Bolt Operation

[The_Red_Rabbit]

Hello CGN,

I am wondering how US and Commonwealth troops were trained to operate a bolt action rifle. When firing standing up, does the training manual say the shooters face should stay on the buttstock and maintain on the target when operating the bolt? Or, lower the rifle, operate the bolt, then reacquire the target?

And when a scope comes into play, should a scope be mounted back enough where you maintain the eye relief, and also can operate the bolt without moving the head/face?

Thanks!

 

[diopter]

Depends on the the bolt travel of the individual weapon being used.
In most bolt action rifles the head has to be moved, or at least rolled over to the side for the bolt to move.

Even the SMLE.

 

[sail32]

Bolt manipulation drill was standard for armies with bolt action rifles.

The British Mad Minute was one such drill.

https://ipfs.io/ipfs/QmXoypizjW3WknFiJnKLwHCnL72vedxjQkDDP1mXWo6uco/wiki/Mad_minute.html

https://www.frfrogspad.com/bolt.htm

 

[QM 8687]

Good question. The British Army Rifle Team, and former world champion late Larry Fish, both taught me different disciplines of good marksmanship for different positions and holds using the #4 Lee Enfield Rifle. The prone rapid, or even standing too, a shooter will palm and middle finger the bolt and trigger while keeping the face on butt eyes,sights lined up to target.For other Accelerated shooting like the standing snap or mover shooter will naturally break aim between shots,and working action.
All this is described in the book Mastering The Service Rifle. I have a dozen copies left for sale.