I purchased a vm in August, hunted waterfowl in Alberta in early sept, and bolt handle flew out twice while
Shooting. Returned gun to factory and the bolt, bolt handle, and two other parts were replaced. Hunted ducks back home last weekend and it happened again. Could not find handle this time. Love the soft shooting this gun offers, but very concerned about reliability. Seems like a design flaw, but only found one other web site where this problem was mentioned. Has anyone heard about this problem? Would appreciate any comments.

I don't mean to sound like an A$$, but are you sure it was installed properly. I have noticed several VM's new in the box that needed the bolt handel tapped harder into place. It takes quite abit of force to set it all the way into the bolt. Once installed fully you cant pull it out without using tools.

Brdhntr wrote:I purchased a vm in August, hunted waterfowl in Alberta in early sept, and bolt handle flew out twice while
Shooting. Returned gun to factory and the bolt, bolt handle, and two other parts were replaced. Hunted ducks back home last weekend and it happened again. Could not find handle this time. Love the soft shooting this gun offers, but very concerned about reliability. Seems like a design flaw, but only found one other web site where this problem was mentioned. Has anyone heard about this problem? Would appreciate any comments.

My November 2010 model VM did this very thing three separate times while I was shooting high speed 3.5" loads, I was able to find the bolt handle using a magnet in a muddy rice field all three times.
I called Remington and they sent me a new bolt handle that had a slightly different notch cut in it, and it has lasted two seasons so far.
Like vmax states, I do give it a little tap with a rubber hammer after cleaning and make certain it is seated.

Thank you vmax and tujays for your tips. Shot my trusty 870 this morning.....you quickly realize how soft shooting the vm is!