What is the primary action of the bolt in a bolt-action firearm?

The primary action of the bolt in a bolt-action firearm is to chamber new rounds. When the bolt is pulled back, it performs a series of actions that include extracting the spent casing from the chamber and then moving forward to insert a new cartridge into the chamber. This process ensures that the firearm is ready to fire with a fresh round after each shot. It is an essential function of the bolt that enables the successful cycling of ammunition through the firearm, allowing the shooter to continue firing without interruption.

While locking the breech is also a function of the bolt—securing the chamber to contain the pressure generated during firing—the bolt’s foremost role in the operation of the firearm lies in its ability to load new ammunition. Ejecting spent casings and releasing the firing pin are important functions that occur during the cycle of operation but are secondary to the primary task of chambering rounds. Understanding this primary function helps in both the handling of the firearm and in troubleshooting any issues related to feeding ammo.