Pump-Action Firearms

Pump Action: The pump-action firearm is fast and smooth. It allows the shooter to re-cock the firearm without taking his or her eye off the target. The pump action also is referred to as “slide action” or “trombone action.”

To open the action, slide the forestock to the rear, which extracts the cartridge or shotshell from the chamber and ejects it. Sliding the forestock toward the muzzle closes the action and readies another cartridge or shell for loading. A pump-action firearm will open only after it’s fired or if a release lever is pressed and the forestock is pulled to the rear.
To make sure it’s unloaded, you must visually check both the chamber and the magazine for cartridges or shotshells.

Maryland Department
of Natural Resources

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Official hunting safety course for Maryland hunters last modified: September 6, 2011
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