Straight-pull bolt actions have been around nearly as long as traditional bolt actions but have gained popularity with European shooters that has far exceeded their American counterparts. Straight-pulls offer exceptional speed for faster reloads and quick follow-up shots. If you’ve never handled a straight-pull rifle before and you’re unsure how to open the bolt without pulling the trigger, don’t fret! This guide will show you how to open the bolt on Impulse.

WARNING! Always keep the muzzle pointed in a safe direction. Make sure your firearm is completely unloaded and ensure that your workspace is void of ammunition at all times. The safety should be set to the Full Safe position. Safety glasses should be worn.

Models

• Impulse

How to Open the Bolt on Impulse

Tip: Straight-pull bolt action rifles like to be worked quickly and with a single motion. Opening the bolt from a natural body position -- with the rifle shouldered or firmly braced against your waist -- and pulling straight back sharply can help.

Method 1: Use the Quick Bolt Release button

1. Remove the magazine
2. The safety selector should be on SAFE
3. Press the Quick Bolt Release button on the rear of the bolt
4. With the Quick Bolt Release button depressed, pull the bolt handle rearward

This method uses an innovative design that allows you to open the bolt to extract a live round or to open the bolt without taking the rifle off safety. 

When shopping for an Impulse at a retail store, it’s best to use the Quick Bolt Release method to open the bolt at the gun counter. First and foremost, one of the cardinal rules of gun safety is to always assume the gun is loaded, and therefore it is not safe to pull the trigger. Your gun dealer will likely have a trigger lock on the rifle for safety anyways, so using the Quick Bolt Release will be the best (and only) way to open the bolt at your local gun shop. 

Method 2: Pull the Trigger

1. The safety selector should be on FIRE
2. Safely pull the trigger – either by safely firing at your target or by dry firing in a safe direction
3. Pull the bolt handle back to open

This is the normal operation to cycle the straight-pull bolt on Savage Impulse in the field. Once the trigger is pulled, you can simply pull the bolt handle back to open. This is largely where the straight-pull gets its speed. The full process to cycle the bolt is to fire the rifle, pull the bolt handle rearward, push the bolt handle forward, repeat. 

Safe firearm ownership is your responsibility. When something does not sound, feel, or look right, seek the advice of a professional gunsmith immediately.

If you have any questions about Impulse, please refer to your owner’s manual and call our customer service team at 1-800-370-0708 (Monday-Friday, 8am-5pm ET)