boltaction

A bolt-action is a type of repeating firearm action in which the shooter manually operates a bolt to extract a spent cartridge and chamber a fresh one. The mechanism centers on a cylindrical bolt housed in the receiver. When the bolt handle is lifted, the bolt unlocks, allowing it to be pulled rearward to eject the spent case. Pushing the bolt forward strips a cartridge from a magazine and seats it in the chamber; rotating the bolt down or into the locking position engages the locking lugs, which withstand chamber pressures.

Feeding may occur from an internal magazine, a box magazine, or in some rifles a single stack with a detachable magazine. Some designs also use stripper clips to rapid load. Locking lugs, usually two or more, create a rigid, repeatable lockup that contributes to accuracy.

History and use: Bolt-action rifles were developed in the late 19th century and came to dominate military service in the early 20th century, with prominent models such as the Mauser Gewehr 98, the British Lee-Enfield No. 4, the German Karabiner 98k, the Soviet Mosin-Nagant, and the US Springfield M1903. They remain widely used for hunting, sport shooting, and precision rifles due to their strength, reliability, and consistent accuracy.

Modern bolt-actions often feature improved materials, precise machining, and smooth operation; many are designed around a controlled-feed or push-feed system, with various magazine configurations and safety mechanisms. While semi-automatic and other action types have reduced military usage, the bolt-action remains a common choice for high-accuracy and long-range shooting.