6 Advantages of a Straight-Pull Action

The straight-pull action is nothing new to the world of bolt action rifles. The design was first developed to produce military infantry rifles that provided an increased rate of fire. Their popularity would come and go over time, but the straight-pull action has continued to be refined and reimagined over the last century. We put our stamp on the innovation of the straight-pull rifle with the release of the Savage Impulse series of rifles in 2021. So, why choose a straight-pull action to add to your gun safe? Straight-pull rifles offer several advantages, including fast cycling, minimal motion, and versatility, among others. Here are some of the advantages of a straight-pull action:

1. Fast Cycling

One of the key advantages of a straight-pull action is the bolt mechanism. The shooter operates the mechanism by pulling the bolt directly rearward after each shot and pushing it forward, hence the “straight-pull” name. This action allows for the next round in the rifle to be chambered quickly, providing for fast follow-up shot opportunities. This cycling mechanism makes straight-pull rifles a great choice for hunting faster game such as predators, vermin, and big game animals, as well as for competitive shooting when speed and efficiency matter the most. 

2. Simplicity, Efficiency, and Ease of Use

Another one of the advantages of a straight-pull action’s back-and-forth operation is that it is simple to perform, intuitive, and reliable. These characteristics are important when shooting in adverse conditions or high-stress situations. This simple mechanism also makes straight-pull rifles incredibly easy to use and can be a great rifle to introduce new shooters to a straight pull action rifle platform. The straight-pull platform is user friendly and can also encourage new shooters to continue learning how to shoot by making the rifle’s operation easy and enjoyable. Whether you’re hunting in the backcountry or shooting competitively, the simplicity of the straight-pull rifle can provide ease of use and reliability when it matters most. 

3. Maintained Sight Picture and Shooting Position

The straight-pull action provides an excellent shooting experience with a sight picture that is easy to acquire and maintain. The swift, simple operation of the bolt helps the shooter stay down on the rifle and focus on the target while loading the next round. The minimal movement required to operate the straight-pull action also means the shooter's position and balance won’t be disrupted, which is beneficial when practicing on the range and in the field on a hunt. When paired with a rest or other stabilizing platform, such as a bipod, having minimal movement in cycling the rifle helps enhance stability in your sight picture and provides better follow-up shot opportunities.

Savage’s Impulse series of rifles also come factory equipped with the AccuFit stock system. The AccuFit further enhances the advantages of a straight-pull action by providing shooters with a stock that is adjustable for both comb height and length of pull, which helps achieve the perfect fit and comfort for each individual shooter to acquire and maintain their sight picture and stay on target.

4. Accuracy

Providing a stable sight picture and shooting position both help enhance the accuracy achieved from a straight-pull rifle. This is especially true for follow-up shots where it is critical to eliminate as many external factors as possible to provide consistent shot-to-shot accuracy. Straight-pull rifles require only two motions to cycle the action, which can reduce fatigue over long shooting sessions or during rapid fire. Reduced fatigue helps enhance overall accuracy and performance from the shooter and the rifle. For hunters, this accuracy provides confidence in harvesting an animal with a clean, ethical shot.

5. Versatility

Many straight-pull rifles are designed for various applications, from hunting to competitive shooting, offering a versatile platform for different needs. Straight-pull rifles are often the preferred choice of biathlon shooters for their quick follow-up shot capacity and operational simplicity. The action’s speed and efficiency, coupled with its accuracy and stability, allow for the same rifle to be used for multiple types of hunting. A Savage Impulse Predator rifle chambered in .243 Winchester or .308 Winchester can make for an excellent year round hunting rifle if you are pursuing predators and big game animals such as whitetail deer or coyotes.  Another one of the advantages of a straight-pull action is the ability to be easily adaptable for left-handed shooters. For example, the Savage Impulse’s bolt handle can be removed from the bolt itself. This allows shooters to quickly and easily swap the bolt handle from a right-handed operation to a left-handed operation to help fit the rifle to their specific needs.  

6. Modern Innovations

Early straight-pull rifles tended to have issues with reliability compared to their traditional bolt action counterparts. Today’s straight-pull rifles incorporate modern materials and engineering, which can result in a lighter, more durable, and more reliable firearm than past designs. The Savage Impulse features many modern innovations with several patents, making it a robust and reliable straight-pull rifle platform. The Impulse’s cylindrical bolt allows for smooth, efficient operation, as well as easy removal for cleaning and bolt adjustment. The Hexlock system allows for the bolt to create a rigid and secure breech lock without the need for traditional bolt lugs, utilizing a ball bearing system that responds to chamber pressure to lock and unlock the bolt from the breech. These innovations help create a secure, reliable rifle that performs at the highest level for any hunter or shooter.

The advantages of a straight-pull action offer benefits to shooters in a variety of situations. Whether you’re looking for the accuracy of a well-placed shot in the backcountry, the speed and efficiency for a predator hunt on the plains, or the stability and performance needed to outshoot the competition, a straight-pull rifle platform has the performance and power to get the job done. When you’re looking for your next rifle, give a straight pull action a shot! Consider the reliability and performance that a Savage Impulse rifle provides in the field and on the range.