Bolt-action firearms
The action of a firearm is made up of parts that load, unload, fire, and eject the ammunition.
The instructions you are about to see on loading and unloading firearms are general in nature and should be treated as a guide to the proper procedures. You should always refer to the manufacturer's instructions for your particular firearm.
Before you load your firearm, always check to make sure the chamber and barrel are free of any debris or obstruction.
The bolt action firearm
A bolt-action firearm operates like opening and closing a door bolt. The stock supports both the barrel and action as one unit. This makes it one of the most accurate and dependable rifles.
The single-shot bolt-action firearm is recommended for people learning to handle and shoot a firearm
Loading a bolt-action firearm
- Engage the safety if possible.
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Open the action.
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Point the firearm in a safe direction with your finger outside the trigger guard.
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Check the barrel for any obstructions.
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For a single shot, place a cartridge in the chamber.
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For a repeater with detachable magazine, insert a correctly loaded magazine.
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Close the bolt by pushing the bolt handle forward and down, locking it in place.
What must you check to make sure a bolt-action firearm is unloaded?
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Engage the safety if possible.
- Point the firearm in a safe direction with your finger off the trigger.
- For repeaters only, remove the magazine (detachable) or remove all ammunition from the magazine (non-detachable).
- Lift the bolt handle and smoothly pull the bolt all the way back. This ejects the cartridge and leaves the chamber open to full view.
- Visually check the chamber to make sure it is empty. Insert your finger to double-check.
