What Is a Firearm?

A firearm is a mechanical device that uses pressure from a burning powder to force a projectile through and out of a metal tube. To appreciate fully the importance of firearm safety, you first must understand how firearms work. This includes knowing the parts of the firearm, the types of ammunition, how ammunition is fired, and the ranges of the various firearms used for hunting.

Basic Parts of a Firearm

Although firearms have changed a great deal since they were first invented, the terms used for their parts have changed very little. All modern firearms have three basic groups of parts.

• Action: The action is the heart of the firearm—the moving parts that load, fire, and eject the shells or cartridges. Several types of actions are used in modern firearms. Muzzleloaders have locks instead of actions.
• Stock: The stock serves as the handle of the firearm. It can be composed of one or two pieces and is usually made of wood or a synthetic material.
• Barrel: The barrel is the metal tube that the projectile travels through (bullets travel through the barrels of rifles and handguns; shot travels through the barrel of shotguns).

The first step to becoming a responsible hunter is knowing your equipment and how to use it safely.

The Airgun

The airgun is often used by beginning hunters to learn shooting and safety skills. Modern airguns have designs, parts, and sights similar to sporting firearms. Airguns can be just as dangerous as larger firearms. Youngsters should always be supervised when using airguns.

There are three types of airguns.

• Pneumatic airguns use a pump system that forces air into an enclosed chamber. The air is retained in the chamber by a valve that allows air to enter but not escape. When the trigger is released, the compressed air drives the pellet or BB out of the barrel.
• CO₂-powered or gas-powered airguns use compressed CO₂ contained in a cylinder. The cylinder attaches to a chamber inside the air rifle or pistol. When the trigger is squeezed, a valve releases a quantity of CO₂ that propels the pellet or BB out of the barrel.
• Spring-piston airguns use a spring that is compressed by a lever. When you squeeze the trigger, the spring is released and thrusts a plunger forward. The plunger pushes a compressed column of air through the barrel, driving out the pellet or BB.