The Difference of Cock on Open versus Cock on Close Actions

Larry Potterfield • January 14, 2017
Gunsmithing

Most rifles cock when you open the bolt, but some will cock when you close it. I've got a couple of Mauser actions here to demonstrate the difference.

Here's how it works: as I lift the bolt handle on a model 98 action, the striker will cock as I open the action.

Open bolt action
Open bolt action

When I lift the bolt handle on a model 93 action, it doesn't cock. However, when the bolt is cycled to the rear and forward, the striker is cocked as the bolt is closed.

Closed bolt action
Closed bolt action

So the 93 action cocks when you close it, while the 98 action cocks when you open it. It's a significant difference in bolt-action design. Does your rifle cock on open or close? Well, now you know how to check.

-- Larry Potterfield

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Larry Potterfield

Larry Potterfield is the Founder and Chairman of the Board of MidwayUSA. He and his wife Brenda, both country kids from Missouri, turned their passion for shooting sports into a career by opening a small gun shop in 1977 that would eventually become the industry-leading internet retailer it is today. For over 45 years, MidwayUSA has maintained an unyielding focus on Customer Satisfaction and continues to offer JUST ABOUT EVERYTHING® for Shooting, Hunting and the Outdoors.

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