NZGAC Hunter Education. Enabling better education and safer hunting practices.
NZ Hunter Education Course:
Module 3: FIREARMS
(Part 4) The different types of firearms actions
All cartridge firing firearms used for target shooting or hunting have the following things in common: the cartridge is fed into the chamber; it is locked there by the action; the action is cocked; it is fired; it is unlocked; and the empty cartridge case is extracted and ejected.
HOW A FIREARM WORKS
Bolt Action (click to enlarge)
Semi-Automatic action
Lever Action (click to enlarge)
Lever Action (click to enlarge)
Pump Action (click to enlarge)
Break open action (click to enlarge)
Single shot with break open action (click to enlarge)
Bolt Action
The bolt action is one of the simplest and most trouble-free firearm actions. Starting from the unloaded condition, the action is unlocked by lifting the bolt handle and pulling it back. A cartridge is fed into the chamber by pushing the bolt forward. The bolt handle is then turned downwards, locking the bolt and cartridge in place.
A firing pin is usually cocked by movement of the bolt or bolt handle, and when the trigger is squeezed the pin is released, firing the cartridge. The empty cartridge case is then ejected by lifting the bolt handle again and pulling the bolt back.
Semi Automatic Action
A semi-automatic also known as a self loading action, operates in the same way as the above firearms. However, ejection and loading is carried out automatically by the force of either the recoil or by gas pressure. Because of the automatic reloading, a cartridge is ready to be fired each time the trigger is squeezed.
Lever Action
The lever action works on the same basic principle, except that a lever is pushed down to unlock the bolt and move it backwards.This movement also cocks the action.
When the lever is pulled upwards again it feeds a cartridge into the chamber and locks, ready to be fired by the trigger.
After the cartridge is fired the empty case is ejected by once more pushing the lever down.
Pump Action
A pump action is again similar. A pump slide is pulled backwards to open the action and cock it. When the slide is pushed forward the action feeds a fresh cartridge, locks, and is ready to fire.
Break Open Action
The most common shotguns found in New Zealand in the past have been the break- open variety in which the barrel or barrels hinge downwards. There are over-and-under, side-by-side and single barrel break open action shotguns.
Some single shot rifles also have break open actions.