First Impressions of Fix It Sticks Bolt Opener For Remington 700
The Fix It Sticks Bolt Opener For Remington 700 isn’t exactly a glamorous piece of gear, but it is a critical one for any serious Remington 700 owner. Fix It Sticks has built a reputation for practical, no-nonsense tools, and this bolt opener seems to fit right in. The premise is simple: a specialized bit that allows you to quickly and safely disassemble the firing pin assembly on your Remington 700 or clone rifle. This might not be something you need every day, but when you do need it, you really need it.
I’ve always been a firm believer in preventative maintenance and having the right tool for the job. Disassembling a Remington 700 bolt can be a real pain without the right equipment and risking damage to the firing pin or bolt is a big concern. I needed a reliable, compact tool to ensure easy disassembly in the field or at the range.
Upon unboxing, the Fix It Sticks Bolt Opener For Remington 700 appears to be a well-machined piece of metal. It’s compact, about the size of a standard screwdriver bit, and has a solid, reassuring weight. Compared to makeshift methods I’ve seen people use (or even attempted myself with inadequate tools), this looks like a professional solution. The finish is clean, and the hex base suggests a secure fit with any standard 1/4-inch driver.
There are other solutions out there. Some gunsmithing kits include similar tools, but they’re often bulky and expensive. I considered a dedicated Remington 700 disassembly tool from Brownells, but the Fix It Sticks option seemed more versatile due to its compatibility with my existing Fix It Sticks kit. The deciding factor was the compact size and the proven track record of Fix It Sticks quality.
My first impression is positive. The Fix It Sticks Bolt Opener For Remington 700 looks like a durable, practical tool that will solve a specific problem. I’m eager to put it to the test and see if it lives up to the hype.
Real-World Testing: Putting Fix It Sticks Bolt Opener For Remington 700 to the Test
First Use Experience
My first opportunity to test the Fix It Sticks Bolt Opener For Remington 700 came at the range during a precision rifle practice session. The rifle I used was my custom Remington 700 clone chambered in 6.5 Creedmoor. I decided to completely disassemble the bolt for a thorough cleaning and inspection after a few hundred rounds.
The tool performed exactly as advertised. After watching a quick YouTube tutorial (as suggested by another user), the process was incredibly straightforward. The “bottle opener” action easily levered the firing pin head, and the other side securely engaged the firing pin socket. It was far easier and safer than using a punch or other improvised tool, especially considering the small size of the firing pin.
There were no issues during the first use. The bit fit snugly into my Fix It Sticks T-handle driver and provided excellent leverage. The polymer bushing protected the bolt plug from any scratching or damage.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of regular use, the Fix It Sticks Bolt Opener For Remington 700 continues to perform flawlessly. I’ve used it to disassemble and clean the bolts of several different Remington 700 rifles, including a .308 hunting rifle and a .223 varmint rifle.
The tool shows no signs of wear and tear. The metal appears to be high-quality steel, and the polymer bushing is still in perfect condition. Cleaning is simple; a quick wipe with a rag is all that’s needed.
In comparison to my previous experiences of struggling with improvised tools, the Fix It Sticks Bolt Opener For Remington 700 is a game-changer. It’s safer, faster, and far more convenient. It’s one of those tools that I now consider essential for any Remington 700 owner.
Breaking Down the Features of Fix It Sticks Bolt Opener For Remington 700
Specifications
- Manufacturer: Fix It Sticks. They are known for durable and practical tools for firearms maintenance.
- Size: 1/4 inch. This refers to the hex base that fits into any standard 1/4-inch driver.
- Fabric/Material: Metal. This ensures durability and longevity, resisting bending or breaking under pressure.
- Compatibility: Designed to work with Remington 700 bolts and other manufacturers with similar designs. This expands its utility beyond just the Remington platform.
These specifications are important because they dictate the tool’s strength, versatility, and ease of use. The 1/4-inch hex base makes it compatible with a wide range of drivers, while the metal construction ensures it can withstand the forces required to disassemble a bolt.
Performance & Functionality
The Fix It Sticks Bolt Opener For Remington 700 performs its job exceptionally well. It allows for quick and safe disassembly of the Remington 700 firing pin assembly.
Its strength lies in its simplicity and precision. The dual-sided design, with the “bottle opener” lever and the firing pin socket engagement, makes the process straightforward and efficient. The only potential improvement would be a slightly longer handle for increased leverage, although the current size is adequate. The tool absolutely meets and exceeds my expectations.
Design & Ergonomics
The Fix It Sticks Bolt Opener For Remington 700 has a simple, functional design. The metal construction feels solid and durable. The tool is compact and lightweight, making it easy to carry in a range bag or toolbox.
The polymer bushing is a thoughtful touch, preventing damage to the bolt plug. There is virtually no learning curve; the tool is intuitive to use after a quick glance at a diagram or video.
Durability & Maintenance
The Fix It Sticks Bolt Opener For Remington 700 appears to be built to last. The metal construction should withstand years of use.
Maintenance is minimal; a quick wipe with a clean cloth after each use is sufficient. The tool’s simple design means there are no small parts to lose or break.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Fix It Sticks Bolt Opener For Remington 700 does not come with any accessories, nor does it require any. It’s a standalone tool designed to work with existing 1/4-inch drivers.
The tool is inherently compatible with any standard 1/4-inch driver, including those from other brands. This makes it a versatile addition to any gunsmithing toolkit.
Pros and Cons of Fix It Sticks Bolt Opener For Remington 700
Pros
- Easy to use: The dual-sided design makes disassembly straightforward, even for beginners.
- Durable construction: The metal build ensures long-lasting performance.
- Compact and portable: The small size makes it easy to carry in a range bag or toolbox.
- Protects bolt components: The polymer bushing prevents damage to the bolt plug.
- Versatile compatibility: The 1/4-inch hex base works with any standard driver.
Cons
- Potential for lost bushing: Although snug, the polymer bushing could be lost if not careful.
- No included driver: Requires an existing 1/4-inch driver, which might be an extra expense for some.
Who Should Buy Fix It Sticks Bolt Opener For Remington 700?
The Fix It Sticks Bolt Opener For Remington 700 is perfect for:
- Remington 700 owners: Anyone who owns a Remington 700 or a rifle based on the same action will benefit from this tool.
- Gunsmiths and armorers: A valuable addition to any professional gunsmithing toolkit.
- Competitive shooters: Allows for quick and easy bolt disassembly for cleaning and maintenance during matches.
- Hunters: Enables field maintenance and repairs in case of unexpected issues.
This tool might not be necessary for someone who:
- Never disassembles their rifle bolt.
- Doesn’t own a Remington 700 or compatible rifle.
A must-have accessory is a Fix It Sticks T-handle driver or any other high-quality 1/4-inch driver.
Conclusion on Fix It Sticks Bolt Opener For Remington 700
The Fix It Sticks Bolt Opener For Remington 700 is a simple, yet invaluable tool for anyone who owns a Remington 700 or similar rifle. It makes bolt disassembly safe, quick, and easy, preventing potential damage to critical components.
At around $22, the price is justified. It’s a small investment that can save you time, frustration, and potentially costly repairs.
I would definitely recommend the Fix It Sticks Bolt Opener For Remington 700 to any Remington 700 owner. It’s a well-designed, durable tool that performs its intended function flawlessly. If you value preventative maintenance and having the right tool for the job, this is a must-have. Add one to your toolkit today and experience the peace of mind that comes with knowing you can easily disassemble your bolt whenever needed.