Because You Ask: Stiff Bolt Lift When Shooting Suppressed

In this Because You Ask episode, we tackle a problem we see regularly at matches and during high-round-count training: stiff bolt lift when shooting suppressed.

This issue shows up most often during volume shooting, when suppressor heat and back pressure begin to stack. We’ll explain what’s actually happening inside the action, why it gets worse as stages progress, and how continuing to shoot can damage your bolt lugs, receiver, and headspace.

We’ll also share real-world match experiences, practical testing results, and the exact steps we recommend to mitigate stiff bolt lift before it becomes a gunsmithing problem.

This video is free and part of our ongoing Because You Ask series. If it saves you from damaging a rifle or ending a match early, it’s done its job.