The GMW IWB magazine holster with built-in neodymium magnets. Now available now on Amazon.com. BUY NOW
Today there are a ton of different types of firearms to choose from. Of course not all of these firearms are created equal. They each offer their advantages and disadvantages. Each gun owner is unique and your gun should match you. Your body type, personality, shooting style and many other factors will play a part in what gun might best fit you. Are you a handgun or a rifle person? What about shotguns? There are so many things to think about. But today we’ll be talking about actions.
Most firearms operate through trigger pull and triggers work through a system called an action. Put simply, different triggers and different gun actions operate differently and they each will have a unique effect on your shooting and reloading.
TYPES OF FIREARM CATEGORIES
Before we talk about different types of actions we’ll go over some different types of firearms. Generally guns can be broken down into 3 main categories: handguns, long guns (such as rifles and shotguns) and mounted guns (guns that are not carried but are fixed in place). Mounted guns are only really used by the military.
Pistols
People usually refer to pistols as handguns. However, “pistol” is a term generally used to refer to a “semi-automatic handgun.” A machine pistol is a fully automatic handgun. An example of this is the Uzi, which you’ve doubtless seen used on TV or in movies. Pistols generally use a single, stationary chamber. They are distinct from their cousins the revolvers which feature multiple chambers inside a rotating cylinder.
Revolvers
A revolver refers to a handgun that uses a cylindrical magazine called a “cylinder.” The cylinder revolves and that’s how you get the name. The cylinder is located at the rear end of the barrel with part of the frame behind it. A cylinder has several holes used for holding bullets. These holes, or chambers, when in place, will line up with the barrel and allow you to fire. When the cartridge in the hole behind the barrel is fired, the cylinder rotates so that the next cartridge moves into place behind and in line with the barrel. The firing action in revolvers is carried out by a “hammer.” When the hammer is sprung forward it hits a “firing pin” and that will strike the “primer” at the back of a cartridge. When the primer explodes it will set off the powder inside the cartridge. All of this movement is part of what happens directly after you pull the trigger.
Derringer
A derringer is a small and short type of handgun. It may either have one or two barrels that hinge down in front to enable a cartridge to be loaded directly into the back end of the barrel. Derringers are distinct from pistols or revolvers. They are sometimes known as “pocket pistols” due to their small size.
Rifle
A rifle is designed to be held in two hands. It usually has a barrel length of at least 18 inches long and a “stock” that rests up against your shoulder when shooting. The stock is useful for steadying the gun and this helps increase the accuracy of these weapons. Rifles are named after the rifling present on the inside of their barrels. This rifling is key to a rifle’s accuracy. Basically what rifling is is a set of grooves inside the barrel that exerts pressure on bullets in order to make them fly straighter.
Shotguns
A shotgun is a long gun that looks somewhat like a traditional rifle on the outside. The inner barrel of a shotgun is not usually “rifled.” If the gun is used only to shoot big chunks of lead, called “slugs,” the barrel sometimes does feature rifling.
Semi-Automatic
A semi-automatic shoots one cartridge each time its trigger is pulled. Semi-automatics consume energy from the firing of each cartridge to eject an empty case and insert the next cartridge into the firing chamber.
Machine Gun
Machine guns are fully automatic. This means that they will shoot cartridges for as long as the trigger is held down. This term usually refers to handheld rifles. Larger caliber machine guns are usually mounted in tanks, on planes, and on ships. These big guns are often mounted on tripods for field use.
TYPES OF HANDGUN TRIGGER ACTIONS
When we talk about different trigger actions in handguns what we’re really discussing is the relationship between a gun’s trigger and its hammer. The most basic function of a trigger is to release the hammer or striker. What you’re looking for in your gun will depend on your personal style, needs, and preferences.
Single-Action
The “single action” of the trigger in a single-action gun is to fire. The “single action” referred to in its name is just that. A “double-action” trigger pull will accomplish two actions, cocking and firing. A single action pistol or revolver requires manually cocking the hammer before firing.Single-action weapons typically have an exposed hammer for cocking.
In single action handguns, if the hammer is not cocked, pressing the trigger will result in no shot being fired which can hinder speed. Single-action revolvers may need you to cock them before every shot which also will slow you down when shooting. Yet there is one major advantage of single-action handguns–their firing mechanism can be released and fired with a very short press of the trigger. Many gun owners prefer single-action guns for their lighter triggers.
