While there are many specific action types, most firearms operate on one of two fundamental principles: single-shot and repeating. These two categories differentiate how the firearm is loaded and prepared for subsequent shots.
1. Single-Shot Actions: These actions require the manual loading of a single cartridge into the chamber for each shot. After firing, the spent casing must be manually removed (often by opening the action and physically extracting it) before a new cartridge can be loaded. Common examples include break-action shotguns, single-shot rifles, and muzzleloaders. Single-shot actions are typically simpler in design and operation.
2. Repeating Actions: Repeating actions allow multiple cartridges to be loaded and fired without manually reloading after each shot. These actions utilize a magazine or other feeding mechanism to chamber a fresh round after each shot. This allows for a significantly faster rate of fire compared to single-shot actions. Repeating actions are further divided into several sub-categories, including:
- Lever-action: Cycles rounds using a lever located around the trigger guard.
- Bolt-action: Cycles rounds using a bolt handle that is manually manipulated.
- Pump-action: Uses a sliding forearm (pump) to cycle rounds.
- Semi-automatic: Uses the energy of the fired cartridge to automatically cycle the next round, firing only one shot per trigger pull.
- Automatic (full-auto): Continuously fires rounds as long as the trigger is held down (highly regulated and generally unavailable to civilians in many jurisdictions).
While variations and combinations exist, understanding the core distinction between single-shot and repeating actions provides a foundational understanding of firearm operation.
Delving into the world of firearms, one quickly discovers the intricate mechanisms that govern their operation. At the heart of every firearm lies its action, the complex assembly responsible for loading, firing, and extracting cartridges. Understanding these actions is crucial for safe handling, effective maintenance, and appreciating the engineering behind these tools. Fundamentally, firearm actions can be categorized into two basic styles: manual and semi-automatic. Manual actions demand direct user intervention for each shot fired, offering a tangible connection between shooter and firearm. Conversely, semi-automatic actions harness the energy of the fired cartridge to automate the loading and chambering process, allowing for rapid and repeated firing with a single pull of the trigger. This distinction marks a significant departure in operational characteristics and influences the practical applications of various firearm types. While both action types serve the purpose of propelling a projectile, their inner workings and resulting performance vary considerably. From the classic bolt-action rifle to the modern sporting rifle, the action is the defining characteristic of the firearm’s capabilities and intended use. Further exploration of these two fundamental action types reveals a fascinating world of mechanical ingenuity and purposeful design.
Manual actions, often celebrated for their simplicity and reliability, represent the foundation of firearm design. Within this category, various subtypes exist, each with unique operational characteristics. For instance, bolt-action rifles, known for their accuracy and robust construction, require the user to manually cycle the bolt after each shot, ejecting the spent casing and chambering a fresh round. Lever-action firearms, favored for their speed in lever-action rifles and compact size in some pistols, employ a lever mechanism beneath the receiver to perform the same function. Similarly, pump-action shotguns and rifles utilize a sliding forend to chamber rounds, making them popular choices for hunting and sporting applications. Furthermore, break-action firearms hinge open to load and close to fire, showcasing a streamlined design often seen in shotguns and combination guns. Across these diverse subtypes, the common thread is the direct user involvement in the cycling process. Consequently, manual actions typically offer greater control over the firearm’s operation and promote a more deliberate shooting experience. Moreover, their inherent simplicity often translates to enhanced durability and ease of maintenance, making them well-suited for challenging environments and prolonged use.
In contrast to manual actions, semi-automatic actions utilize the energy generated by firing a cartridge to automate the loading and chambering process. This automation allows for significantly faster rates of fire and reduced recoil compared to their manual counterparts. After a round is fired, a portion of the propellant gases or recoil energy is harnessed to cycle the action, ejecting the spent casing and loading a fresh round from the magazine. This intricate process occurs within a fraction of a second, enabling the firearm to be ready for the next shot with a simple squeeze of the trigger. Notably, various semi-automatic operating systems exist, including gas-operated, blowback, and recoil-operated systems, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. Gas-operated systems, common in rifles and some pistols, divert propellant gases to operate the action, offering adjustable gas systems for fine-tuning performance. Blowback systems, frequently found in smaller caliber pistols and submachine guns, utilize the rearward force of the spent casing to cycle the action. Lastly, recoil-operated systems, found in some pistols and shotguns, harness the recoil energy of the entire firearm to operate the action. Ultimately, the choice between these systems and manual actions depends largely on the intended application, prioritizing either controlled, deliberate fire or rapid, repeated fire.
