Types of firearm (gun) actions Bolt - Lever - Pump - Semi-automatic - Break - Hinge
The action of a firearm is the central mechanical system that makes the entire firearm function. It is composed of all the parts responsible for loading, firing, unloading, and ejecting ammunition. In other words, the action is the “engine” of the firearm. Regardless of size, shape, or design, every firearm—whether it is a shotgun, rifle, or handgun—relies on its action to move ammunition through the firing cycle safely and predictably.
When a cartridge or shotshell is inserted into a firearm, the action ensures it is placed correctly into the chamber. After the trigger is pulled, the action helps contain the pressure of the ignition, then cycles the empty casing out and makes the firearm ready for the next round. Because this system is so essential, understanding the different styles of actions is a major part of any firearm-safety education program.
Two Basic Styles of Firearm Actions
Despite the wide variety of firearm designs, all actions fall into two main categories:
1. Single-Shot Actions
A single-shot firearm holds only one round of ammunition at a time. After firing, the shooter must manually open the action, remove the spent casing, and load a new cartridge before the firearm can be used again. These designs force the user to shoot slowly and deliberately, making them common in training, target shooting, and certain types of hunting where simplicity and accuracy matter. Single-shot actions are often considered easier for beginners to understand because the internal mechanics are straightforward.
2. Repeating Actions
A repeating firearm contains additional cartridges or shotshells stored in a magazine or cylinder. Once one round is fired, the action moves the next round into place. The shooter does not need to manually load each shot, although some interaction (such as cycling a bolt or pumping a slide) may still be required depending on the design. Repeating actions allow for faster follow-up shots and are widely used in many sporting and recreational contexts.
Difference Between Single-Shot and Repeating Firearms
The fundamental difference is how ammunition is handled between shots:
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Single-shot firearms require the shooter to manually reload every round.
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Repeating firearms have a supply of additional ammunition already stored within the firearm, allowing faster cycling.
Because of this, repeating firearms are more efficient when multiple shots may be needed, while single-shot firearms emphasize precision and careful shot placement.
Five Main Types of Firearm Actions
Although firearms come in many shapes and configurations, most repeating and single-shot firearms use one of the following five major action mechanisms:
1. Bolt Action
Bolt-action firearms use a manually operated handle called a bolt. The shooter lifts and pulls back the bolt to eject a spent casing, then pushes it forward to load a fresh cartridge. Bolt actions are known for strength, simplicity, and accuracy, making them popular for precision shooting and certain types of hunting.
2. Lever Action
A lever located below the receiver is used to cycle ammunition. When the shooter pulls the lever downward and forward, the action ejects the spent casing; pulling it back up chambers a new round. Lever-action firearms are iconic in design and provide smooth, quick cycling.
3. Hinge (Break) Action
The barrel and receiver “break open” on a hinge, similar to opening a door. This exposes the chamber so the shooter can load or unload a single round or a pair of rounds (in the case of double-barrel shotguns). Hinge actions are simple, reliable, and easy to visually inspect, which makes them suitable for training.
4. Semi-Automatic Action
A semi-automatic action uses the energy from each fired round to eject the empty casing and load the next one, but the shooter must pull the trigger for each shot. This design offers fast follow-up shots while still requiring individual trigger activation.
5. Pump Action
Often seen in shotguns, pump-action firearms use a sliding fore-end. Moving the fore-end backward ejects the spent casing; pushing it forward loads a fresh shell. Pump actions are known for reliability and versatility.
Bolt Action rifle ou shotgun
Bolt-action, a method of operating a firearm, involves manipulating the bolt through a bolt handle. A bolt-action rifle or shotgun operates like opening and closing a door bolt. The stock supports both the barrel and action as one unit. This makes it one of the most accurate, reliable and dependable rifle action.
The single-shot bolt-action firearm is recommended for people learning to handle and shoot a gun.
Loading a bolt-action firearm
- Engage the safety if possible.
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Open the action.
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Point the firearm in a safe direction with your finger outside the trigger guard.
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Check the barrel for any obstructions.
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For a single shot, place a cartridge in the chamber.
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For a repeater with detachable magazine, insert a correctly loaded magazine.
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Close the bolt by pushing the bolt handle forward and down, locking it in place.
Unloading a bolt-action firearm
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Engage the safety if possible.
- Point the gun in a safe direction with your finger off the trigger.
- For repeaters only, remove the magazine (detachable) or remove all ammunition from the magazine (non-detachable).
- Lift the bolt handle and smoothly pull the bolt all the way back. This ejects the cartridge and leaves the chamber open to full view.
- Visually check the chamber to make sure it is empty. Insert your finger to double-check.
