{"id":3892,"date":"2022-12-15T21:24:37","date_gmt":"2022-12-15T21:24:37","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/tractoptics.com\/blog\/?p=3892"},"modified":"2025-01-14T21:49:52","modified_gmt":"2025-01-14T21:49:52","slug":"defining-rifle-actions","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blog.tract-optics.co.za\/defining-rifle-actions\/","title":{"rendered":"Defining Rifle Actions"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><strong>Defining <a href=\"https:\/\/blog.tract-optics.co.za\/videosview\/tract-toric-2-5-15x44-30mm-hunt-series-rifle-scope-review\/\">rifle<\/a> actions and determining which is best for you can help you determine which setup is best for your preferred application.<\/strong><\/p><p>There are many different types of <a href=\"https:\/\/blog.tract-optics.co.za\/attending-a-long-range-shooting-course\/\">rifles<\/a> and a variety of actions for hunters and shooters to choose from. But what does that mean, exactly?<\/p><p>We will examine rifle actions, how they work, and what distinguishes them. So whether you&#8217;re a <a href=\"https:\/\/blog.tract-optics.co.za\/what-is-a-meat-hunter\/\">hunter<\/a>, shooter, or just a curious observer, read on to learn more about the mechanical makeup of a rifle. If nothing else, it could provide good deer camp conversation!<\/p><div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_83 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\"><div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\"><p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Table of Contents<\/p><span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div><nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 eztoc-toggle-hide-by-default' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/blog.tract-optics.co.za\/defining-rifle-actions\/#Defining_Rifle_Actions\" >Defining Rifle Actions<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/blog.tract-optics.co.za\/defining-rifle-actions\/#Single_Shot_Rifles\" >Single Shot Rifles<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/blog.tract-optics.co.za\/defining-rifle-actions\/#Bolt_Action\" >Bolt Action<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/blog.tract-optics.co.za\/defining-rifle-actions\/#Lever_Action\" >Lever Action<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/blog.tract-optics.co.za\/defining-rifle-actions\/#Semi-Auto\" >Semi-Auto<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/blog.tract-optics.co.za\/defining-rifle-actions\/#Whats_Your_Choice\" >What\u2019s Your Choice?<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div><h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Defining_Rifle_Actions\"><\/span>Defining Rifle Actions<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2><p>To better understand rifles, we must first understand what actions are.<\/p><p>An action is the mechanism of a rifle that holds the cartridge, or cartridges, and allows the gun to fire. This is due to a firing pin that is sprung into the cartridge&#8217;s primer when the trigger is pulled.<\/p><p>Today, the four main types of actions that you\u2019re going to notice in camp or on the range are single action, bolt action, lever action, and semi-automatic. Let\u2019s dive in.<\/p><h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Single_Shot_Rifles\"><\/span>Single Shot Rifles<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2><p>A single shot rifle is essentially a rifle that fires one round at a time and is single action. The primary function is the trigger&#8217;s releasing of the hammer to strike the firing pin. With many older, and some modern guns, the shooter must manually cock the hammer each time before a shot is fired. You&#8217;ll also find newer models that only require the flip of the safety to fire once the gun is loaded.<\/p><p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.fieldandstream.com\/story\/guns\/best-single-shot-rifles-and-shotguns-for-any-budget\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-3894\" src=\"https:\/\/blog.tractoptics.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/Single-shot-1024x718.png\" alt=\"Defining rifle actions and determining which is best for you can help you determine which setup is best for your preferred application.\" width=\"542\" height=\"380\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blog.tract-optics.co.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2022\/12\/Single-shot-1024x718.png 1024w, https:\/\/blog.tract-optics.co.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2022\/12\/Single-shot-300x210.png 300w, https:\/\/blog.tract-optics.co.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2022\/12\/Single-shot-768x539.png 768w, https:\/\/blog.tract-optics.co.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2022\/12\/Single-shot-428x300.png 428w, https:\/\/blog.tract-optics.co.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2022\/12\/Single-shot-150x105.png 150w, https:\/\/blog.tract-optics.co.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2022\/12\/Single-shot.png 1332w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 542px) 100vw, 542px\" \/><\/a><\/p><p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.fieldandstream.com\/story\/guns\/best-single-shot-rifles-and-shotguns-for-any-budget\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Single actions are built with several advantages.