The Volquartsen Firefly 2.0 is a game-changer for owners of 10/22-pattern firearms. A standard steel 10/22 bolt will not reliably cycle low power (710 fps) ammo, even with a reduced power spring. This lightweight aluminum bolt allows the use of subsonic ammo, up to 1050 fps, with dependable cycling. Once installed, you can run your CCI Quiet ammo or subsonic ammo effortlessly. No more jams, no more trigger failing to reset. Just smooth and quiet shooting.
I tried the Volquartsen Firefly 2.0 in four configurations with excellent results. This included two rifles, and then Chargers with 5-3/8″ and 9″ barrels. Because the aluminum bolt shaves about four ounces off the weight of your firearm, it’s easy to get caught up in chasing a lightweight build while enjoying your quiet time. So I started with an already light rifle, and then experimented with light and quiet suppressor host options.
Volquartsen Firefly 2.0 Specifications
Each Firefly 2.0 bolt is CNC-machined from aluminum and then given a durable Type III Hard-Anodized finish. My test sample weighed just 2.4 ounces (compared to 6.3 ounces for an aftermarket steel bolt). Included with the Firefly 2.0 is a hardened A2 recoil rod and two different springs. A reduced power spring is installed, and the regular weight spring is easily swapped in. Volquartsen even throws in their polyurethane bolt stop (AKA recoil buffer). With the two different springs, you reliably can shoot any ammo rated up to 1050 fps. Of course, it’s also made right here in America.
Installation of the Volquartsen Firefly 2.0
This is pretty much a drop-in part, so installation is as easy as removing your current bolt and replacing it with the Firefly. Obviously, you should clear your workspace of ammo, and make sure your firearm is unloaded before starting. If you’re installing it in an OEM receiver, now is a good time to Scotch Brite the interior. I like to make sure it’s as smooth as possible inside, as friction is the enemy. With one of my triggers, I noticed that the ejector was contacting the underside of the bolt. So I polished the top of the ejector as well.
Once installed, run the bolt back and forth to make sure that there’s no binding or unexpected friction. Also test the function of your safety. If everything is working as it should, you’re set for the range.
Range time with the Volquartsen Firefly 2.0
As mentioned, I tried out the Firefly bolt in four different configurations. First up, I put it in my “field rifle“. This lightweight rifle is set up as a plinker and small game rifle. And it is almost always shot suppressed. With the Firefly and CCI Quiet ammo, it’s plenty accurate for small game, and stealthy quiet. More importantly, it cycles just fine. After a few outings with this rifle, I dropped the Firefly into a lighter chassis build. This had my friends giggling, as it was as light as an older airgun, and not much louder. But packs a bit more punch.
Now that I discovered the rabbit hole of light and quiet, I put together two different Chargers. The first one used a 5-3/8″ barrel, while the other had a 9″ barrel. I could see either of these thrown into a backpack with the folding brace, and used for hunting. Or just some fun plinking. It seems as though the sound of a round hitting a can is much louder than the actual report at the muzzle. Good times.
Ammo and Suppressor info
Across all four barrels, I had zero issues with cycling ammo. All testing was done with CCI SV (standard velocity at 1070 fps) and CCI Quiets at 710 fps. Yes, the SV is rated 20 fps over the bolt, but we shot a limited amount of those rounds, and a lot more of the Quiet ammo. This was done through a TacSol Axiom suppressor, at approximately 4,000 feet of elevation. Temps were mostly 80-90 degrees, although my last morning of shooting was in the 50s. No malfunctions of any sort. This can be attributed to the quality of the ammo, the bolt, and well-running rimfires.
So who is the Volquartsen Firefly 2.0 for?
Based on my research, the Firefly should appeal to a wide variety of shooters. Some will want it for pest control, where the lower power, lower noise ammo is necessary. Others just don’t want to disturb their neighbors (where it’s legal to shoot). Small game hunters will appreciate the elevated stealth levels. Then there is the overlap of those who want a dedicated suppressor host that’s as quiet as possible, coupled with a light build. At its current price of $170, including the charging handle, it’s less expensive than many aftermarket bolts.
Final Thoughts
I never had the opportunity to try the original Firefly, but it seems to have become something of a legend. So the new Firefly 2.0 steps in to fill some big shoes, and does it exceedingly well. The Quiets are as close as possible to hearing safe without ear pro or a suppressor. Suppressed, it’s about as “Hollywood quiet” as you can get without a bolt action. If you’re looking to build a quiet (or light) 10/22 or clone, check it out on the Volquartsen website.