How to Use a Bolt Action Rifle

Point the gun away from you and anyone in range - the safe direction is almost always at the target(s). If you are setting up the targets yourself, know what lies beyond them. Be sure you know How to Handle a Firearm Safely, and always follow all the rules.

Open the breech by opening the bolt. Move the lever or bolt handle upwards, then pull the bolt back as far as you can. (Do not force it, it should come easily)

If there is a round in the breech, remove it. Check to see if it has been misfired (it will be indented if so) - if it is a misfire, dispose of it. If you don't know where it came from, dispose of it. Otherwise, fire it at your own risk.

If no round, locate a magazine, and place it below the breach, through the stock. You will have to click it into place. Some rifles require manual loading by placing the round behind the breech and SLIDING the round forward into it, until it is secure. Some rifles also have a built in magazine, that requires either a stripper clip or manual loading of each round. These rifles typically take 5-10 rounds. To load bullets manually in these rifles, push bullets down into magazine, they fit with the follower plate. Don't try to fit an extra round in the breech, just fill the magazine to it's capacity.

Push the bolt forward as far as you can, and then close it. The bolt head strips a bullet from the magazine and the rifle is now ready to fire.

Wrap your dominant hand around the grip, keeping your index finger out side the trigger guard.

Cradle the front of the guard with you other hand (do not touch the barrel)

Lock the rifle into your shoulder. Hold it firmly.

Optional: If you have a sling, you can gain better control by wrapping it tight with the arm that is cradling the rifle.

Remove the safety, by clicking on to 'FIRE' or red button.

Place your finger inside the trigger guard.

Either use the scope and place the crosshairs on the target or line up the two sight posts (one at the front, one at the back of the gun).

Take a deep breath and let two-thirds of it out. Hold.

SQUEEZE the trigger gently.

Exhale, remove finger from trigger guard, safety on. Repeat from (4) to fire again.