Bolt action is a type of manual firearm action that is operated by directly manipulating the turn-bolt via a bolt handle, most commonly placed on the right-hand side of the firearm (as most users are right-handed). The majority of bolt-action firearms are rifles, but there are also some variants of shotguns and handguns that are bolt-action.
Bolt action firearms are generally repeating firearms, but many single-shot designs are available as well, particularly in shooting sports where single-shot firearms are mandated, such as most Olympic and ISSF rifle disciplines.