Picked it up today, dumb question time....it was in the sop cardboard box, with Styrofoam insert, two mags, extenders for stock. But the bolt was in a separate compartment. Can not really guess why? Is this just how they ship them?
My guess is that it allows the bolt to lay "flat" and pack a little better, as opposed to having it in the rifle with the handle sticking out to the side.
Completely normal, mainly done as a safety step so a manuf. doesn't accidentally have a loaded gun ship out to a dealer.
Also as others mentioned, makes shipping easier, less awkward of a box, and if it gets hit during shipping the bolt handle doesn't go sticking out of the box
Also as others mentioned, makes shipping easier, less awkward of a box, and if it gets hit during shipping the bolt handle doesn't go sticking out of the box