Attention Ruger American Customers.

Ruger has changed the bolt handle dimensions on some of their new rifles and they are not interchangeable with the previous version. The new handle is .487″ wide. The previous version is .497″ wide and will not fit. Please read the below information to become familiar with the version that will fit your rifle.

The knobs are visually different. The New bolt handle (version 487), on the left, has a “pear shaped” head whereas the previous version (Version 497), on the right, is more rounded.

The previous version (497) of the handle has a completely rounded ball end (see photo above).

The new version (487) of the bolt handle has a flat area machined at the tip of the ball (see photo above).

Ruger’s New factory bolt handle with the “pear shape” knob measures .487″ when measured between the faces that have a hole for the firing pin. See photo above.

Ruger’s previous version measures .497″ when measured between the faces that have a hole for the firing pin. See photo above.

If your rifle’s bolt handle is completely round, you will most likely need the bolt handles in the 497 category.

If your rifle’s bolt handle knob is “pear” shaped and has a flat machined at the end, you will most likely need the 487″ handle. The most failproof way of telling which version you need is measuring your factory bolt handle with calipers or a micrometer.