How Do Guns Work? Slide/Pump-Actions

A uniquely American operating system.

by
posted on May 15, 2023
pumpactions.jpg
The slide- or pump-action rifle or shotgun is a uniquely American operating system. While it has only a handful of devotees in the rifle category, a high percentage of shotgunners prefer this system. For this reason, there are presently only a few manufacturers of slide-action rifles, with Remington and Browning being the major brands. Others have come and gone. On the other hand, nearly every major manufacturer, both domestic and foreign, offers a pump-action shotgun. Most pump-action guns have a tubular magazine under the barrel. 

Operation is by means of sliding a fore-end that travels back and forth under the barrel and parallel to the bore axis. Action bars cycle the bolt. Often nicknamed a trombone- or pump-action. The receiver may be stressed or unstressed, with the latter the  most popular. 

Advantages: Reliable operation; inexpensive to manufacture; popular type offered in many brands; can handle high-pressure cartridges.

Disadvantages: Dual operating rods needed to avoid binding; may prove too noisy in some scenarios; operation difficult for some shooters. 

Pump-action shotguns are a very popular choice for home defense. Click here to read an article from our friends at Shooting Illustrated on the subject!

Latest

Laser Ammo Match King Recoil
Laser Ammo Match King Recoil

First Impressions: Laser Ammo Recoil 2011 Match Laser Training Gun

Providing serious shooters with a realistic look and feel for perfected ammunition-free practice.

Reviewed: GAMO P-27 Air Pistol

Want a fun backyard plinker for some after-work trigger therapy? Check out this semi-auto CO2 air pistol from GAMO!

Throwback Thursday: German "Commission" Revolver

"It was put together by a committee. And like any gun put together by a committee, it looks like a camel, which is said to have been put together by a committee."

2025 Daisy National BB Gun Championship Will Bloom by Fourth of July

The Daisy Nationals is the most prestigious airgun match in the world, and 2025 looks to be the biggest, most exciting match ever.

Please Read: Safety Recall Notice Regarding Colt CBX Bolt-Action Rifles

Both the CBX Precision and CBX Tac Hunter models are affected. Colt is voluntarily initiating a recall of these rifles.

First Impressions: VIKTOS Counteract CCW Slingbag

Discreet, sturdy, customizable, and created with input from real-world concealed carriers and tactical experts.

Interests



Get the best of NRA Family delivered to your inbox.