Part name: Bolt

Part Function: The Bolt and its internal parts are responsible for stripping a round from the clip, chambering it, indenting the cartridge's primer, extracting the spent shell casing from the chamber, and ejecting the casing from the weapon.

The bolt itself is the large metal housing shown below which does most of the work and is subjected to most of the stress during operation and firing.

Special Notes: Many men have had impressions of the bolt face on their thumbs. Yup, the bolt is the part that slams forward and creates the famous "M1 Thumb".

Other items of interest in this photograph: GI P-38 Can Opener. These little can openers have been used for years to open c-rations and other food issued to soldiers in the field.

Bolt shown in receiver assembly.

This page was last updated on: March 14, 2002