Why Do Mosin Bolts Cam Backwards As the Bolt Handle Is Lifte

[Josh Smith]

Hello,

Been trying to figure this out.

Why are Mosins set up so that the bolt cams backwards a bit as the bolt handle is lifted? It would seem to me that this would contribute to hard-to-lift bolts, as you're simultaneously beginning extraction.

Seems to me that its contemporaries, pure Mannlicher actions as well as the Gewehr 88 etc would be more logical. Lift purely to unlock and then use all the force in your arm to extract the case.

The only thing I can figure is that maybe the prototypes were having problems with the extractor claws ripping through the rims..?

Are there other rifles out there that extract on opening as well, or is it solely a Mosin design?

Thanks,

Josh

[walnut red]

There is a couple things going on when you open a Mosin bolt. Mosins are "cock on opening" type actions meaning opening the bolt is also compressing the striker spring. You want at least some camming action on both opening and closing. This helps seat and extract casings in a dirty chamber.

[MeatMarket]

I think Enfields cock on opening too.

[Junk Yard Dog]

Enfields cock on closing.

[MeatMarket]

Whoops, nevermind.

[Junk Yard Dog]

There is a conversion kit to make them cock on opening, something Bubba used in his sporters so they were more Mauser like.

[MeatMarket]

Now I thought Mausers cocked on closing.

[bunkysdad]

Perhaps In 1891 they didn't have quite the vision as their contemporaries, and while harder to open, the design was certainly rugged enough to last the test of time. The extractor on the Mauser is what makes it a Mauser, everyone's favorite.

[MeatMarket]

I'm all confused, my mind is backwards this morning. I need a big bowl of shaving bran.

[Junk Yard Dog]

The Mauser 1898 cocks on opening, the early small ring Mauser's cock on closing.

[walnut red]

I wonder why Mauser switched. I've heard that cock on closing systems tend to throw the sight picture off because of the extra force required to close the bolt, but I do not know if this is true.

[Junk Yard Dog]

Like anything else you get used to it, I never had a problem with either design. Mauser redesigned the rifle for the 1898 model, there were a lot of changes to the bolt.

[bunkysdad]

And the help of the spring tends to make extraction quicker.