Model 12 Bolt, action bar, takedown |Winchester Shotguns|Forum|Winchester Collector

Greetings all,

Question about Model 12 takedown. 

During takedown, what allows the action bar to release from the bolt?

With the bolt not locked, the action bar seems tightly connected to it. Bolt and action bar move together in either direction. 

But when the gun is taken down, the action bar slides right out of the bolt.  I can’t see how turning the mag tube during takedown would affect the bolt and action slide bar. 

My theory is that the action bar is always released from the bolt when the bolt is locked all the way forward, but I am unwilling to disassemble the receiver and bolt to prove it to myself. 

I am hoping someone here can explain the process to me. 

Thank you as always.

Happy Thanksgiving!!!

-Mike