If you are planning on using a single-action handgun we recommend that you take the time to practice firing and reloading. The ways this works can be a little confusing if you have never done it before.
Double-Action
With double action handguns, pressing the trigger causes two actions–cocking and releasing the hammer. These types of gun actions allow firing the gun whether the hammer is cocked or uncocked. This makes them attractive to police, military, and self-defense shooters. In double action handguns, the hammer is only cocked and released by trigger manipulation. Double-action handguns often have what is called a shrouded hammer. Shrouded hammers are covered, usually by another piece of the gun, to prevent them from snagging on clothing or other items.
In double-action handguns, a long initial trigger pull will cycle the hammer and fire the first shot. A slide automatically extracts and ejects spent casings and cocks the hammer. Subsequent shots often revert to single action and require only a slight pull of the trigger. With double action handguns, trigger control is crucial. While the trigger press is usually consistent among these guns, the press required is usually harder and longer than what is required to discharge striker-fired or SAO (single-action only) guns.
Striker-Fired/Partially-Cocked
Striker fired pistols are distinct from hammer-fired pistols and they can also be single- or double-action. These pistols do not use hammers but instead use a system involving a “striker.” Basically the firing pin does the hitting itself and that’s why there is no hammer involved. Most striker-fired pistols are already “pre-cocked” by slide action. This cocking can be full or partial, depending on the firearm’s design.
It is worth noting that while a hammer-fired handgun relies on either trigger or slide to cock the action, striker-fired guns requires the use of both. Cycling the slide to load the first round into the chamber sets the striker to what is essentially a half-cock position. From this position, squeezing the trigger engages the striker moving it from the half-cocked position towards the rear of the gun, further compressing its spring and bringing the gun to full cock. As the trigger releases the striker, the firing spring drives the striker forward igniting the primer and launching a round downrange. The slide then unlocks, travels to the rear, and sets the striker to its familiar quasi-half cocked position.
TYPES OF LONG GUN ACTIONS
When discussing different types of gun actions you’ll notice that long guns have a lot more variation in their mechanics than handguns. This will mean more choices for you to pick from but also more things for you to learn about. Let’s talk about some of these actions now.
Bolt Action
Many rifles feature bolt actions although they are not as popular today as they once were. Sniper rifles for military use generally still use bolt action, however, as bolt actions can provide superior levels of accuracy and precision. Bolt actions simply use a bolt to operate the entry and exit of cartridges into the chamber. This is normally manipulated by a bolt handle that sits on the right side of the gun (as most shooters are right-handed).
There are many types of bolt actions. Some use push feed technology which is a simple way for the bolt to put a cartridge in place. Others use controlled feed technology which guides a cartridge more carefully into the chamber with a more in-depth gripping process. Push feed rifles are generally cheaper to produce and many believe that controlled feed systems are superior for this reason. That being said, a well made rifle will work no matter what feed system it uses.
Other variations among bolt actions guns are centered around the magazine. Some bolt action rifles feature tube magazines although many of these rifles use internal magazines and stripper clips. Some of these guns don’t use magazines at all. Bolt action rifles are really a very customizable type of gun and that’s why so many variations of the technology exist.
Pump Action
Some rifles use pump action to insert and eject cartridges and cases into and out of a gun’s firing chamber. In these guns the pump is located under the barrel and out in front of the trigger. One benefit of a pump is that it can be used to steady a gun much like a stock. To eject a case and load the next cartridge, simply pull back the pump as far as it can go toward the rear end of the gun and push it back into its starting position. This is a relatively simple type of action to get the hang of.
Lever Action
Although mostly used on rifles, a few shotguns also use this action mechanism. In this set-up a lever is used to get the job done. Part of the lever acts as a trigger guard which is nice because it provides you with some protection from accidental discharges. Pushing the rear end of the lever will eject a cartridge or empty case from the chamber. Bringing the lever back into place will reload the chamber and cock the hammer. The lever action rifle was the first style of repeating rifle and was made famous by American Westerns.
Break Action
Break action rifles feature barrels that are hinged like a door. These barrels rotate perpendicularly to the bore axis, exposing the breech and allowing the loading and unloading of cartridges. The break action mechanism is common in double barreled shotguns, double rifles, and combination shotguns. This type of action is also used in single shot rifles and shotguns as well as in flare guns, grenade launchers, air guns, and other weapons. This type of gun may need to be cocked before firing, depending on the model.
Did we miss anything? Let us know if you have any questions in the comments section below!