<\/a> One is that they are often more reliable than other types of actions since there are fewer moving parts. Another advantage is that they are often lighter and easier to carry since they do not have a magazine or other bulky components. Add a lightweight <a class=\"wpil_keyword_link\" href=\"https:\/\/tractoptics.com\/riflescopes\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\" title=\"scope\" data-wpil-keyword-link=\"linked\" data-wpil-monitor-id=\"223\">scope<\/a> and you\u2019ve got a setup that can travel far.<\/p><p>On the flipside, single actions can take longer to fire being that a hammer oftentimes comes into play, rather than a forward-sliding safety. You\u2019re also left with an empty gun after pulling the trigger, which in reality, isn\u2019t such a bad thing unless you need a really quick follow up or are <a href=\"https:\/\/blog.tract-optics.co.za\/improving-accuracy-of-a-factory-gun-2\/\">hunting<\/a> dangerous game.<\/p><p>From an accuracy standpoint, single shots make us take our time and aim carefully. We tend to think aim small, miss small with minimal <a href=\"https:\/\/blog.tract-optics.co.za\/finding-the-right-ammo-for-your-rifle\/\">ammo<\/a>.<\/p><h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Bolt_Action\"><\/span>Bolt Action<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2><p>A bolt-action rifle is also made up of few parts &#8211; often just a stock, barrel, bolt, and trigger. It uses said bolt to chamber and fire rounds. A handle operates the bolt, which is usually found on the right side, and is used to load, cock, and extract rounds. (Even though rifle manufacturers are taking lefties into consideration, right-handed bolt actions still hold a large majority of the market share.)<\/p><p>A bolt-action operates much like you would a door bolt &#8211; up, back, then forward. In this way, the it is rather simple to operate. They\u2019re excellent for beginners who are just learning to handle firearms.<\/p><p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bergara.online\/us\/rifles\/premier\/divide-rifle\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-3893 aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/blog.tractoptics.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/Bergara-rifle.png\" alt=\"Defining Rifle Actions\" width=\"792\" height=\"166\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blog.tract-optics.co.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2022\/12\/Bergara-rifle.png 940w, https:\/\/blog.tract-optics.co.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2022\/12\/Bergara-rifle-300x63.png 300w, https:\/\/blog.tract-optics.co.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2022\/12\/Bergara-rifle-768x161.png 768w, https:\/\/blog.tract-optics.co.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2022\/12\/Bergara-rifle-600x126.png 600w, https:\/\/blog.tract-optics.co.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2022\/12\/Bergara-rifle-150x31.png 150w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 792px) 100vw, 792px\" \/><\/a><\/p><p>The Bolt Action <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bergara.online\/us\/rifles\/premier\/divide-rifle\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Bergara Divide<\/a> bridges the gap between a tactical and hunting rifle, with their proprietary CURE Carbon Barrels and a custom AG Composites Chalk Branch carbon stock.<\/p><p>Plus, they\u2019re known for their superior accuracy no matter if you\u2019ve been shooting for a whole lifetime or a whole day. As we see more rifle barrel technology produce sub MOA firearms on the production side, with companies like <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bergara.online\/us\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Bergara<\/a> leading the way, it\u2019s no wonder many hunters and shooters opt for the bolt.<\/p><p>Additionally, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.fieldandstream.com\/10-most-accurate-factory-hunting-rifles-weve-ever-tested\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">bolt-action rifles tend to be super reliable<\/a>. They are relatively easy to maintain and clean. And have fewer moving parts meaning less potential for jamming, malfunctioning, or losing them.<\/p><h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Lever_Action\"><\/span>Lever Action<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2><p>The lever action was one of the first and most reliable rifle actions to be developed and remains one of the most popular today. Who doesn\u2019t know somebody that started their hunting careers with a lever-action .30-30?<\/p><p>These rifles have stood the test of time for whitetail hunters who typically take short- to medium-range shots. Their slim design also makes them good rifles to carry for longer distances in the backcountry or on horseback.<\/p><p>Lever actions typically have a magazine capacity between five and 10 rounds, depending on caliber and barrel length. This can at the same time give a shooter more firepower &#8211; both on the amount of rounds in the gun and the ability to quickly work the lever &#8211; while also making the rifle heavy for freehand shots.