Understanding Firearm Actions: A Fundamental Overview
A Deep Dive into Single-Action Firearms
Single-action firearms represent one of the most fundamental operating mechanisms in the world of guns. Their operation is elegantly simple, relying on a two-step process. First, the hammer must be manually cocked back to its rearmost position. This action both rotates the cylinder in revolvers or chambers a round in other firearm types, and it also tensions the mainspring, priming the firearm for firing. Then, and only then, can the trigger be pulled. Pressing the trigger releases the hammer, which falls forward to strike the firing pin, igniting the primer and discharging the cartridge. Think of it like setting a mousetrap: you manually set the trap (cock the hammer), and then the slightest pressure on the trigger (the trap’s release mechanism) sets the whole thing off.
This two-step process is a defining characteristic of single-action firearms. It provides a distinct level of safety, as the firearm cannot be accidentally discharged unless the hammer has been deliberately cocked. However, it also results in a slower rate of fire compared to other action types. Each shot requires the separate action of cocking the hammer, making rapid follow-up shots more challenging. This characteristic often makes single-action firearms favored for deliberate shooting disciplines and hunting, where accuracy and controlled shot placement are prioritized over rapid fire.
Examples of single-action firearms include classic revolvers like the Colt Single Action Army, often referred to as the “Peacemaker,” as well as many older designs of rifles and shotguns. While less common in modern firearms, the single-action mechanism remains relevant, appreciated for its simplicity, reliability, and the distinct experience it offers shooters.
A key advantage of the single-action mechanism lies in its generally lighter and crisper trigger pull. Because the trigger’s only function is to release the already cocked hammer, the trigger mechanism can be designed for minimal resistance and a clean break. This can contribute significantly to improved accuracy, especially in precision shooting.
Working with Double-Action Firearms
Exploring Double-Action Mechanisms
Double-action firearms offer a more streamlined operating method compared to their single-action counterparts. With a double-action firearm, a single pull of the trigger performs two distinct functions: cocking the hammer and then releasing it to fire the cartridge. This simplifies the firing process, allowing for a faster rate of fire and making them generally more suitable for self-defense situations or scenarios where rapid target engagement is critical.
This single-pull functionality is the hallmark of the double-action system. There’s no need to manually cock the hammer between shots, which reduces the time required to fire subsequent rounds. This is analogous to a self-resetting mousetrap – each trigger pull sets and releases the trap in a single action.
Many double-action firearms also offer a single-action mode. After manually cocking the hammer, the trigger pull becomes shorter and lighter, similar to a traditional single-action firearm. This provides the shooter with options: the rapid-firing capability of double-action for quick engagement or the enhanced accuracy of single-action for more precise shots. This versatility is a key advantage of double-action firearms.
Examples of double-action firearms include many modern revolvers and semi-automatic pistols. Popular examples include the Glock series, the Sig Sauer P226, and the Smith & Wesson M&P series.
| Feature | Single-Action | Double-Action |
|---|---|---|
| Cocking | Manual | Trigger pull or manual |
| Trigger Pull | Lighter, crisper | Heavier in double-action mode, lighter in single-action mode (if available) |
| Rate of Fire | Slower | Faster |
| Typical Use | Deliberate shooting, hunting | Self-defense, tactical applications |
The Two Primary Families of Firearm Actions
Single-Action
Single-action firearms require the manual operation of a mechanism for each shot fired. Think of it like cocking a hammer back each time before squeezing the trigger. This typically involves manually cocking a hammer or other external component before the trigger can activate the firing mechanism. Once cocked, pulling the trigger solely releases the firing pin or striker. After firing, the action must be manually reset (typically by cocking the hammer again) before the next shot can be fired. While this might seem a bit slower, it often results in a lighter and crisper trigger pull, which many shooters find contributes to improved accuracy. Many revolvers and some older or more traditional firearm designs utilize this action type. Single-action mechanisms are known for their simplicity and reliability.
Double-Action
Double-action firearms combine the cocking and firing actions into a single trigger pull. One long trigger pull both cocks the hammer (or similar mechanism) and then releases it to fire the cartridge. This makes for a faster rate of fire compared to single-action firearms. However, the longer, heavier trigger pull requires more control to maintain accuracy. Many modern handguns and some rifles employ a double-action mechanism for its practical advantages in rapid firing situations.
