A bolt handle assembly for a rifle comprising: a bolt having an elongated body defining a longitudinal axis, an internal channel extending between forward and rear ends (22,26) of the bolt, and a laterally extending slot; a bolt handle including a mounting tang removably inserted through the slot in the bolt and having a locking aperture positioned in the internal channel of the bolt; a firing pin striker slidably disposed in the internal channel of the bolt; characterized in that the bold handle assembly comprises: a locking member mounted on the firing pin striker, the locking member having a portion with front end configured and dimensioned for axial insertion through the locking aperture of the bolt handle, the locking member being rotatable and operable to engage the mounting tang of the bolt to releasably secure the bolt handle to the bolt; wherein the front end of the locking member comprises a locking flange including at least one radially extending ear that is engageable with the mounting tang of the bolt handle; and a spring disposed in the internal channel and having a rear end which abuts the locking flange, the spring axially displacing and biasing the locking flange rearward against recessed seats on a front side of the mounting tang to assist with maintaining the locking flange in a vertical locked position. a bolt having an elongated body defining a longitudinal axis, an internal channel extending between forward and rear ends (22,26) of the bolt, and a laterally extending slot; a bolt handle including a mounting tang removably inserted through the slot in the bolt and having a locking aperture positioned in the internal channel of the bolt; a firing pin striker slidably disposed in the internal channel of the bolt; characterized in that the bold handle assembly comprises: a locking member mounted on the firing pin striker, the locking member having a portion with front end configured and dimensioned for axial insertion through the locking aperture of the bolt handle, the locking member being rotatable and operable to engage the mounting tang of the bolt to releasably secure the bolt handle to the bolt; wherein the front end of the locking member comprises a locking flange including at least one radially extending ear that is engageable with the mounting tang of the bolt handle; and a spring disposed in the internal channel and having a rear end which abuts the locking flange, the spring axially displacing and biasing the locking flange rearward against recessed seats on a front side of the mounting tang to assist with maintaining the locking flange in a vertical locked position. a locking member mounted on the firing pin striker, the locking member having a portion with front end configured and dimensioned for axial insertion through the locking aperture of the bolt handle, the locking member being rotatable and operable to engage the mounting tang of the bolt to releasably secure the bolt handle to the bolt; wherein the front end of the locking member comprises a locking flange including at least one radially extending ear that is engageable with the mounting tang of the bolt handle; and a spring disposed in the internal channel and having a rear end which abuts the locking flange, the spring axially displacing and biasing the locking flange rearward against recessed seats on a front side of the mounting tang to assist with maintaining the locking flange in a vertical locked position.