Uncocking a rimfire rifle properly

[rainwalker]

Just checking I'm doing this right.

If I've cocked a .22lr and don't want to fire it for whatever reason, how do you un-cock it properly?

I've been lifting the bolt, pulling the trigger then closing the bolt slower.

I can feel the spring jump forward a tiny bit then ease down. A lot softer than dry firing it.

That's cool to do, right?

[Die Judicii]

It would help greatly if you said what breed, and what model to start with.

Some do vary.

But in general with bolt actions, when the breech is empty, and likewise with the magazine,,, With the bolt fully open, hold the trigger (squeezed) then close the bolt fully, and then release the trigger.

Then everything should be safe as in, the bolt fully closed and the mechanism is not cocked.

DRY FIRING a rimfire at any time is not recommended.

[deye243]

It would help greatly if you said what breed, and what model to start with.
Some do vary.
But in general with bolt actions, when the breech is empty, and likewise with the magazine, With the bolt fully open, hold the trigger (squeezed) then close the bolt fully, and then release the trigger.

Then everything should be safe as in, the bolt fully closed and the mechanism is not cocked.

DRY FIRING a rimfire at any time is not recommended.

unless it's an ANSCHUTZ as the pin does not protrude enough to impact the barrel face.

[Chronos]

To me it sounds like you're carrying a rifle decocked on a loaded chamber.

It's up to to you but I wouldn't be comfortable walking around with the firing pin resting on a live round.

I prefer to close the bolt on an empty chamber then insert the magazine. It's simple to quietly open the bolt and load a round.

But to answer your question if you feel the need to decock the bolt you can just hold the trigger back as you close the bolt.

Chronos

[Bennybigbores]

I'm with chronos, even if not walking and say sitting over a rabbit warren I would then simply lift bolt to make safe then close again when required, would not leave one chambered walking

[rainwalker]

Hi guys,

It is actually an Anschutz, can't remember the exact model ATM sorry (it's on loan from a mate at the moment).

Appreciate the safety concern but I'm not keeping it decocked on a live round.

It's not happening all the time but it comes up, you know. Like I pushed in a full mag and loaded the first one right as they called a ceasefire. Or you stop or have a chat to someone and don't want to leave it loaded or open while your talking.

Sounds like I had it right, that's all I wanted for when it crops up

Cheers.

[stevy]

It's up to to you but I wouldn't be comfortable walking around with the firing pin resting on a live round.

I thought speed was kind of a factor in igniting a primer?

Like if you slowly pushed a pin into it it wouldn't ignite?

Haven't tried obviously and don't carry with a chambered round but is that wrong?

[Tiiger]

Perhaps it's a "factor" but it's not the only one.

e.g guys have set them off priming brass as well.

I'd never rest the pin on a live cartridge regardless.

[stephencee]

Sounds like I had it right, that's all I wanted for when it crops up

That's how I've been doing mine without any trouble.

Got the reply from Anschutz directly too after I emailed about some other stuff.