Beyond the basic double-action, there’s also a variation known as double-action/single-action (DA/SA). In this setup, the first shot is fired in double-action mode (long trigger pull to both cock and fire). Subsequent shots, however, are fired in single-action mode, as the action of cycling the firearm automatically cocks the hammer. This offers the speed of double-action for the initial shot and the precision of single-action for follow-up shots.
Furthermore, many double-action firearms incorporate a decocker. This lever allows the user to safely lower the hammer on a loaded chamber without risking firing the round. It provides a way to carry the firearm with a round in the chamber ready to fire, but with a heavier, double-action trigger pull for the first shot as a safety measure. Decockers add a layer of safety and flexibility for users who prefer carrying with a round chambered but want the added security of a longer initial trigger pull.
Here’s a quick comparison of the practical aspects of double-action and single-action mechanisms:
| Feature | Single-Action | Double-Action |
|---|---|---|
| Cocking | Manual | Automatic (with trigger pull) |
| Trigger Pull | Short, light | Long, heavier |
| Rate of Fire | Slower | Faster |
| Complexity | Simpler | More complex |
| Common Use | Revolvers, some rifles, competition pistols | Handguns, some rifles, self-defense pistols |
Double-Action Variations
It’s also worth mentioning some variations within the double-action family. “Double-action only” (DAO) firearms eliminate the single-action mode entirely, providing a consistent trigger pull for every shot. Some shooters find this consistency beneficial for muscle memory and training. Another variation, as discussed earlier, is double-action/single-action (DA/SA), which blends the two operating styles for flexibility.
Bolt-Action Rifles: Precision and Reliability
When we talk about firearms, especially rifles, two fundamental action types stand out: bolt-action and semi-automatic. Each has its own strengths, making them suitable for different purposes. Let’s dive into the world of bolt-action rifles, exploring what makes them prized for precision and reliability.
Bolt-Action Rifles: Precision and Reliability
Bolt-action rifles have earned a reputation for accuracy and dependability. Their simple, robust design contributes significantly to their performance in various shooting disciplines, from hunting to long-range target shooting.
How Bolt-Action Works
The core of the bolt-action system lies in its manually operated bolt. This bolt performs several critical functions. Firstly, it chambers a round from the magazine into the barrel, ready to be fired. Secondly, after firing, it extracts and ejects the spent cartridge case, clearing the way for the next round. Thirdly, it locks the breech, creating a secure seal necessary for containing the high pressures generated during firing.
Advantages of Bolt-Action Design
The simplicity of the bolt-action system translates into several advantages. Fewer moving parts mean less can go wrong, resulting in enhanced reliability. This robust design also contributes to the rifle’s ability to withstand harsh conditions, making them favored by hunters and outdoor enthusiasts. Moreover, the direct manipulation of the bolt allows for precise control over the loading and unloading process, instilling confidence and safety in the user. The lack of a self-loading mechanism allows the shooter to focus on precise shot placement, minimizing disturbance between shots.
| Feature | Benefit |
|---|---|
| Manual Operation | Enhanced control and reliability |
| Simple Design | Robustness and ease of maintenance |
| Controlled Feeding | Precise chambering and reduced malfunctions |
| Lack of Self-Loading | Reduced recoil and increased precision |
Precision and Accuracy in Bolt-Action Rifles
Bolt-action rifles are renowned for their accuracy. Several factors contribute to this precision. The rigid lockup of the bolt ensures consistent alignment between the cartridge and the barrel, minimizing variables that could affect bullet trajectory. This tight lockup also allows for the safe handling of more powerful cartridges, extending the effective range of the rifle. The inherent stability of the bolt-action design minimizes movement during firing, contributing to improved shot placement. Additionally, many bolt-action rifles are built with heavy, free-floating barrels, further enhancing their accuracy potential. These barrels are designed to minimize contact with the rifle’s stock, preventing vibrations and other disturbances that could impact accuracy. Furthermore, the manual cycling of the bolt allows the shooter to maintain a stable shooting position between shots, minimizing disruption to their aim and promoting consistent shot placement. The meticulous craftsmanship and attention to detail often found in bolt-action rifles, combined with their inherent design advantages, solidify their position as the preferred choice for precision shooting across various disciplines.
