Break (or Hinge) Action Firearms

Break (or Hinge) Action: The break-action firearm operates on the same principle as a door hinge. Simple to load and unload, a hinge action is often chosen as a hunter's first firearm.

• To open the action, point the barrel(s) in a safe direction. Grip the stock behind the trigger guard and press the release, which causes the barrel(s) to drop downward as the action opens. This allows the spent cartridge or shotshells to eject or to be removed manually if spent or if the firearm is loaded.
• Hinge-action firearms have a separate barrel for each shot rather than a magazine. Most models have one or two barrels, but some have up to four.
• Some models also have an exposed hammer(s), which can be dangerous.