The action on a firearm is specifically defined as “the part of the firearm that loads fires, and ejects a cartridge”. (www.tncourts.gov)  Basically speaking, the action is the part of the gun that actually shoots around or multiple rounds from the weapon.  This includes various types of firing including lever action, pump action, bolt action and semi-automatic.  Lever action, pump action and bolt action are found in weapons that fire a single shot, while the semi-automatic can shoot multiple rounds.  So, what is the difference between these actions?  We’ve compiled a quick and easy explanation for the two basic styles of firearm actions.

Firearm Action Style #1: Single-Shot 

A single-shot firearm requires the gun to be reloaded after each shot, this is a very typical firearm style.  If you own a handheld gun, then you are probably familiar with this type of firearm action style.  A good example of this is the revolver, which requires the hammer to be reset manually for each shot, while this is not a difficult action it does require practice to master and shoot efficiently.  If your intention is target practice, where you wish to gain accuracy and precision, then a single-shot firearm is the best type of firearm action to use.  

Firearm Action Style #2: Repeating Shot

A repeating-style firearm refers to the type of gun that is able to fire shots repeatedly without reloading after each shot.  The repeating style is most commonly found in rifles and contains a spring-loaded cartridge that contains a box magazine.  A magazine can hold several rounds of ammunition at one time, and most repeating shot firearms have separate magazines for their ball and powder.  The repeating style firearm has become more and more popular due to the fact that accuracy and precision are not as necessary due to the number of rounds you are able to fire at once.  However, if you are participating in hunting or anything where precise targeting is necessary then practice will still be vital regardless of style. 

Overall both styles are excellent firearms, the key difference comes in when considering if you want to have to repeatedly reload the gun or if you need the ability to keep firing rounds without reloading.  We highly recommend doing the research before just purchasing a gun, and making sure that the firearm you are purchasing best fits your needs.