Dictionary.com
Thesaurus.com
Showing results for bolt-action. Search instead for Self-action.

bolt-action

American  
[bohlt-ak-shuhn] / ˈboʊltˌæk ʃən /

adjective

  1. (of a rifle) equipped with a manually operated sliding bolt.


Etymology

Origin of bolt-action

First recorded in 1870–75

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

He also said Mr Robinson's father had suspected the weapon matched a bolt-action rifle that had once belonged to the suspect's grandfather.

From BBC • Sep. 16, 2025

Along with a bolt-action rifle that was abandoned in a wooded area, investigators also recovered ammunition that bore various markings, according to authorities.

From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 12, 2025

A student newly discharged from Russian proxy forces in Ukraine says he was equipped with a Soviet-era bolt-action rifle, and had to share rations and a sleeping bag when first sent to the front.

From Reuters • Nov. 28, 2022

At the time of the search, Bertino allegedly possessed two pistols, a shotgun, a bolt-action rifle and two semiautomatic AR-15-style rifles with scopes.

From Washington Post • Oct. 6, 2022

In Billings I bought a hat, in Livingston a jacket, in Butte a rifle I didn’t particularly need, a Remington bolt-action .222, secondhand but in beautiful condition.

From "Travels with Charley in Search of America" by John Steinbeck