After closing the bolt (action), what is the next action in preparing to fire?

To prepare to fire after closing the bolt, the next action is to lift the rifle into position. This step is crucial as it ensures that the shooter has complete control over the rifle and can aim accurately at the target. Proper positioning involves raising the rifle to a comfortable and stable position, typically at shoulder level, which allows the shooter to align the sights and focus on the target effectively.

Moving the rifle off the bench may cause instability and disrupt the shooter's focus, while charging the rifle again is unnecessary if the bolt is already closed and a round is in the chamber. Checking the safety mechanism is important, but it should have been verified prior to closing the bolt, ensuring that safety protocols are followed systematically to maintain readiness and safe operation. Lifting the rifle into position is the vital next step for successful shooting.