While semi-automatic modern sporting rifles (MSR) are the most popular rifle for hunting, competition and self-defense, there are still situations where a manually-operated action has its advantages, such as when using a suppressor. North Carolina-based Bear Creek Arsenal, a prolific maker of AR-10 and AR-15 pattern firearms, is combining the modularity of the MSR platform with a traditional turn-bolt action with its Bear Bolt Pro.
Bear Creek introduced its first bolt-action two years ago, using an AR-type multi-lug bolt and separate bolt carrier. This original design has been refined into the Bear Bolt Pro. The Pro uses a more conventional bolt mechanism with a two-lug bolt with a one-piece body that requires a 70-degree bolt lift. A new out-of-battery safety prevents the rifle from firing unless the bolt is fully locked in place.
The upper receiver is billet-machined from aluminum alloy and is redesigned to have a separate ejection port and bolt handle track for toolless bolt removal. Compatible with mil-spec AR components, the Bear Bolt Pro can be used with an existing lower and is compatible with a myriad of aftermarket stocks, handguards, triggers and magazines.
The BCA Bear Bolt Pro system is offered as a complete rifle (MSRP $674) or upper only (MSRP $399). While compatible with any cartridge that works in an AR-10-size action, the initial chambering for the Bear Bolt Pro is .308 Winchester with an 18-inch SOCOM-profile barrel with 1:10-inch twist rifling and a black nitride finish.
The handguard is a 15-inch free-floating design with a split upper Picatinny rail and M-Lok accessory slots. Complete rifles pair this upper with a forged BCA BC-10 lower that uses a Luth-AR MBA-1 fixed stock with adjustable cheekpiece height and length-of-pull. The complete rifle weighs 8.2 pounds.
In the future, Bear Creek Arsenal plans to offer its Bear Bolt Pro in additional AR-10 configurations, as well as AR-15-compatible models. For more information, see the company’s website.
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