The action of a firearm is made up of parts that load, unload, fire, and eject the ammunition.

The instructions you are about to see 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 firearm.


 

The lever action firearm

The lever-action firearm has a metal handle located behind the trigger. This handle usually forms the trigger guard as well.

 

Lever action

Loading a lever-action firearm

  1. Engage the safety if possible.

  2. Point the firearm in a safe direction with your finger outside the trigger guard.

  3. Open the action. Double check that the firearm is completely unloaded.

  4. Check to make sure the barrel and action are clear of obstructions.

  5. Close the action, watching the chamber to ensure that it remains empty.

  6. Insert the correct ammunition into the magazine.

  7. Insert the magazine if not already in place.

  8. Operate the lever once to load a live round into the chamber, locking it in place.

Unloading a lever-action firearm

  1. Engage the safety if possible.

  2. Point the firearm in a safe direction with your finger outside the trigger guard.

  3. Remove the magazine if it is detachable or remove all ammunition from the tubular magazine.

  4. Leave the action open by leaving the lever handle down.

  5. Visually check the chamber to make sure it is empty.

  6. Insert your finger to double-check that it is empty.

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