If you’ve ever tried to pull the bolt out of a Savage Axis and it just won’t come out, you’re not alone. It’s simple once you get the hang of it. Here’s how I remove the bolt from my Savage Axis for easier cleaning, and how to put it back in.
Before You Start
In the video, I’ve already removed the magazine and made sure the action is clear before I touch anything else. As general advice, not something specific to this rifle: always unload the rifle completely and double-check the chamber before you work on it.
How to Remove the Savage Axis Bolt
- With the magazine out and the action clear, take the safety off.
- Press the trigger to the rear and hold it.
- While holding the trigger, push the bolt release lever all the way down. The bolt release lever sits on top of the stock, right where the action meets the stock, just in front of the safety.
- Slide the bolt straight out the rear of the action.
That’s it. The key is having the trigger pressed to the rear and the lever pushed all the way down before you slide the bolt.
How to Put the Bolt Back In
Putting it back in is the same thing in the opposite order:
- Pull the trigger to the rear.
- Push that lever down.
- Slide the bolt back into the action.
Once the bolt is back in, it works just fine.
Quick FAQ
Why won’t my Savage Axis bolt come out? In the video, the bolt slides right out once I press the trigger to the rear and push the lever all the way down.
Which way does the bolt go back in? The same way it came out, just in reverse: trigger back, lever down, then slide it in.
More Bolt Removal Videos
If you’ve got other bolt guns in the safe, I’ve made videos for these too:
Wrapping Up
Trigger back, lever down, bolt out. Once you’ve done it a time or two, the Savage Axis bolt release is quick and easy, and you can get right to cleaning.
If this helped you out, I’d really appreciate it if you’d subscribe to the Craghunter YouTube channel. And if you’re thinking about setting up your rifle with a can, check out my post on whether you need a suppressor.
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