I have a “New To Me” 1991 vintage Browning A-Bolt in 270. I have discovered that in order to cycle the bolt to clear a chambered round the rifle must first be taken off safety. Apparently the safety completely locks the bolt and as long as it is in the “Safe” position the rifle cannot be cleared. Is this normal for an A-Bolt? Admittedly, this is my first bolt gun. For over 50 years I’ve been shooting Marlin and BLR lever guns. So, I find this “feature” of this A-Bolt to be a bit unsettling.

Is this normal for all bolt guns or just peculiar to the A-Bolt?