Bolt-Action 101: Everything You Need to Know Before Your First Purchase

Introduction to the Bolt-Action Mechanism

In the ever-changing firearms industry, it can be difficult to keep up with the latest trends in new firearms technology. For beginner shooters, it can be overwhelming to try and select a new rifle or even your very first. But no matter your experience level, beginner shooters can look to hunters, competitive shooters, and more experienced firearm owners to see what they all have in common. And that commonality can be found in the bolt-action rifle.

The bolt-action mechanism is both highly reliable, incredibly accurate, and has been in use for close to 200 years. The standout feature of the bolt-action is a manual cycling process, where the shooter is deliberate in the loading, firing, and ejecting of the spent shell casing. Different from semi-automatic or fully automatic mechanisms, the bold actions simplicity is what allows it to be extremely accurate. 1934 Armory is one of the premier brands focused on high levels of craftsmanship and a level of accuracy that all shooters can appreciate. By learning the history and the mechanics behind bolt-action rifles, you will be able to evaluate and make an informed decision about choosing your next bolt-action rifle from 1934 Armory.

The History and Evolution of the Bolt-Action

Originally invented in the early 19th century, bolt-action rifles revolutionized the battlefield beyond earlier, and more primitive, muzzle loading muskets. Advancements in metallic cartridges also aided in furthering the evolution of the bolt-action. Early designs like the Dreyse Needle Rifle in the 1830’s created the framework for a new rifle action that evolved into what would become the well-known Mauser 98, the Springfield 1903, and the Lee-Enfield rifle. These bolt-action rifles were in full use as a standard military rifle for their respective countries during the trench warfare of World War I.

Beyond military applications, the bolt-action rifle became the benchmark for reliability over the semi-automatic options at the time. Still to this day, bolt-action rifles continue to see service in militaries and police departments around the world, while hunters and competition sport shooters nearly unanimously turn to the bolt-action for long-range precision shooting. Modern manufacturing techniques have allowed the bolt-action platform to achieve better accuracy at longer ranges than any other available rifle platform.

How a Bolt-Action Works

The operation of a bolt-action rifle is fairly simple. It is carried out by the shooter manually cycling the bolt through each stage of the firing process. The shooter grabs the exposed knob on the side of the bolt itself and manually rotates it to perform all functions of the firing process that involves the bolt itself. The bolt is manually manipulated to chamber around, to lock it in place, to firing and then ejecting the spent cartridge. This manual process guarantees complete control over each and every shot.

Main Components and Their Functions

The number of parts in a bolt-action rifle are fewer than other, more intricately designed rifles on the market today. The bolt is the main moving part which consists of the bolt body itself, a handle, and houses the firing pin and extractor. At the end of the bolt are the locking lugs which securely locks the bolt into place and ensures that the chamber pressure is safe. A complete barreled action consists of a barrel that is securely connected to the action which houses the bolt itself. A trigger mechanism is attached below that, and all of these components are fitted into a rifle stock. Most bolt-action rifles will have some sort of magazine that holds the ammunition and feeds the rounds into the chamber after one is fired. These magazines can either be internal or detachable.

Step-by-Step Operation Cycle

The cycling for bolt-action operation starts when the shooter lifts the bolt handle, unlocking the locking lugs. The bolt is then pulled rearward towards the shooter to extract and eject the spent rifle cartridge while simultaneously re-cocking the firing pin. Once the empty cartridge has been ejected from the rifle, the bolt is then pushed forward to chamber the next round from the magazine into the barrel. The handle is then pushed downward to reengage the locking lugs, securely locking the breach and putting the bolt-action rifle into a condition that is ready to fire again. At this point, the shooter is now able to pull the trigger and fire the newly loaded round. These steps must be repeated each time the shooter wishes to fire an additional round.

