Larry Potterfield of MidwayUSA explains how a bolt action rifle works.
When cycling a bolt action rifle eight different things happen:
The rifle used in this demo is a Mauser 98.
- As the bolt handle is lifted the bolt handle contacts the primary extraction cam located on the top of the rear bridge. This begins the extraction process.
- The cocking piece moves to the rear cocking the action for the next shot.
- As the bolt is rotated, the firing pin is blocked as a safety measure.
- As the bolt travels to the rear, the ejector kicks out the empty case.
- As the bolt is pushed forward the next cartridge is stripped from the magazine and pushed into the chamber, this is number five.
- Closing the bolt causes the locking lugs to seat into the lug recesses in the receiver.
- As the bolt is rotated the firing pin is unblocked so the next round can be fired.
- The cocking piece is blocked by the sear, making the gun ready to be fired with the pull of a trigger.