Common Actions on Firearms

Common Actions on Rifles

Single-shot rifles are usually break or bolt actions. Repeating rifles include the bolt-action, lever-action, pump-action, and semi-automatic types. Operating the lever, bolt, or forestock ejects the empty cartridge case, chambers a new round of ammunition, and cocks the gun.

Common Actions on Shotguns

Shotguns use many of the same actions as rifles—the pump action, semi-automatic action, and bolt action. They also use a break action as either a single barrel or double barrels. The double barrels can be arranged horizontally (side-by-side) or vertically (over-under).

Michigan Department of Natural Resources

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