Delving into Automatic Actions: Self-Loading Mechanisms
Automatic actions, often mistakenly interchanged with the term “fully automatic,” actually refer to self-loading firearms. These ingenious mechanisms harness the energy produced by firing a cartridge to perform the cycle of operations needed for the next shot. This cycle includes extracting and ejecting the spent casing, loading a fresh cartridge from the magazine, and cocking the action, readying the firearm to fire again with a simple trigger pull. There are two primary types of automatic actions: recoil-operated and gas-operated. Both achieve the same end goal—automating the loading process—but employ different methods to harness the energy required.
Recoil Operation: A Direct Approach
Recoil-operated actions, as the name implies, directly utilize the rearward force generated by the fired projectile and propellant gases to cycle the action. This force pushes back against the breechblock, which is locked to the barrel during firing. After a short delay, designed to allow the bullet to leave the barrel, the breechblock unlocks and moves rearward, carrying the spent casing with it. The recoil spring, compressed during this rearward movement, then pushes the breechblock forward, stripping a new round from the magazine and chambering it. This simple and robust design is often favored for its reliability, particularly in handguns and some shotguns. It tends to be more effective with heavier calibers that produce significant recoil energy.
Gas Operation: Controlled Combustion Power
Gas-operated actions, on the other hand, tap into the high-pressure gases produced during firing to cycle the action. A small portion of these gases is diverted through a port in the barrel, typically near the muzzle. These gases then act upon a piston or operating rod, pushing it rearward. This rearward motion, in turn, cycles the action, much like the recoil-operated system: extracting the spent casing, cocking the hammer or striker, and loading a new cartridge. Gas-operated systems are often more complex than recoil-operated ones, but they offer advantages, particularly with lighter calibers or when managing recoil is crucial, as they can be tuned to regulate the force applied to the action.
Blowback Versus Short-Recoil/Long-Recoil: Variations within Recoil Operation
Within recoil operation, there are further distinctions: blowback, short-recoil, and long-recoil actions. Blowback, the simplest form, relies on the weight of the breechblock and recoil spring to delay the opening of the breech until the bullet has exited the barrel. This is common in smaller caliber firearms. Short-recoil and long-recoil systems involve the barrel and breechblock recoiling together for a short distance before unlocking, with the “long” in long-recoil signifying a greater distance of shared recoil.
Direct Impingement Versus Piston-Driven: Nuances of Gas Operation
Similarly, gas-operated actions can be categorized as either direct impingement or piston-driven. Direct impingement systems channel the gases directly onto the bolt carrier or operating rod, while piston-driven systems use a separate piston to transfer the gas pressure to the operating rod. Piston-driven systems tend to be cleaner, as fewer combustion byproducts reach the action, while direct impingement systems are generally lighter and simpler.
Delving Deeper into Self-Loading Mechanisms: Comparing and Contrasting
The choice between recoil and gas operation, and further between their subtypes, often depends on the specific application of the firearm. Recoil operation, particularly in its simpler forms, is known for its robust reliability and ease of maintenance, often favored in handguns and shotguns. However, it can be sensitive to variations in ammunition and may generate more felt recoil. Gas operation offers greater flexibility in managing recoil and can be tuned for optimal performance with different ammunition types, but often comes at the cost of increased complexity and potential maintenance requirements. Ultimately, both designs represent elegant solutions to the challenge of automating firearm operation, each with its own strengths and weaknesses.
| Feature | Recoil Operation | Gas Operation |
|---|---|---|
| Energy Source | Recoil force of the cartridge | High-pressure gas from firing |
| Complexity | Generally simpler | More complex |
| Reliability | Typically very reliable | Can be very reliable, but more parts to malfunction |
| Recoil Management | Can produce more felt recoil | Offers better recoil control |
| Maintenance | Simpler maintenance | Can require more frequent cleaning |
| Common Applications | Handguns, shotguns | Rifles, light machine guns |
Blowback Actions: Simplicity and Compact Design
When we talk about firearms, the “action” refers to the mechanism that loads, fires, and ejects cartridges. It’s the heart of the gun, and understanding how different actions work is key to appreciating the strengths and weaknesses of different firearms. One of the most fundamental action types is the blowback action, known for its simplicity and compact design. It’s a common choice for smaller firearms, especially pistols and submachine guns.
