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Introduction to Firearm Actions

All types of firearms have actions and sights, and they may have safeties or magazines.

Firearm actions on a revolver and a rifle

Firearms can be classified by their action type. The action of a firearm is made up of parts that load, unload, fire, and eject the shotshell or cartridge. Actions are either single-shot or repeating styles. Single-shot firearms must be reloaded each time the firearm is fired. Repeating firearms have extra cartridges or shotshells ready in a magazine, cylinder, or extra barrel.