Lever Action rifle or shotgun
The lever-action firearm has a metal handle located behind the trigger guard area. This handle usually forms the trigger guard as well. Loading takes place by lever action on firearm.
Loading a lever-action firearm
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Engage the safety if possible.
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Point the firearm in a safe direction with your finger outside the trigger guard.
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Open the action. Double check that the firearm is completely unloaded.
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Check to make sure the barrel and action are clear of obstructions.
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Close the action, watching the chamber to ensure that it remains empty.
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Insert the correct ammunition into the magazine.
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Insert the magazine if not already in place.
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Operate the lever once to load a live round into the chamber, locking it in place.
Unloading a lever-action firearm
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Engage the safety if possible.
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Point the firearm in a safe direction with your finger outside the trigger guard.
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Remove the magazine if it is detachable or remove all ammunition from the tubular magazine.
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Leave the action open by leaving the lever handle down.
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Visually check the chamber to make sure it is empty.
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Insert your finger to double-check that it is empty.
Break or Hinge rifle or shotgun
The break action firearm is the most simple and basic firearm action. It operates on the same principle as a door hinge. To open the action, a release handle is pressed, and the hinged barrel or barrels are pressed downward. To close the action, you simply lift up the stock, closing the action.
Loading a hinge action firearm
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If possible, engage the safety.
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Point the firearm in a safe direction with your finger outside the trigger guard.
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Check the barrel for any obstructions.
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Place the correct ammunition into the chamber.
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Close the action firmly.
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Place the safety to the on or safe position
Unloading a hinge action firearm
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Engage the safety if possible.
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Point the firearm in a safe direction with your finger outside the trigger guard.
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Press the action release unlocking the action.
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Push the barrel or barrels down, opening the action and exposing the breech.
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Manually remove the ammunition from the chamber if it has not ejected.
Semi-Automatic rifle or shotgun
Pulling back on a knob or bolt opens the action of semi-automatic firearms. Most semi-automatic actions will lock open when pulled fully to the rear. Each time the trigger of a semi-automatic firearm is released, a cartridge is fired. This differs from the fully automatic firearm which fires continuously until the magazine is empty. The semi-automatic works on either a recoil or gas-operated principle.
Loading a semi-automatic firearm
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Engage the safety if possible.
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Point the firearm in a safe direction with your finger outside the trigger guard.
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Double check to make sure the firearm is completely unloaded.
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Check the barrel for any obstructions and close the action.
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Insert the correctly loaded magazine into the firearm or correct ammunition into the attached magazine.
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Operate the slide or bolt, loading a live round into the chamber.
Unloading a semi-automatic firearm
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Engage the safety if possible.
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Point the firearm in a safe direction with your finger outside the trigger guard.
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Remove all ammunition from the magazine.
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Open the action by pulling back the bolt handle or slide. This ejects any cartridge from the chamber.
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Ensure the action is locked open if this locking device is present.
Visually check the chamber to make sure it is empty. Insert your finger to double check that it is empty.
Pump Action rifle or shotgun
The pump-action is fast and smooth. It allows the shooter to re-cock the firearm without taking his eye off the target. To operate the pump action, pull the forestock back toward the trigger. This motion will open the action and expose the chamber. Moving the forestock toward the muzzle closes the action. The pump-action is also called the slide-action.
Loading a pump-action firearm
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Place the safety to the ON or SAFE position.
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Point the firearm in a safe direction with your finger outside the trigger guard.
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Double check to ensure the firearm is unloaded.
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Check the barrel for any obstructions.
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Close the action while watching the chamber to ensure that it remains empty during loading.
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Insert the correct ammunition into the magazine.
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Operate the pump once to load a live cartridge into the chamber.
Unloading a pump-action firearm
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Engage the safety if possible.
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Point the firearm in a safe direction with your finger outside the trigger guard.
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If applicable, remove the box magazine.
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Operate the action release button to unlock the pump mechanism.
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As the bolt clears the ejection port, reach inside and remove the previously chambered round with the thumb and index finger of the right hand.
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Push the shell carrier up until it stops against the bolt and bring the forearm completely to the rear.
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Remove any shells in the magazine tube by depressing the shell stop and releasing them one at a time.
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Leave the action open.
What is single action vs double action firearm?
A single action firearm performs a single action. By dropping the hammer, it fires the round.
A double action firearm performs two actions by pulling the trigger. First it cocks the hammer and then it fires the round.
The instructions on loading and unloading firearms are general in nature and should be treated as a guide to the proper procedures. You should always refer to the manufacturer's instructions for your particular gun.
Hunter safety course
To learn more about firearm actions and equipping you with all the essential knowledge for a safe hunting experience, our hunter safety course meets the Safety Course Standards set forth by the Department of Natural Resources and by the International Hunter Education Association (IHEA).
