A bolt-action firearm is one that is manually operated (i.e. by hand) and is locked by a rotating bolt. The term "action" references the means by which a firearm operates.
Typically, the bolt consists of a tube of metal inside of which the firing mechanism is housed, and which has at the front or rear of the tube several metal knobs, or "lugs", which serve to lock the bolt in place when rotated by the operator.
A loose definition of what is encompassed by bolt_action firearms might include straight_pull designs that use a rotating bolt, such as the German Blaser R93 rifle, but most commonly it is restricted to manual turn_bolt designs.
By the 1890s, every modern nation had adopted a bolt-action rifle, though the United States was one of the last, with the Krag-Jørgensen. The designs of Peter Paul Mauser were perfected in 1898, and nearly every modern bolt-action rifle since then is a derivative of his work, changing very little.
Most bolt-action firearms are fed by internal magazines, though some sport removable versions of the same. Typically, the capacity is around 5 rounds, as this permits the magazine to be completely flush with the bottom of the rifle, thus preserving the aesthetics and clean lines of the firearm.
During and after World War II, the military bolt-action rifle was superseded with the semi-automatic rifle and then the assault rifle for regular combat usage. However, the bolt-action variety is still a standard weapon for sniper duty.
Typically, the bolt consists of a tube of metal inside of which the firing mechanism is housed, and which has at the front or rear of the tube several metal knobs, or "lugs", which serve to lock the bolt in place.
Boltactionrifles are chiefly used as hunting rifles now, which of course was their primary purpose to begin with.
Boltaction shotguns are considered a rarity among modern firearms, but were formerly a commonly used action for.410 entry-level shotguns, as well as for low-cost 12 gauge shotguns.
A boltaction type firearm in accordance with claim 2, wherein the end of the sleeve member away from the receiver is provided with a cap member and a spring is provided between the puncher in said sleeve member and the cap member to bias the puncher.
A boltaction type firearm in accordance with claim 4, wherein the cylindrical safety has a bore therein, with a spring biased pin slidably extending from the bore in the safety to engage the circular cam surface of the trigger means and bias the trigger means to pivot towards the sleeve member.
As the bolt 13 is rotated by moving the bolt lever arm 15, the cam surface 18 of the cammed notch 17 engages the generally rounded end of the puncher 19 and pushes the puncher 19 downwardly in the sleeve member 21 against the coil spring 24.