We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it.Ok
Types of Gun Actions Explained
BUY NOW
Today there are a ton of different types of firearms to choose from. Of course not all of these firearms are created equal. They each offer their advantages and disadvantages. Each gun owner is unique and your gun should match you. Your body type, personality, shooting style and many other factors will play a part in what gun might best fit you. Are you a handgun or a rifle person? What about shotguns? There are so many things to think about. But today we’ll be talking about actions.
Most firearms operate through trigger pull and triggers work through a system called an action. Put simply, different triggers and different gun actions operate differently and they each will have a unique effect on your shooting and reloading.
TYPES OF FIREARM CATEGORIES
Before we talk about different types of actions we’ll go over some different types of firearms. Generally guns can be broken down into 3 main categories: handguns, long guns (such as rifles and shotguns) and mounted guns (guns that are not carried but are fixed in place). Mounted guns are only really used by the military.
Pistols
People usually refer to pistols as handguns. However, “pistol” is a term generally used to refer to a “semi-automatic handgun.” A machine pistol is a fully automatic handgun. An example of this is the Uzi, which you’ve doubtless seen used on TV or in movies. Pistols generally use a single, stationary chamber. They are distinct from their cousins the revolvers which feature multiple chambers inside a rotating cylinder.
Revolvers
A revolver refers to a handgun that uses a cylindrical magazine called a “cylinder.” The cylinder revolves and that’s how you get the name. The cylinder is located at the rear end of the barrel with part of the frame behind it. A cylinder has several holes used for holding bullets. These holes, or chambers, when in place, will line up with the barrel and allow you to fire. When the cartridge in the hole behind the barrel is fired, the cylinder rotates so that the next cartridge moves into place behind and in line with the barrel. The firing action in revolvers is carried out by a “hammer.” When the hammer is sprung forward it hits a “firing pin” and that will strike the “primer” at the back of a cartridge. When the primer explodes it will set off the powder inside the cartridge. All of this movement is part of what happens directly after you pull the trigger.
Derringer
A derringer is a small and short type of handgun. It may either have one or two barrels that hinge down in front to enable a cartridge to be loaded directly into the back end of the barrel. Derringers are distinct from pistols or revolvers. They are sometimes known as “pocket pistols” due to their small size.
Rifle
A rifle is designed to be held in two hands. It usually has a barrel length of at least 18 inches long and a “stock” that rests up against your shoulder when shooting. The stock is useful for steadying the gun and this helps increase the accuracy of these weapons. Rifles are named after the rifling present on the inside of their barrels. This rifling is key to a rifle’s accuracy. Basically what rifling is is a set of grooves inside the barrel that exerts pressure on bullets in order to make them fly straighter.
Shotguns
A shotgun is a long gun that looks somewhat like a traditional rifle on the outside. The inner barrel of a shotgun is not usually “rifled.” If the gun is used only to shoot big chunks of lead, called “slugs,” the barrel sometimes does feature rifling.
Semi-Automatic
A semi-automatic shoots one cartridge each time its trigger is pulled. Semi-automatics consume energy from the firing of each cartridge to eject an empty case and insert the next cartridge into the firing chamber.
Machine Gun
Machine guns are fully automatic. This means that they will shoot cartridges for as long as the trigger is held down. This term usually refers to handheld rifles. Larger caliber machine guns are usually mounted in tanks, on planes, and on ships. These big guns are often mounted on tripods for field use.
TYPES OF HANDGUN TRIGGER ACTIONS
When we talk about different trigger actions in handguns what we’re really discussing is the relationship between a gun’s trigger and its hammer. The most basic function of a trigger is to release the hammer or striker. What you’re looking for in your gun will depend on your personal style, needs, and preferences.
Single-Action
The “single action” of the trigger in a single-action gun is to fire. The “single action” referred to in its name is just that. A “double-action” trigger pull will accomplish two actions, cocking and firing. A single action pistol or revolver requires manually cocking the hammer before firing.Single-action weapons typically have an exposed hammer for cocking.
In single action handguns, if the hammer is not cocked, pressing the trigger will result in no shot being fired which can hinder speed. Single-action revolvers may need you to cock them before every shot which also will slow you down when shooting. Yet there is one major advantage of single-action handguns–their firing mechanism can be released and fired with a very short press of the trigger. Many gun owners prefer single-action guns for their lighter triggers.
