Operating the Bolt Action Rifle

Sometimes its good to review the basics ... or to incorporate them. One of the reasons I like to shoot a semi-auto rifle is that I don't have to worry about working the action. That said, I have developed a poor habit with bolt action rifles which is to not immediately operate the bolt upon firing. While acceptable for target shooting, it is a poor habit for hunting, where quick follow up shots may be necessary. Guns Magazine has a recent article on this topic:

A few principles apply with all methods. The rifle remains shouldered as the bolt is operated. Firing a shot, lowering the rifle while working the bolt, then shouldering it again is slow, tacky, and just wrong.

Reload immediately after firing. The shot sequence doesn’t end when the shot is fired; it ends when the rifle is ready to fire the next shot. Reloading should be so quick and habitual the action is being worked while the shot is still echoing. If another shot isn’t needed there will be plenty of time to clear the chamber and reload the magazine.

Work the bolt briskly. Don’t abuse the rifle but don’t baby it either. Run it like you mean it. Whatever direction the bolt is traveling, keep it going until some mechanical feature of the rifle stops it.

A common error is for a shooter to see the fired case eject and immediately begin moving the bolt forward, before it has moved far enough back to pick up a fresh cartridge. Remember: The rifle, not the shooter, stops movement of the bolt. Lift the bolt until it won’t lift further. Pull it back until it hits the bolt stop. The bolt stop will take it. If it won’t you need a better rifle.

 The article also goes into a few techniques for gripping the bolt and the author illustrates with photos both the steps to operating the bolt, as well as his favorite method of grip.