HUNTINGsmart! USA Knowledge Base
Module 03 - RIFLES 101
BOLT ACTION RIFLE COMPONENTS
- Muzzle:
- The opening at the end of the barrel.
- Sight:
- An aiming device that’s located on top of the barrel (there are usually two pieces that align when looked through properly).
- Barrel:
- The metal tube that a projectile travels through when the gun is fired.
- Forestock:
- The front grip area under the barrel that the supporting hand (non-trigger hand) holds onto.
- Chamber:
- Holding area of the firearm where the cartridge is contained before it is fired.
- Bolt:
- Metal rod that moves back and forth in the action, sealing the cartridge in the chamber during firing.
- Bolt handle:
- This lever or knob is used to manually operate a bolt action.
- Action:
- The moving parts of a firearm that allow loading, firing and unloading.
- Safety:
- A device that blocks the firing mechanism to prevent accidental firing.
- Trigger:
- When squeezed, the trigger releases the part of the action that fires the cartridge.
- Trigger guard:
- A loop surrounding the trigger area to prevent accidental firing.
- Magazine:
- A removable container where ammunition is held before it’s fed into the chamber of a repeating firearm.
- Stock:
- The handle or part that holds the firearm against the shoulder when firing.
- Reciol pad:
- This soft rubber pad is located on the butt of the rifle and helps absorb the shock of the recoil.
- Butt:
- The tail end of the firearm that sits firmly against your shoulder when firing.