Types of firearm (gun) actions Bolt - Lever - Pump - Semi-automatic - Break - Hinge
What is the action in a firearm?
The action of a firearm is made up of parts that load, unload, fire, and eject the ammunition.
What are the two basic styles of firearm actions?
Single-shot and Repeating.
What is the difference between a repeating firearm and a single-shot?
Single-shot firearms require the shooter to manually reload after each shot, while repeating firearms have additional cartridges or shotshells available in the magazine or cylinder.
What are the 5 types of firearm action (mechanism)?
- Bolt action,
- lever action,
- hinge action,
- semi-automatic action and
- pump action.
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).
