the correct way to release the bolt spring on an unloaded, bolt-action rifle. I have always just dry fired the gun to do it. Now I know better.

Anyone care to share the proper technique for the benefit of those who like me, had never learned it?

I have always opened the bolt then pulled the trigger and closed the bolt.

Make sure gun is not loaded.

I think you're leaving out one small but important detail.

This alone does not release the bolt spring in any of my bolt actions.

Iv just pulled the trigger every time....and done it a lot to a savage .270 iv had since I was 12.. still use it to this day... must take a while to break

Perhaps a true "gun nut" will enlighten us as to why the recommended steps work best.

Or at least, we'll have grounds for another good debate.

And why is this an improvement over dry firing, or doing nothing at all?

I store my rifles either with the bolt removed, or with the trigger pulled on a snap cap. Either way is fine.

HOWEVER, there is absolutely nothing wrong with storing a gun with the firing pin in the "cocked" position. One of the biggest misconceptions is that you have to release pressure from a spring in order to extend it's life. Compression on a spring doesn't wear it, using it wears it.

As an example, 1911 pistols are stored for YEARS with the hammer standing and they suffer no ill effects.

Okay, I'll go ahead and share it.

The "suggested" method calls for opening the bolt and unloading the firearm in a normal and safe fashion. Then while applying pressure to the trigger, slowly close the bolt. This will release the spring without impacting the firing pin.

Gotta release the safety, first. I suspect that is the one small detail to which the OP referred.

+1 to CM's comments.

Dan,

The firing pin has to go forward to reduce the pressure on the spring, even then the spring remains under pressure.

This sounds like a practice that will round off the sear and that is a negative.

What manufacturer recommends this practice?

That depends on the gun if you're referring to opening the bolt. The bolt on my Remington 700 can be opened with the safety on or off.

But yes if you're referring to closing the bolt while pressing the trigger.

I could be wrong, but the suggested method may create less stress over time on the firing pin, rather than a method to better protect the spring.

You asked how to de-cokk the bolt spring. The safety must be in the firing position before slowly closing the bolt while squeezing the trigger to remove the spring tension without impacting the firing pin. Dry firing impacts the firing pin. I think I have about a dozen rifles with 700 actions.

Sorry about my spelling afer de-, but the language filter got me.

IF.... you've just unloaded it, just dry fire it if you just have to do something. What's the big deal? Snap caps, HUGE scam......

No offense taken.

My comment was driven by the fact that I own three bolt actions that all work differently when it comes to opening the bolt, which can often be Step 1.

None intended, sir.

I broke a Man Law and read a few pages from the owner's manual for my new Weatherby.

My guns have been dry fired thousands of times.

I always decock most of my weapons when storing them, bolt actions included, and in the manner which is described. I don't believe that storing a bolt action in the cocked position will harm it anyway. I'm not convinced that dry firing is the best thing for them. But I'm not about to tell others what to do with their weapons. Mostly because my dad taught me to do it that way when I was learning to shoot and gun safety. I've done that way my whole life and will continue to do so.

Interesting Weatherby recommends that.

I've never owned a Weatherby.

I'll go back and check my manuals, but do not recall reading this recommendation, but I store mine with the bolt removed.

Weatherby Vanguard Series 2, under the steps to take before storing the firearm.

After reading it, I checked all my bolt actions and the steps that Weatherby recommends work on all of them. Still, perhaps Weatherby's trigger design is different than most and is not damaged by following these steps.

You now have me interested in knowing, as are others I'm sure, if the steps are safe with all bolt actions.

Here's what a quick Web search uncovered. It appears the method recommended by Weatherby is widely adopted.

Link

I don't know what detail I'm leaving out other than what position the safety is in. In most of my bolt guns you cant open the bolt with the safety on so I consider the safety being off as a given.

I didn't see the need to press the trigger as the bolt is closed in your earlier comments.

This is what I do once I double check its unloaded and obviously pointed in a safe direction.

thanks for the knowledge. I'm going to go try this now he he he...