What is a shellholder style gun?

[hadmanysons]

I've searched and googled but have not found my answer. Everything I found talked about reloading.

My question is this: What is a shellholder style gun? As compared to bolt action or semi-auto? Like the L.A.R. Grizzly 50 cal. They say its a shell holder, what does that mean?

Thanks

 

[Loggerlee]

Means that you put the Round on the boltface then put the bolt in the gun.

 

[hadmanysons]

Thanks

 

[goalie]

As stated, a shellholder action is one where you remove the bolt completely between shots, and the round slides into a groove in the bolt-face, holding it into place. One noticeable advantage of such an action, besides the obvious simplicity, is that the length of the actual action can be much shorter, allowing a rifle to be shorter and weigh less than a traditional bolt-action rifle for the same downrange performance. It isn't a big deal in normal calibers, but, with a .50BMG, the weight savings can be huge.

I am VERY pleased with my State Arms .50



Notice how short the action appears?

 

[bonza]

I've seen a few Benchrest target rifles with that feature, too.

 

[hadmanysons]

Good info, thanks