Bolt action pens are popular pens for people who want reliable and tough writing instruments. These pens have different bolt action mechanism and are built from different materials to suit your style. The best bolt action pen design ranges from tough hard-wearing look to those with slim and sleek finish. They are sure to last years of use and a good upgrade from inexpensive plastic pens. Bolt action pens are also considered as tactical pens and some manufacturers add features like emergency glass breaker, measuring tool, and whistle. Read on as we check the best bolt action pens in this guide.
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What is a Bolt Action Pen
The bolt action mechanism originated from firearms where it is most often found in rifles. Pen makers incorporated this design for pens, where the bolt action mechanism extends and retracts the pen tip. The basic design makes the pen more durable, reliable, and well-suited for rugged use.
Why Have a Bolt Action Pen
There are those who don’t like using pens with caps. Caps can click in to place or unscrewed from the pen body. Due to this, they often require the use of two hands. Unscrewing the pen cap using one hand is doable, but awkward. And no, using the teeth doesn’t count.
One handed operation is possible with pens having click buttons. But dirt, sawdust, lint, or other gunk will eventually find its way into the click mechanism which will, in time, cause failure. Push button clicky pens can accidentally extend in your pocket and ruin your clothes if you are using a gel or roller ball refill.
If you regularly keep a cheap plastic pen in your pants pocket, it can easily break if you lean on a hard surface, or sit on it like what usually happens to a mobile phone.
Bolt action pens have all metal parts, and unlike common retractable pens it doesn’t have any plastic parts or fragile bodies. They are also more reliable and less prone to failure due to catching dirt in the mechanism.
Fidgeters will enjoy the tactile feeling of using a bolt action pen. They are cool pens, fun to use, and can become the best pens for writing once you put in your favorite pen cartridge.
The Best Bolt Action Pens
MecArmy TPX8 Mini Brass Bolt-action Pen
The MecArmy TPX8 Mini bolt action pen features a more compact profile compared to full sized pens. There are three choices of high quality body material, from brass, copper, and titanium. It has a textured knurling on the body for better grip. It also sports a MecArmy CH2 D shape titanium keyring to make it simple to clip on to your keychain. The stainless steel bolt lever and clip provides a good contrast to the metal pen body. The pen comes with a Germany Lamy M22 refill for a fast drying, waterproof, and smooth writing experience. Customize your pen by adding 6 pieces of 1.5mm glow bars to make it easy to find it in the dark.
UZI Bolt Action Tactical Pen
UZI tactical pen is a basic pen design with a bolt action mechanism. Its compact size makes it a discreet self-defense tool. Made from aircraft grade aluminum with a fine gun metal color. A deep carry pocket clip fits securely to your pocket without the pen sticking out. The reliable bolt action mechanism makes it ideal for daily use. If you are looking for a budget bolt action pen for EDC, this will be a great pick.
Titaner Titanium Bolt Action Tactical Pen
Rugged and minimalist bolt action pen from Titaner. Constructed from hard wearing CNC machined titanium, the titanium pen has a matte textured finish to provide better grip. The bolt action end has an tungsten steel tipped emergency glass breaker and a hole for attaching a lanyard. There are no pocket clips so this pen can easily slide in your pen case or the included leather pouch.
Cool Hand Carbon Fiber Bolt Action Pen
Another contender for an affordable, cheap bolt action pen is the Cool Hand Carbon Fiber bolt action pen. This is a light weight pen built from solid carbon fiber body and aircraft grade aluminum on the bolt action mechanism and pen tip. This pen features three way bolt action system that extends and retracts pen or the stylus tip. It uses German Schmidt pen refill for a smooth writing experience.
GP 1945 Plus Bolt Action Pen
GP 1945 Plus bolt action pen is the one to get if you need the pen with the most features. The pen has a solid unibody construction made from high strength TC4 Titanium. It has a tungsten steel emergency glass breaker at the screw on end cap. Removing the end cap allows use of the survival whistle. The whistle produces a high pitched sound that you can change by sliding your fingers along the clip. The writing end has diamond knurling pattern for better grip. There are grooves that are deliberately spaced apart for use as a measuring tool, with units in inches or centimeters. GP 1945 bolt action pen has an impressive set of features and will be the best bolt action pen for people who love the outdoors. Tough aero-grade aluminum model is also available.
Tin Mill ‘Helic’ Bolt Action Pen
Tin Mill ‘Helic’ bolt action pen is a gorgeous pen with a unique bolt action action design. Th pen cap has machined helical grooves that acts as a bolt action mechanism and engaged with a push and twist of the cap. The copper or nickel plated stainless steel construction ensures durability. Included in the pen is a fine point Pilot G2 pen cartridge. Tin Mill’s Helic is a unique pen with a sleek design great for everyday carry.
Cool Hand ‘Cannon’ Bolt Action Tactical Pen
Cool Hand ‘Cannon’ is a compact bolt action tactical pen at only 4.8 inches in length. Built from titanium and has a basic design with no pocket clips. The pen has a locking mechanism to prevent accidentally extending the tip. The notches at the tip of the pen serves as a DNA catcher. This is a rock solid titanium pen for daily use.
Boker PLUS K.I.D cal .50 Bolt Action Pen
Boker PLUS K.I.D cal .50 is the shorter and stocky version of cal .45 CID. It is a compact bolt action pen made from machined aluminum and has a matte finish with textured grooves which aids in grip. It has a traditional durable screwed on clip. Pens with slightly bigger circumference may be preferred by some people for writing comfort. Boker Plus K.I.D cal .50 is well suited for those who prefer a compact and robust bolt action tactical pen.
Boker Plus CID cal .45 Bolt Action Pen
Boker PLUS CID cal .45 is a bolt action tactical pen constructed from hard anodized CNC milled aluminum. The bolt action mechanism is conveniently placed at the mid section of the pen and it features a Clip Integrated Design (CID) with the clip sitting flush with the body. This allows for a single piece body construction with a sturdy clip. It has a flat end with a knurled top for easy grip when taking the pen out of your pocket. The pen takes a Lamy M22 refill.
Karas Kustoms ‘The Bolt’ Bolt Action Pen
Karas Kustoms ‘The Bolt’ aluminum pen is sleek and stylish bolt action pen. This is a large size pen at 5.5 inches in length and at first glance, it looks like a clicky pen. The bolt action mechanism is unique in the sense that you can swipe the bolt or use the piston style mechanism with a press and twist of the head. The pen uses readily available Parker style refills. Karas Kustoms ‘The Bolt’ is the best EDC bolt action pen if you need a well designed, durable, and functional pen. If you are looking for a brass bolt action pen, or a copper pen, they are also available.
Final Thoughts
The best bolt action pen is a good addition to your everyday carry kit. You cannot go wrong with having a tough, reliable, and versatile writing instrument. They are the best pens to have and since they use common refills, you can be sure have the ideal pen cartridge to use with your choice of writing tool.
