Bolt retention system

Abstract

A firearm comprises a frame having a barrel and defining a passage registered with the barrel, with a bolt configured to reciprocate in the passage between a forward battery condition and a retracted condition. A latch that is movable between a retention position in which the bolt is prevented by the latch from moving from the retracted position to the battery position, and a release condition in which the bolt is prevented by the latch from moving from the retracted position to the battery position. The latch is biased to the retention position such that the bolt is retained in the retracted position after every shot; and an actuator connected to the latch and configured to move the latch to the release condition.

I claim: 
     
         1 . A firearm comprising:
 a frame having a barrel and defining a passage registered with the barrel;   a bolt configured to reciprocate in the passage between a forward battery condition and a retracted condition;   a latch movable between a retention position in which the bolt is prevented by the latch from moving from the retracted position to the battery position, and a release condition in which the bolt is prevented by the latch from moving from the retracted position to the battery position;   the latch being biased to the retention position such that the bolt is retained in the retracted position after every shot; and   an actuator connected to the latch and configured to move the latch to the release condition.