Metal Bolt-Action Pen

I’ve been using the Rite in the Rain Bolt-Action Matte Black Metal Pen (No. BK16) for a couple of weeks, and it has quickly become my go-to everyday carry (EDC) tool. Whether you’re working in the field or just need a pen that won’t leak in your pocket, this is a solid investment. Pros: Rugged Build: The all-metal (aluminum) barrel feels substantial and well-balanced without being overly heavy. It’s clearly built to survive rough environments. Write-Anywhere Reliability: Thanks to the pressurized ink cartridge, this pen writes smoothly at any angle, in freezing temperatures (-30°F), and even on wet or greasy paper. It’s particularly effective when paired with a Rite in the Rain notebook. Satisfying Bolt-Action: The mechanism is crisp and dependable. Unlike standard clicker pens, it won't accidentally deploy in your pocket and ruin your clothes. Plus, it’s highly addictive to "fidget" with. Burly Clip: The heavy-duty 1.3mm wire clip is one of the best I’ve seen; it holds tight to pockets or packs and doesn't bend out of shape. Cons: Stiff Action Initially: The bolt-action can feel a bit stiff right out of the box, though it typically smooths out after a few days of use. Body Can Loosen: I’ve noticed the barrel can occasionally unscrew slightly during daily activity. A tiny bit of thread tape or just keeping an eye on it fixes the issue. Ink Shade: The pressurized ink is extremely reliable, but it can appear slightly lighter or more "ballpoint-like" than a deep gel ink. Verdict: If you need a pen that works through mud, sweat, and water, the BK16 is "locked, loaded, and ready". It’s a professional-grade tool that feels more like a piece of gear than just a stationary item. Highly recommended for hikers, contractors, or anyone who values durability.

The Rite in the Rain Weatherproof Bolt-Action Pen is excellent for outdoor or all-weather use. The matte black finish feels sturdy and professional, and the bolt-action mechanism works smoothly. The ink writes clearly on wet or rough paper without smudging, which is perfect for field notes, hikes, or any outdoor tasks. It’s comfortable to hold and built to last—definitely a reliable pen for anyone who needs a pen that works in any environment. Highly recommend!

I recently purchased the Rite In the Rain Bolt Action Pen, and it has quickly become my go-to writing instrument. This pen is exceptional, with a fantastic weight that feels perfect in the hand and writes smoothly on any surface, from cardboard to paper. The true magic happens when paired with Rite In the Rain waterproof paper. With this combo, I’m unstoppable—writing in the rain, underwater, and even through mud. No matter the conditions, my notes remain clear and legible. One of the standout features is the bolt action mechanism, which is incredibly satisfying to click. It adds a touch of fun to the practical utility of the pen. Overall, the Rite In the Rain Bolt Action Pen is a must-buy for anyone needing a reliable, durable, and versatile writing tool. Whether you’re an outdoor enthusiast, a fieldworker, or just someone who values a high-quality pen, this product will not disappoint.

Only thing it needs is a little loctite (blue) for the end piece and where it unscrews in the middle to replace the ink cartridge. Otherwise nice pen, good clip, and good size. I have big hands and most bold action pens including this one unscrew when I deploy the bolt. Loctite (just a small amount) stops that.

As an avid Rite in the Rain notebook and pen user/collector, I decided to give this guy a shot, especially since I've been eyeing a good bolt action pen to add to my EDC rotation. Overall, I'm pretty happy with this. Like all Rite in the Rain pens, it works perfectly on both the company's notebook paper as well as traditional paper. I find the ink skips less frequently than RitR's plastic pens, perhaps due to the heft of its all-metal construction. The bolt action is a little stiff out of the box, which often caused the two ends of the pen to slightly back out. However, after a week or so of breaking in the action become much easier to actuate. The build quality is on point for the price. The ergos are good, with a nice tactile area to grip the pen while writing. The weight isn't too bad either, though it does become a bit tiring to use over extended writing sessions. The wire pocket clip is outstanding, clinging tightly to pockets while still being able to remove with ease. My only major complaint is that the pen is a little large for pants carry, at least for me. While it's fairly thin, in comparison to other popular full size pens it's pretty tall. For shirt pockets it's not that much of an issue, but for how I like to carry pens (in my rear pants pocket) it's not all that comfortable, especially on long car rides. The black finish is pretty flaky as well, with the pen sporting some notable wear on its clip, top cap and the bolt knob after only a month or so of regular use. Not all that much of an issue for me personally, though I could see it being a sore point for some, especially given this pen's nearly $30 price tag. I would still highly recommend this pen for heavy RitR users or for those just wanting a solid bolt action pen that's kind of spendy while still not breaking the bank like some more premium options on the market. Like I said before, I think there are better options for pants carry but it's great for a shirt pocket or keeping at hands reach on a desk.

I am a mailman and have been using this pen every day and it has held up very well. I have a little bit of wear (which is normal) but the spring and clip still feel great. Plus it could in theory double as a self defense weapon lol.

This is likely the most solid writing device I have used. The bolt mechanism is strong, as the clip. Extending the pen takes an extra half-second compared to a click pen but locks in well.

I was looking for an innocuous looking metal pen with a flat cap. The pen writes perfectly. It is not thick, which is what I prefer for writing. It is definitely heavier at the back end due to the bolt action mechanism. This doesn't affect my comfortable use of it for filling in a few forms at work. The threaded joint in the middle of the pen has a tendency to loosen. I wrapped a small amount of silicone grip tape in the middle. It prevents the threads from loosening and adds a perfect grip. Its a neat looking pen that writes perfectly. I dropped it once on a tile floor, and the aluminium tip got smooshed enough to ruin the ball point. If the tip was made with a stronger material, it would be a great pen. I love Rite In the Rain products, but I do not recommend this item.