Bolt-action firearms

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

Always treat the firearm as loaded and keep the muzzle pointed in a safe direction. Engage the safety if fitted and keep your finger well outside the trigger guard. Open the bolt fully to expose the chamber and visually and physically confirm the action and bore are clear.

For a single-shot rifle, place one cartridge directly into the chamber with the bolt open, then close the bolt by pushing it forward and locking the handle down. For rifles with detachable magazines, remove the magazine, load it with the correct ammunition, reinsert the magazine until it latches, then open the bolt and cycle it forward to chamber a round. For internal or fixed magazines, follow the manufacturer’s method for feeding cartridges into the magazine before closing the bolt.

After chambering a round, re-check muzzle direction and engage the safety. Keep the bolt closed and your finger off the trigger until you are ready to fire. Observe the firearm’s condition during loading; if anything binds or feels incorrect, stop and consult the manual or a qualified instructor. Practice these steps slowly until they become routine.

Always treat every firearm as if it’s loaded. To make sure a bolt-action firearm is unloaded, follow this checklist every time:

1. Point the muzzle in a safe direction and keep your finger off the trigger.
2. Open the bolt fully (lift and pull back). This exposes the chamber and allows you to see inside.
3. Visually inspect the chamber — look directly into it (use a light if needed).
4. Physically check the chamber — insert a fingertip (or a clean, dry tool if you prefer) into the chamber to confirm there is no cartridge. Never rely on sight alone.
5. Remove any magazine: detachable magazines — press the release and remove; internal/floor-plate magazines — open the floorplate or follower and remove any rounds.
6. Check the magazine well and bolt face for loose cartridges or debris.
7. Cycle the bolt several times with the magazine out to ensure there are no rounds in the action (this also ejects any cartridge that might have been in the chamber).
8. Visually and physically re-check the chamber and magazine well one more time — two checks reduce mistakes.
9. Only after you are certain it’s empty, close the bolt or leave it open depending on your handling/storage practice; follow the manufacturer’s guidance.

If you are unsure at any point, stop and get help from a qualified person or consult the firearm’s manual. Safety first.