Short Action
A rifle action sized for shorter cartridges around the .308 family length, lighter and quicker to cycle than a long action.
A short action is built around cartridges that fit roughly the length of the .308 Winchester family, with a magazine and bolt throw sized to match. Because the receiver and the bolt travel are shorter, the rifle is lighter, the lock-up sits closer together, and the shooter moves the bolt a shorter distance between shots, which many precision competitors prefer for a faster, steadier cycle.
The contrast is the long action, which adds length to feed cartridges like the .30-06. Cartridge designers often work within the short action envelope on purpose, and several modern magnum rounds were engineered to deliver high velocity while still fitting a short receiver.