BOLT ACTION Meaning and
Definition
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Bolt action refers to a type of firearm mechanism primarily associated with rifles. It is a method of manually operating the action of a firearm to load and fire ammunition. In a bolt action firearm, the shooter manually manipulates a bolt handle or knob located on the action of the gun to perform various functions such as chambering a round, ejecting spent casings, and cocking the firing mechanism.
The bolt action mechanism typically consists of a sliding bolt that is operated by the shooter. To load a round, a shooter would pull the bolt handle up and back, which retracts the bolt, allowing a cartridge to be inserted into the chamber. To chamber the round, the bolt handle is pushed forward, aligning the cartridge with the barrel. When firing, the bolt handle is lifted, unlocking the bolt, which is then pulled back, extracting and ejecting the spent casing while simultaneously cocking the firing mechanism. Pulling the bolt back also loads another round from the magazine into the chamber, preparing the firearm for another shot.
Bolt action rifles are known for their simplicity, reliability, and accuracy. They are often favored by hunters, precision shooters, and military personnel. Due to their straightforward design, bolt action firearms are generally considered easier to maintain and more resistant to fouling than other types of firearms. Additionally, their single-shot capability ensures precise aiming and controlled firing, making them ideal for long-range shooting or situations requiring accurate marksmanship.
Common Misspellings for BOLT ACTION
- boltaction
- bolt-actin
- bolt-action
- BolteAction
- Bolted action
- Boltactin
Etymology of BOLT ACTION
The term "bolt action" originates from the combination of two separate words: "bolt" and "action".
The word "bolt" dates back to the Old English period, derived from the Old Norse word "bolti" meaning "arrow" or "crossbow bolt". Over time, "bolt" extended its meaning to refer to a fastener or pin used to secure or lock something into place.
The word "action" can be traced back to the Latin word "actio", which means "a doing" or "performance". It essentially refers to the movement or mechanism by which a firearm operates when fired.
Thus, "bolt action" specifically describes the mechanism of a firearm or firearm system, where a sliding metal bolt or handle is manually operated by the shooter to load, chamber, and eject cartridges.
