What is a Straight-Pull Rifle?

What is the advantage of a straight-pull rifle?

Speed and consistency. A straight-pull rifle combines the accuracy of a traditional bolt action rifle, with the ability to cycle more rounds faster. Having a rifle with only two movements to operate the bolt allows a shooter to remain on target and shoot at multiple targets consecutively.

In timed competition settings, shaving off fractions of seconds can often mean the difference between winning and losing. In fast-paced hog hunting or driven hunting scenarios, a hunter may have an opportunity to take two animals if they are able to shoot quickly. In the most unfortunate circumstances, a hunter may deliver a non-fatal shot to their prey. Before the wounded animal runs off out of sight, a quick follow-up shot can ethically take the animal to end the hunt. A follow-up may also be needed as an anchor shot when hunting large and/or dangerous game to ensure an ethical harvest. This can help prevent the animal from seeking cover in thick brush, which could lead to dangerous and difficult tracking for the hunter. 

Consistency in a shooter’s body mechanics contributes to accuracy. A straight-pull action reduces the motions required to cycle the bolt by 50% and eliminating more opportunities for human error. Some shooters find it difficult to gain enough leverage to lift the bolt up on a conventional bolt action while remaining shouldered and will lower the firearm to the cycle the next round. Other shooters will often lift their face off the stock as they cycle a traditional bolt action. Both actions require the shooter to reestablish their shooting position, compromising consistency. 

Without the upward motion of the bolt handle of a traditional bolt action, a straight pull also eliminates the bolt potentially interfering with the scope when cycling the action. In some cases, this allows for the use of lower scope rings.