely unique. Just like everyone else.
Back to Top
RifleDude View Drop Down
MODERATOR
MODERATOR
Avatar
EVIL OPPRESSOR

Joined: October/13/2006
Location: Texas
Status: Offline
Points: 16337
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote RifleDude Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: March/11/2014 at 20:47
It all depends on the design of the action. 2-lug, 3 lug design? Full body bolt or is bolt smaller diameter than the lugs? Does the bolt have any kind of baffle to block lug race? does the bolt nose fit into a barrel chamber counterbore?

On a typical 2-lug action, I believe there is a slight increase in potential hazard, especially if the bolt has a Sako or M16 type extractor allowing a path for gas to escape behind the bolt face. But, if you're careful about sizing brass for zero or tight headspace and don't make powder charge mistakes, the danger is very remote. Put it this way... there's no more danger than a left handed shooter shooting a right handed rifle.

But yeah, the more openings provided in front of the shooter's face, the more potential for danger. It just stands to reason. FWIW, I can't say I've heard of any cases of benchrest shooters being injured by RBLP actions, and they are somewhat common in BR competition.

That was an excellent question you posed, by the way! I honestly haven't given it a whole lot of thought.
Ted


Money can't buy happiness... but it's much more comfortable to cry in a Porsche than on a bicycle.
Back to Top
dsr View Drop Down
Optics Apprentice
Optics Apprentice
Avatar

Joined: May/31/2007
Location: United States
Status: Offline
Points: 244
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote dsr Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: March/11/2014 at 21:45
I have never thought of that either. My next build is going to right bolt left port. Something to think about.
Back to Top
Tip69 View Drop Down
Optics Master Extraordinaire
Optics Master Extraordinaire
Avatar
Tip Stick

Joined: September/27/2005
Location: Nebraska
Status: Offline
Points: 4155
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Tip69 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: March/12/2014 at 07:44
as fearful of Tort Actions as most US Corps are now-a-days....  I doubt they would make available if they weren't as safe as the normal actions.
 
However... I would be double careful if I were hand loading rounds for such an action!
 
My Son shoots lefty... and I normally sight his rifles in... to start with anyway... and the left port is very nice on the bench!
 
take em!
Back to Top
Peddler View Drop Down
Optics God
Optics God
Avatar

Joined: July/04/2012
Location: Oswego,NY
Status: Offline
Points: 13526
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Peddler Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: March/12/2014 at 09:15
I've had to show product at a couple 1,000 yard shoots in PA and a number of those shooters were using them. Once dialed in they want to shoot as fast as possible and that seems to work.
When you are dead, you don't know you are dead.It is difficult only for others.

It is the same when you are stupid.
Back to Top
SVT_Tactical View Drop Down
MODERATOR
MODERATOR
Avatar
Chief Sackscratch

Joined: December/17/2009
Location: NorthCackalacky
Status: Offline
Points: 31233
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote SVT_Tactical Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: March/12/2014 at 10:10
BigDaddy had a savage set up that way, he said it was a lazer.
"Most folks are about as happy as they make their minds up to be" - Abraham Lincoln
Back to Top
Bigdaddy0381 View Drop Down
MODERATOR
MODERATOR
Avatar
Georgia peach

Joined: February/27/2007
Location: Georgia
Status: Offline
Points: 13680
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Bigdaddy0381 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: March/12/2014 at 10:57
yes it was, it was a single shot in a heavy BR type rifle .RBLP was fun to shot. You could load and never lift from cheek weld.

P&Z Firearms , Pro gun cleanings and gun repair and wood refinishing.

Ecclesiastes 10:2
Back to Top
Gil P. View Drop Down
Optics Journeyman
Optics Journeyman
Avatar

Joined: February/01/2012
Location: Henderson, NV
Status: Offline
Points: 316
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Gil P. Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: March/12/2014 at 23:02

Sounds like it would be pretty safe, I cant see the downside to having one. I was looking specifically at the Bighorn Arms TL2.

Rifledude to answer some of your questions:

It uses a 2 lug design

Has a "sliding plate" extractor

Bolt has a floating head

The bolt has a gas block

http://www.bighornarms.com/action-info/features/

It looks neat. Sorry for the huge picture.


Easy come easy go

Always remember that you are absolutely unique. Just like everyone else.
Back to Top
cheaptrick View Drop Down
MODERATOR
MODERATOR
Avatar

Joined: September/27/2004
Location: South Carolina
Status: Offline
Points: 20844
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote cheaptrick Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: March/22/2014 at 14:56
Man, that is slick! 
If at first you don't secede...try..try again.
Back to Top
 Post Reply Post Reply
  Share Topic   

Forum Jump Forum Permissions View Drop Down

Forum Software by Web Wiz Forums® version 12.01
Copyright ©2001-2018 Web Wiz Ltd.

This page was generated in 0.359 seconds.