All Modern Firearms Have Three Basic Groups Of Parts. What Are These Parts?

All Modern Firearms Have Three Basic Groups Of Parts. What Are These Parts?

The **action** is the heart of any firearm; it is responsible for loading and ejecting cartridges, as well as firing them. If you understand how an action works then handling firearms becomes much easier. Hence I want to look in more detail at this important part. The bolt-action and the magazine are familiar to shooters. There are also pump-action shotguns, but they look quite different.

With an automatic action, its simplicity is its greatest virtue. It delivers devastating firepower in a form that the lightest and weakest among us can readily understand — yet still master!

Pump-action means it is classic and reliable. Just listen to the repeated sound of pumping action to appreciate its iconic nature. I remember using a pump-action shotgun once during one hunting trip. The simple apparatus – simple to use, even for beginners – made it an obvious choice. Pull the fore-end in and out. It’s a good gun for someone who is new to firearms.

ACTION

The **barrel** is a bullet’s means of exit from a firearm; that’s where it travels out. It also plays a vital role in accuracy and speed. A well made barrel can greatly improve your shooting experience.

BARREL

The length of the barrel is significant in how fast a bullet will travel. Longer barrels in general mean higher velocity. I bought that lesson hard when shooting at the targets with a short barrel rifle. I hit destruction more than I like to remember. Nowadays, I will buy firearms according to barrel length, based on the kind of shooting I plan to use them for.

Barrels come in two varieties: rifled and smoothbore (ie without grooves for spin). Rifled barrels help spin the bullet for greater accuracy. Smoothbore barrels are standard in shotguns. I once used a smoothbore barrel for bird hunting, and it served that purpose admirably. Knowing the differences between the two will help me select the best gun to suit my needs.

STOCK

The **stock** is the part of the firearm held against your shoulder. It provides a stable shooting platform and — importantly — control. A comfortable stock can greatly magnify your shooting results.

Types of Stocks

There are various kinds of stocks to choose from. I’ve tried wood stocks, synthetic stocks, and collapsible stocks. Each feels different.

It’s up to you (or anyone else reading this guide) what you like in the way of firearm accessories: a traditional wood stock, for example, or a new-fangled synthetic one. Possibly even change their stock completely depending on taste, but both weigh more than other types and are sensitive to humidity.

Synthetic Stocks: These stocks are light and strong, and that’s just what you want when the going gets rough. They stand up very well to rain mud.

Adjustable Stocks: For those who want to custom fit their gun to their body, I once adjusted a friend’s stock down to my height. It made a new difference in her shooting accuracy and comfort.

Getting a proper fit is very important: in trying to use a rifle with the wrong length of pull, I found my shot rang wobbly and it pushed forward against the pores until they seemed about to explode. So try some stocks out at the range, it can save you pleant of discomfort in the long run. After all, a well-fitted stock makes for better shooting.

COMFORT AND FIT

At first, I looked my firearms over very carefully. But cannon knew what its parts were for–I just wanted to knock down every target. It was only later on that I began to see the significance of each part to the whole.

Once at an arms workshop an expert explained how the action, barrel, and stock all fit together. It was enlightening; I realized that knowing these parts would improve my performance. I then began experimenting with different guns and ultimately struck on the perfect setup for myself.

For instance, I had an opportunity to try a high-quality barrel on a bolt-action rifle with a artificial stock. The results were overwhelming. All at once, I was able to hit targets that had hitherto been well beyond my range. From this experience, I learned the importance of every part.

REAL-LIFE EXPERIENCE WITH FIREARMS

Knowing every inch of your firearm is the only way to derive maximum enjoyment from shooting. Every modern firearm consists of three basic groups of parts: action, barrel and stock. Together they determine how the firearm works.

Next time you pick up a firearm, take a moment to think about how each part works together. It’s like a well-oiled machine. When all parts function in harmony, however, the results are more than worth your while. You get a shooting experience that is nothing less than amazing.

UNDERSTANDING YOUR FIREARM

With regular maintenance, your firearm will be kept in good condition. If you leave that to chance, you face problems further down the line to resolve them. There are some simple things I do to keep my firearms always ready for action.

MAINTAINING YOUR FIREARM

I clean my firearms after each shooting session. I run a bore brush through the barrel to remove any residue. Then I wipe down the action and stock with a soft cloth. This helps to prevent rust, and makes everything run smoothly.

CLEANING

A little lubrication goes a long way. I apply gun oil to the action and moving parts. This reduces friction and keeps things reliable. I remember the first time I missed this step. My firearm jammed as I was practicing, and it proved to be a vexing experience. Now I rank lubrication as an all-important procedure.

LUBRICATION

Proper storage is essential. I keep my firearms in a locked cabinet away from moisture. I use silica gel packets to absorb the humidity. It prevents rust and keeps my firearms in top-notch condition.

STORAGE

Always put safety first when handling firearms. I can’t stress this enough. I’ve seen too many accidents occur through a lack of caution. These are some safety tips to follow:

SAFETY FIRST

I always point the muzzle away from myself and others. It seems simple, but is essential. This simple habit can save you serious accidents.

ALWAYS POINT THE MUZZLE IN A SAFE DIRECTION

I never put my finger on the trigger until it’s time to shoot. This policy helps to prevent accidental discharges. It was something I learned early on and is still a basic principle with me today.

KEEP YOUR FINGER OFF THE TRIGGER

I always wear ear protection and goggles. Guns are very noisy, and I have had enough contact with ejected brass casings to appreciate that goggles are essential.

WEAR PROTECTIVE GEAR

Being part of a community of gun people can only enhance the enjoyment and knowledge you gain from guns. Through local shooting clubs I have made great friends and received masses of help. They are places where you can learn, share experiences, and have your skills honed for competition.

JOINING A COMMUNITY

I have attended many classes focusing on various types of weapons. The better i understood the equipment, the better my own aim and shot placement became. The teachers were top notch, and I got a lot of good pointers.

CLASSES AND WORKSHOPS

Taking part in competitive events completely reversed my viewpoint on them. They have forced me to raise my game and measure my skills against other shooters. In addition, these contests are great fun – make friends with people who share your interest in guns for one reason or another. You can also pick up new shooting techniques from fellow competitors.

COMPETITIONS

For anyone interested in guns, it is essential to know the three basic groups of parts in a modern firearm. The action, barrel, and stock all work together to give a smooth shooting experience.

Immensely gratifying has been my journey with firearms. I have gathered knowledge, made friends and improved my skills along the way. So the next time you hold a rifle, pause to admire the science behind it all. With just a little information and practice under your belt, your own shooting experience can be taken to new heights.

Let’s keep talking! What are some stories you can share about gun experiences and dangers? Your comments are welcome and I’m looking forward to hearing all about them.

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