Advantages and Disadvantages

When it comes to advantages and disadvantages of a bolt-action rifle, the advantages are many. The accuracy of these rifles are unmatched with other semi-automatic variants. Because of the rigid lockup and few moving parts, a bolt-action rifle is the superior choice for long range shooting and highly accurate fire. Even in austere environments or adverse conditions, the reliability of a bolt-action rifle makes it the perfect choice for both hunting or field conditions, making the rifle reliable even when exposed to things like dirt, sand, or debris. The strength of a barreled action for a bolt-action rifle means that these rifles can more easily handle extreme pressures from high-powered caliber options. Because the system is so simple, maintaining a bolt-action rifle is much easier than any semi-automatic rifle available. The biggest advantage is the ease of customization, giving shooters the ability to build from the ground up a highly reliable and accurate rifle, capable of achieving extreme precision.

The disadvantages of a bolt-action rifle are few but still present. Because of the nature of the firing process, the rate of fire is much slower than semi-automatic rifles. In most cases the capacity is generally limited to five rounds in a magazine, however some designs using more common calibers found in other semi-automatic variants are capable of using higher capacity magazines. Another perceived disadvantage to some may be that certain bolt-action rifles can come with a more premium price point than other mass produced semi-automatic rifles.

What to Look for Before Buying Your First Bolt-Action

If you're a beginner shooter in the market for your first bolt-action rifle there are a few key elements that you need to consider and evaluate. The materials used and the overall build quality, the smoothness of the operation of the bolt itself, and added safety features are all important considerations for your next bolt-action rifle.

Build Quality and Materials

Prioritize rifles with stronger receivers and precision machining. Materials like stainless steel for barrels and receivers that will resist wear over time. The material of the stock is also something to consider. A synthetic stock gives the rifle resistance to weather conditions and is ideal for outdoor usage. High quality wooden stocks should also be considered for bench rest or precision shooting due to their rigidity. The advantage of a synthetic stock over a wooden one is that synthetic stocks offer more adjustability so the rifle can be tailored to the measurements of each shooter.

Smoothness of Operation

The smoothness of the bolt’s operation is the most tactile part felt by the shooter. You want the bolt to cycle smoothly when loading and unloading and should look for one that does not bind up or become difficult to lock each round into the chamber. 1934 Armory’s actions and bolts are precision machined to run as smoothly as possible, making their operation a pleasure to shoot.

Safety Features

The manual safety on a bolt-action rifle generally comes in either two or three different settings. Make sure that the safety mechanism engages itself reliably. In a two-position safety, the rifle is either on safe or fire. But in either position, the bolt handle can still be pulled and cycled. In a three-position safety, the third position will lock the bolt handle into place, eliminating the risk of your bolt catching on equipment or plants when out in the field and possibly ejecting a round from the rifle.

Common Misconceptions

A common misconception is that the bolt-action mechanism is an outdated piece of technology. Even though semi-automatic rifles have replaced the bolt-action as the standard issue rifle for troops, bolt-actions are still in heavy common use for their reliability and precision. Another is that bolt-actions are only for snipers. The reality is that this rifle platform is usually the best option for hunters and precision long-range shooters alike. Another misconception is that because of its low rate of fire, that bolt-actions lack versatility in power. Nothing could be further from the truth. The bolt-action platform is better suited to handle higher powered, magnum-level caliber options that semi-automatic rifles cannot.  

Basic Maintenance Tips

Even though there are fewer moving parts or overall components to a bolt-action rifle, regular maintenance is still required to keep your rifle in a state of peak performance. The barrel and action must be cleaned after shooting, and the bolt should be wiped down and lubricated with a light coat of oil to maintain the smoothness of the operation. Trigger mechanisms and magazines should be inspected as well to ensure reliability.

Final Thoughts: Making an Informed Purchase

Equipped with this knowledge, you now know that bolt-action rifles will continue to be the first and best choice for many shooting applications. Knowing the basics of how a bolt-action works, you can make a more informed decision when it comes time to build out your newest rifle. In your pursuit of accuracy for your next hunt or long-range competition, 1934 Armory has numerous options to outfit you with the most accurate and highest quality build on the market today. With expert advice and precision machining, 1934 Armory will have you ready to make your next shot with the absolute best bolt-action rifle available. For any questions, you can email them at info@1934armory.com or call 717-630-4090 to speak to their knowledgeable team about building out your next precision rifle.