The Evolution of Gunstock Crossbolts

[South Pender]

I was surprised when I took my Sako M85 barreled action out of the stock and saw the two stock crossbolts. They sure are different from the ones I've seen on older Sako rifles. Here's a picture of some replacement crossbolts for the earlier Sakos. As I understand it, on the early L-series Sako models the crossbolt was a beefy affair with a flat surface on one side positioned against the recoil lug. Somewhere during the production period of the L-series rifles, Sako went to the round crossbolts, as in the picture, but they were still positioned against the recoil lug, and this continued into the A-series models.

However, here is what the current M85 crossbolt looks like, separate and in place in a stock:

Obviously the function of the crossbolt has evolved, at least with Sako. It no longer actually takes the recoil directly, as with the older ones. Now, it appears to function by sort of clamping the stock together, preventing the stock from flexing or bowing outward on recoil--particularly in the magazine area--which, if unchecked, could cause damage to the stock wood. On my M85, there are two of this type of crossbolt, one under the receiver ring and one further back just ahead of the trigger.

Nothing newsworthy here. I just found this interesting. I expect that the same evolution of this feature is found on other rifles as well.

 

[guntech]

Many wood stocks split in the action inletting mostly by the wood drying and checking not because of recoil... so many stocks simply need a cross bolt or screw to hold the wood from separating.

This is different from splits through the recoil lug area due to poor inletting or shooting with loose stock screws.

 

[South Pender]

Many wood stocks split in the action inletting mostly by the wood drying and checking not because of recoil... so many stocks simply need a cross bolt or screw to hold the wood from separating.

This is different from splits through the recoil lug area due to poor inletting or shooting with loose stock screws.

Makes complete sense, guntech.

 

[South Pender]

All the 85s in hunting configuration I've seen have had the two crossbolts. I guess this is to add a little strength and stability in the face of the wacko recoil lug arrangement on these rifles.