If you are planning on using a single-action handgun we recommend that you take the time to practice firing and reloading. The ways this works can be a little confusing if you have never done it before.
Double-Action
With double action handguns, pressing the trigger causes two actions–cocking and releasing the hammer. These types of gun actions allow firing the gun whether the hammer is cocked or uncocked. This makes them attractive to police, military, and self-defense shooters. In double action handguns, the hammer is only cocked and released by trigger manipulation. Double-action handguns often have what is called a shrouded hammer. Shrouded hammers are covered, usually by another piece of the gun, to prevent them from snagging on clothing or other items.
In double-action handguns, a long initial trigger pull will cycle the hammer and fire the first shot. A slide automatically extracts and ejects spent casings and cocks the hammer. Subsequent shots often revert to single action and require only a slight pull of the trigger. With double action handguns, trigger control is crucial. While the trigger press is usually consistent among these guns, the press required is usually harder and longer than what is required to discharge striker-fired or SAO (single-action only) guns.
Striker-Fired/Partially-Cocked
Striker fired pistols are distinct from hammer-fired pistols and they can also be single- or double-action. These pistols do not use hammers but instead use a system involving a “striker.” Basically the firing pin does the hitting itself and that’s why there is no hammer involved. Most striker-fired pistols are already “pre-cocked” by slide action. This cocking can be full or partial, depending on the firearm’s design.
It is worth noting that while a hammer-fired handgun relies on either trigger or slide to cock the action, striker-fired guns requires the use of both. Cycling the slide to load the first round into the chamber sets the striker to what is essentially a half-cock position. From this position, squeezing the trigger engages the striker moving it from the half-cocked position towards the rear of the gun, further compressing its spring and bringing the gun to full cock. As the trigger releases the striker, the firing spring drives the striker forward igniting the primer and launching a round downrange. The slide then unlocks, travels to the rear, and sets the striker to its familiar quasi-half cocked position.
TYPES OF LONG GUN ACTIONS
When discussing different types of gun actions you’ll notice that long guns have a lot more variation in their mechanics than handguns. This will mean more choices for you to pick from but also more things for you to learn about. Let’s talk about some of these actions now.
Bolt Action
Many rifles feature bolt actions although they are not as popular today as they once were. Sniper rifles for military use generally still use bolt action, however, as bolt actions can provide superior levels of accuracy and precision. Bolt actions simply use a bolt to operate the entry and exit of cartridges into the chamber. This is normally manipulated by a bolt handle that sits on the right side of the gun (as most shooters are right-handed).
There are many types of bolt actions. Some use push feed technology which is a simple way for the bolt to put a cartridge in place. Others use controlled feed technology which guides a cartridge more carefully into the chamber with a more in-depth gripping process. Push feed rifles are generally cheaper to produce and many believe that controlled feed systems are superior for this reason. That being said, a well made rifle will work no matter what feed system it uses.
Other variations among bolt actions guns are centered around the magazine. Some bolt action rifles feature tube magazines although many of these rifles use internal magazines and stripper clips. Some of these guns don’t use magazines at all. Bolt action rifles are really a very customizable type of gun and that’s why so many variations of the technology exist.
Pump Action
Some rifles use pump action to insert and eject cartridges and cases into and out of a gun’s firing chamber. In these guns the pump is located under the barrel and out in front of the trigger. One benefit of a pump is that it can be used to steady a gun much like a stock. To eject a case and load the next cartridge, simply pull back the pump as far as it can go toward the rear end of the gun and push it back into its starting position. This is a relatively simple type of action to get the hang of.
Lever Action
Although mostly used on rifles, a few shotguns also use this action mechanism. In this set-up a lever is used to get the job done. Part of the lever acts as a trigger guard which is nice because it provides you with some protection from accidental discharges. Pushing the rear end of the lever will eject a cartridge or empty case from the chamber. Bringing the lever back into place will reload the chamber and cock the hammer. The lever action rifle was the first style of repeating rifle and was made famous by American Westerns.
Break Action
Break action rifles feature barrels that are hinged like a door. These barrels rotate perpendicularly to the bore axis, exposing the breech and allowing the loading and unloading of cartridges. The break action mechanism is common in double barreled shotguns, double rifles, and combination shotguns. This type of action is also used in single shot rifles and shotguns as well as in flare guns, grenade launchers, air guns, and other weapons. This type of gun may need to be cocked before firing, depending on the model.
Did we miss anything? Let us know if you have any questions in the comments section below!