3.8 Break (or Hinge) Action Shotguns

Break (or Hinge) Action: The break-action, or hinge-action, shotgun is very easy to open, close, and inspect.

Push the release lever to one side. Now hold one hand on the grip of the stock and push downward with the other hand to open the action. It is easy to tell if a break-action shotgun is loaded by looking into the chamber. To close the action, simply push the forend and barrel upward.

Break-action shotguns can have one or more barrels. The break-action shotgun is very popular in the United States.

Break-action shotguns do not have magazines.