How Blowback Actions Work
The basic principle behind a blowback action is using the energy of the fired cartridge to cycle the action. When you pull the trigger, the firing pin strikes the primer, igniting the gunpowder. This creates a high-pressure gas that propels the bullet down the barrel. Simultaneously, that same pressure pushes back against the cartridge case. In a blowback action, the bolt isn’t locked to the barrel. Instead, it’s held closed only by the weight of the bolt itself, a recoil spring, or sometimes a combination of both. The pressure of the burning powder forces the bolt rearward, overcoming the resistance holding it closed. As the bolt moves back, it extracts and ejects the spent cartridge case. The recoil spring then pushes the bolt forward, stripping a fresh cartridge from the magazine and chambering it, ready for the next shot.
Types of Blowback Actions
There are several variations on the blowback action theme, each with its own nuances:
Simple Blowback
This is the most basic type, relying solely on the bolt’s mass and the recoil spring’s strength to control the rearward movement of the bolt. It’s typically found in smaller caliber firearms.
Delayed Blowback
Here, additional mechanisms introduce a slight delay in the bolt opening. This allows chamber pressures to drop to a safer level before the bolt unlocks. Several methods achieve this, including roller-delayed, lever-delayed, and gas-delayed blowback systems. This added control makes it suitable for more powerful cartridges.
Advanced Primer Ignition (API) Blowback
This is a less common type where the primer is intentionally ignited slightly later in the firing cycle. This allows the bullet to travel a short distance down the barrel before the full pressure builds, helping to reduce the force needed to hold the bolt closed.
Advantages of Blowback Actions
The simplicity of the blowback design offers several advantages:
- Fewer Parts: This makes them easier to manufacture, assemble, and maintain.
- Compact Size: The lack of a locking mechanism allows for smaller and lighter firearms.
- Lower Cost: Simpler construction generally translates to lower production costs.
Disadvantages of Blowback Actions
While blowback actions are generally reliable, there are some trade-offs:
- Limited Cartridge Power: Simple blowback actions are generally limited to lower-powered cartridges due to the reliance on bolt weight and spring pressure to control the breech.
- Recoil: The direct blowback action can generate more felt recoil compared to locked-breech designs.
- Sensitivity to Ammunition: Variations in ammunition power can sometimes affect the reliability of simple blowback actions.
Comparison of Blowback Subtypes
| Feature | Simple Blowback | Delayed Blowback | API Blowback |
|---|---|---|---|
| Complexity | Low | Medium | Medium |
| Cartridge Power | Low | Medium to High | Low to Medium |
| Recoil | Higher | Lower | Moderate |
| Size/Weight | Smallest/Lightest | Larger/Heavier | Compact |
Examples of Firearms Using Blowback Actions
Many popular firearms utilize some form of blowback action, showcasing its versatility. Here are a few examples:
| Firearm | Action Type |
|---|---|
| Uzi submachine gun | Simple Blowback |
| HK MP5 submachine gun | Roller-Delayed Blowback |
| Many .22LR pistols | Simple Blowback |
| Kel-Tec P50 pistol | Delayed Blowback |
Blowback Actions in Modern Firearms
Despite being a relatively old design, the blowback action remains relevant in modern firearm design. Its simplicity and compactness make it ideal for concealed carry pistols, personal defense weapons (PDWs), and even some rifles chambered in less powerful cartridges. Advancements in materials and engineering have also allowed designers to push the boundaries of blowback actions, enabling their use with slightly more powerful cartridges than were previously possible. While more complex actions might offer performance advantages in certain scenarios, the blowback action continues to fill a crucial niche where simplicity, reliability, and compact size are paramount.
Selecting the Right Firearm Action
Choosing the right firearm action depends largely on the intended use and the desired balance between power, size, weight, and complexity. For situations where compact size and ease of use are priorities, the blowback action often presents an excellent solution. Understanding the principles of different action types allows for informed decisions and helps ensure selecting the most suitable firearm for your needs.
Manual Actions
Manual actions are the OG of firearm operation. Think of them as the classic, hands-on approach. With a manual action, you’re directly involved in every step of cycling the firearm. This means you load a round, fire it, and then manually eject the spent casing and chamber a fresh one. There are several types of manual actions, including bolt-action, lever-action, pump-action, and revolving cylinder actions. These actions are known for their simplicity, reliability, and typically lower cost. They’re often favored for hunting, target shooting, and by those who appreciate the direct connection to the mechanical process.