<\/p><p>Lastly, you\u2019ll notice that lever actions can be very aesthetically pleasing and are often centerpieces for collectors. The large flat face on both sides of the action provides a place for engravers to create artwork unlike anything you\u2019d find on a canvas.<\/p><h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Semi-Auto\"><\/span>Semi-Auto<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2><p>Semi-auto rifles are the most popular in the world. You\u2019ll find them used for various applications, including hunting, plinking, competition shooting, and self-defense. A semi-auto rifle is a firearm that uses the energy of the fired cartridge to cycle the action and load a fresh round into the chamber. This type is also known as an autoloading or self-loading rifle.<\/p><p>There are many advantages to operating a semi-automatic rifle. They are relatively easy to use and maintain. Modern advances have made them more reliable and accurate than ever before. Plus, they\u2019re fun for a day on the range.<\/p><p>On the flipside, you may need to clean them often as more rounds are typically fired through semi autos. And with the cost of ammo, you can burn up a hefty bill pretty quickly.<\/p><h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Whats_Your_Choice\"><\/span>What\u2019s Your Choice?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2><p>If you\u2019re new to <a href=\"https:\/\/blog.tractoptics.com\/rifle-marksmanship-trigger-control-success\/\" title=\"Rifle Marksmanship : Trigger Control Equals Success\" data-wpil-monitor-id=\"1441\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">hunting and shooting<\/a>, hopefully this will give you a better understanding of how actions work and what sets them apart based on how you\u2019ll apply the firearm. Then, once your decision is made, the only step left is finding the right <a href=\"http:\/\/www.tractoptics.com\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">optics<\/a>. And we know <a class=\"wpil_keyword_link\" href=\"https:\/\/tractoptics.com\/videos\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\" title=\"how to\" data-wpil-keyword-link=\"linked\" data-wpil-monitor-id=\"384\">how to<\/a> help you out there!<\/p><p><a href=\"https:\/\/tractoptics.com\/impact-ballistics-mobile\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-1991 aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/blog.tractoptics.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/TRACTAPP.png\" alt=\"Going to Shooting School\" width=\"477\" height=\"477\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blog.tract-optics.co.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2021\/11\/TRACTAPP.png 1000w, https:\/\/blog.tract-optics.co.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2021\/11\/TRACTAPP-300x300.png 300w, https:\/\/blog.tract-optics.co.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2021\/11\/TRACTAPP-150x150.png 150w, https:\/\/blog.tract-optics.co.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2021\/11\/TRACTAPP-768x768.png 768w, https:\/\/blog.tract-optics.co.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2021\/11\/TRACTAPP-96x96.png 96w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 477px) 100vw, 477px\" \/><\/a><\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Defining Rifle Actions<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":3479,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[2258,2259,2265,2267,2273],"tags":[2328,2524,2797,2889,2958,3077,3189],"class_list":["post-3892","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-hunting","category-hunting-rifle-scope","category-rifle-scope","category-shooting-skills","category-tractoptics","tag-actions","tag-bolt-action","tag-hunting","tag-lever-action","tag-optics","tag-rifles","tag-shooting"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/blog.tract-optics.co.za\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3892","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/blog.tract-optics.co.za\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/blog.tract-optics.co.za\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.tract-optics.co.za\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.tract-optics.co.za\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=3892"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/blog.tract-optics.co.za\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3892\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":11378,"href":"https:\/\/blog.tract-optics.co.za\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3892\/revisions\/11378"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.tract-optics.co.za\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/3479"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/blog.tract-optics.co.za\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=3892"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.tract-optics.co.za\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=3892"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.tract-optics.co.za\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=3892"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}