S&W i-Bolt:  simple, accurate, innovative

Smith & Wesson is one of the most recognized brands in the world.  Their newest offer in the world of rifles is the i-Bolt.  This is not the first time that S&W tackles the rifle segment for in past years it marketed rifles first produced by Husqvarna and then later by Howa under different commercial names. Both ventures were only mildly successful but this time is different. This time S&W is not just importing and “branding” another company’s product, rather the design and production of this rifle is all made in US of A.  Although the “i “ in i-Bolt stands for innovation, the folks at S&W have taken a very traditional and well tested path rather than navigating the uncharted waters of unproven designs and technical solutions. The result is that of a solid, reliable and very accurate modern rifle that can proudly exhibit the iconic S&W brand.

The i-Bolt is a classic bolt-action rifle which feeds from a staggered magazine with a hinged floorplate.  The receiver is a solid piece of steel that houses a massive, almost one-inch diameter, bolt. The barrel is made by T/C which is now part of the S&W group.  The stock is an injection molded in either black or camo pattern and features a X-Bed design, a recoil reduction chamber and recessed swivel studs.

So, what is new and exciting about the S&W i-Bolt.  Let’s start from the bolt.  S&W opted for a bolt which followed the European-style design called at times “fat bolt” or full diameter bolt – which defines a bolt that presents the same diameter throughout. There are no protruding lugs – as we find in the ubiquitous Mauser actions. To ensure a positive lock, smaller lugs are obtained from machining the forward part of the bolt.   Nothing new here for this is the familiar design seen in the Weatherby Mark V. This three-lug design affords a much shorter bolt lift allowing  to low-mount scopes with large eyepiece or protruding power rings. A small stainless pin extends from the cocking piece on the bolt to indicate the rifle is cocked. By the way, do not try to remove the bolt without reading the “instructions”. I tried and I had to capitulate after exhausting all my tricks.

The safety is located to the rear of the bolt handle and sports a familiar 3 positions: fully locked, partially locked (to allow loading and unloading) and fire.

The i-Bolt Tru-Set trigger was designed by the experts at Timney. It allows the owner to adjust the letoff over a range of 3 to 6 pounds by using a small hex wrench provided. Our broke at a crisp 3.5 out of the box. 

The barrel has a 90 degree target crown and is free-floated all the way to meet the recoil lug in the stock. These are quality barrels that have brought just fame to T/C and are now part of S&W brand and commitment to accuracy and durability.

The metals on the i-Bolt are offered with two main finishes. A proprietor Weather Shield™ which quoting S&W website is “An advanced, tough as nails, corrosion protection system. This system, when applied to the barrel and other critical metal parts, make the gun nearly impervious to rust” and a non-reflective matte blue finish which is reserved for the black stock models.

During a short sighting-in session at the range we put the i-Bolt’s accuracy - scoped with a 4-12 x 40 Bushnell to the test. It consistently scored 1.5” groups using hand loads, Nosler Accupoint bullets and IMR 4350. Our next stop was the southeast Oregon desert where we had an appointment with our pronghorn ( Antilocapra americana).

The desert was spectacular and our hunt went by the book.  One shot at 200 yards range sealed our days in the desert with a nice antelope trophy. “Thank you i-Bolt for my son’s first Antelope! Weidmannsheil!”

With a suggested MSRP of $553.00 (rifle tested in 30-06 caliber) the S&W i-Bolt rifle is a real quality to cost value and a true badge to Smith & Wesson's legendary name. I think this is a keeper. 

smith-wesson.com | 1.800.331.0852