Rifleman Q & A: Open-Bolt Mechanics

by
posted on May 23, 2018
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
open_bolt_2.jpg

Q: What does it mean when a firearm is fired from an open bolt?

A: The term “open bolt” indicates a firearm mechanism where the bolt remains in the open position until the trigger is pulled. Most semi-automatic firearms are of the more familiar “closed bolt” type. In such guns, the bolt is pulled to the rear, released and then moves forward, chambering a round, and then locks into battery before the trigger is pulled. When an open-bolt firearm is operated, the bolt is pulled to the rear and remains in that position until the trigger is pulled. Once the trigger is pulled, the bolt moves forward, chambers a round and then the gun fires when the bolt moves into battery. Open-bolt designs are generally used on full-automatic or selective-fire firearms, as the mechanism aids in cooling. The main downside is that the aim can be affected by the heavy bolt slamming forward at the moment of firing. However, this is not generally viewed as a significant problem when firing fully automatic firearms.

--Bruce N. Canfield

Latest

Charter Arms Double Dog
Charter Arms Double Dog

Review: Charter Arms Double Dog

Charter Arms is an American gunmaker that has offered its own versions of compact, double-action revolvers at fair prices for more than 60 years.

Rifleman Q&A: Mysterious “Broomhandle” Bring-Back

"My favorite gun is inoperable, so I have not shot it. It is one of two weapons that my dad brought back from the Philippines after World War II, the other being a sword."

New Jersey Town Supports CCW With Fee Refund

The city of Englishtown, N.J., recently made a move to reduce that financial barrier, sparking widespread optimism that a statewide, even nationwide, trend may be on the horizon.

Review: Savage Arms Revel

Lever-action rifles have experienced a revival in recent years, and Savage Arms is getting in on the act with its Revel series rimfires. To understand it, you may have to read (backward) between the lines.

The Armed Citizen® July 7, 2025

Read today's "The Armed Citizen" entry for real stories of law-abiding citizens, past and present, who used their firearms to save lives.

ATF Report Highlights Trends In NFA Sales, Manufacturing Numbers & More

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives recently released a 61 page “Firearm Commerce Updates and New Analysis” report. Figures included are up to and including 2023, the latest available.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.