BOLT ACTION


Meaning of BOLT ACTION in English

Type of breech mechanism that was key to developing an effective repeating rifle .

It combines the firing pin, a spring, and an extractor, all housed in or attached to the bolt. A projecting handle with a round knob moves the bolt back and forth. As the bolt is thrust forward, it pushes a cartridge into the chamber and cocks the piece. The trigger releases the spring-driven firing pin inside the bolt. After firing, the extractor on the head of the bolt removes the spent cartridge and ejects it. The bolt then moves a new cartridge from the magazine.

Britannica Concise Encyclopedia.      Краткая энциклопедия Британика.