Why are AI bolts swept back ?

[breacher]

The bolt knob on AI AW type rifles have a distinctive "swept back" position.

I am just curious - what is the advantage / purpose of this compared to more "traditional" bolt styles ?

[Sim G]

Economy of movement. The bolt knob is right above the trigger so that when opened raise the hand that's where the bolt is. Close the bolt and the hand just drops straight down, finds the trigger.

No reaching forward to grab the bolt then have to move backwards, no pushing forward then have to reverse to find the trigger/grip.

Hidden when concealment matters, least movement possible....

[breacher]

Cheers !!

[meles meles]

Yes, the sweepback is good for supersonic operation...

[Pippin89]

Yes, the sweepback is good for supersonic operation...

That will be the next ban then!

All joking aside it looks like it cause your hand to slip off it when operating it quickly. Never used one though so I can't comment really!

[ovenpaa]

The AI bolt handle/trigger relationship is very good and I have never had any issues cycling the rifles, about the only thing I would is operate the bolt in a meaningful manner, cycling it slowly can lead feed issues. Also listen to the sound the rifle makes when cycled and you can clearly hear when the rifle is cycled over an empty magazine.