Bolt catch
The slide catch (engl. Bolt catch ) is a device in some shooting up automatic and semi-automatic firearms that the closure after firing the last cartridge holds in the open (rear) position.
In the case of pistols, the slide catch is called the slide catch .
functionality
After the slide has returned and the weapon is cocked, the slide runs with a detent (milled recess) onto a detent on the slide catch lever. When the magazine is empty, the slide catch lever is pressed into the upper position by a corresponding surface on the magazine feeder. With this construction, the magazine can be removed without changing the breech. The slide is held in the open position by the locked slide catch lever. This also shows the shooter that the magazine is empty and the last cartridge has ignited. The open closure also promotes cooling and thus counteracts the automatic ignition of an overheated cartridge . After changing the magazine, the slide catch only needs to be released. This eliminates the need for an additional repeating process to make the weapon ready to fire again, which enables faster reloading.
With some weapons, e.g. B. the SKS , the bolt catch is also used for easier filling using loading strips .
Depending on the design of the weapon, the slide catch is released in different ways:
- By pulling back the lock or the tensioning slide attached to it .
- By pressing the slide catch lever.
The disadvantage is the increased complexity of the weapon. In addition, dirt can easily get into the weapon through the open breech.
source
- Technical information: TM 9-1005-249-24 & P (Department of the Army Technical Manual)