Automatic Actions
Automatic actions, on the other hand, automate the cycling process. After firing the first round, the firearm harnesses the energy of the shot to eject the spent casing and load a new round into the chamber. This allows for rapid firing with minimal effort from the shooter. Automatic actions are further divided into semi-automatic and fully automatic. Semi-automatic firearms fire a single shot with each pull of the trigger, while fully automatic firearms continue to fire rounds as long as the trigger is held down. These actions are common in military, law enforcement, and some sporting applications, though fully automatic firearms are heavily regulated.
Cycling Process
The core difference between manual and automatic actions boils down to the cycling process. Manual actions require direct manipulation by the shooter for each shot, offering a deliberate and controlled firing experience. Automatic actions automate this process, allowing for significantly faster rates of fire.
Energy Source
Manual actions are powered solely by the user’s physical manipulation of the firearm’s mechanism. Automatic actions, however, use the energy generated by the fired cartridge (either recoil or gas operation) to cycle the action, reducing the shooter’s effort.
Rate of Fire
Manual actions have a lower rate of fire due to the need for manual cycling. Automatic actions allow for a much higher rate of fire, particularly in fully automatic mode.
Complexity
Manual actions tend to be simpler in design and construction, which can contribute to their reliability and ease of maintenance. Automatic actions are more complex mechanically, requiring more intricate parts and potentially more maintenance.
Reliability
While both action types can be very reliable, manual actions are often considered inherently more reliable due to their simplicity. Fewer moving parts and a less complex operation can mean fewer points of failure, especially in harsh conditions.
Cost
Generally, firearms with manual actions are less expensive to manufacture and purchase compared to those with automatic actions due to their simpler designs and less demanding manufacturing processes.
Applications
Manual action firearms are popular for hunting, target shooting, and recreational shooting. Automatic actions are common in military, law enforcement, and some sporting applications, with semi-automatic being more prevalent in the civilian market.
Comparison Table
| Feature | Manual Action | Automatic Action |
|---|---|---|
| Cycling | Manual | Automatic |
| Energy Source | User | Fired Cartridge |
| Rate of Fire | Lower | Higher |
| Complexity | Simpler | More Complex |
Two Basic Styles of Firearm Actions
Firearm actions, the mechanisms that load, fire, and extract cartridges, can be broadly categorized into two fundamental styles: single-action and repeating-action. While variations exist within each category, understanding these two basic operating principles is crucial for any serious discussion of firearms.
Single-action firearms require the manual operation of the action for each shot fired. This typically involves cocking a hammer or striker and then manipulating a lever, slide, or bolt to chamber a fresh cartridge and extract the spent casing. Classic examples include single-action revolvers and many break-action shotguns. The simplicity of this design often translates to greater reliability and ease of maintenance, but it inherently limits the rate of fire.
Repeating-action firearms, conversely, allow multiple rounds to be fired without manually cycling the action between shots. After the initial chambering of a round, subsequent shots are fired and reloaded by utilizing either the recoil or gas generated by the previous shot. This automation significantly increases the rate of fire and reduces the time required to reacquire a target after firing. Examples of this action type are semi-automatic pistols, rifles, and shotguns. The added complexity of repeating actions generally demands more intricate manufacturing and maintenance.
People Also Ask About Firearm Actions
What is the difference between single-action and double-action?
While often confused, single-action and double-action are not the primary categories of firearm actions, but rather variations within the broader category of repeating-action firearms, and more commonly discussed in handguns. Specifically, they refer to how the hammer or striker is cocked and the trigger’s role in this process.
Single-Action
In a true single-action firearm, the hammer must be manually cocked before the trigger can be pulled to fire the weapon. Pulling the trigger only releases the sear, allowing the hammer to fall and strike the firing pin. This results in a lighter, shorter trigger pull, which can enhance accuracy.
Double-Action
A double-action firearm allows the trigger pull to both cock the hammer/striker *and* release it to fire the round in a single, continuous motion. This provides a faster firing capability but usually results in a heavier and longer trigger pull.
Many modern handguns offer a double-action/single-action configuration. The first shot is double-action, but the cycling of the action cocks the hammer for subsequent shots, which are then single-action. This combines the rapid first-shot capability of double-action with the improved trigger pull of single-action for follow-up shots.
What are other types of firearm actions besides single-action and repeating?
While single-action and repeating-action represent the two fundamental operating principles, other classifications and sub-categories of actions exist, often referring to specific mechanical implementations within the broader categories. These include: lever-action, pump-action, bolt-action, break-action, and revolving-action. These terms describe the specific mechanism used to cycle the action, but the core principle of either single or repeating action still applies.