Page 63 - FAT 105 4.17 MOODLE

PUMP-/SLIDE-ACTION
the addition of a feed source. Depending on the
specific model, the feed source may be either a
tubular, rotary, or removable box magazine. The The pump- or slide-style action gets its name
two most common feed sources are variants of from the use of a forend that must be pumped
the tubular magazine. The first firearm to use or slid to perform the steps of the cycle of opera-
the lever-action system utilized a tubular, seven- tions. When the forend is moved back and forth
round magazine that resides in the stock of the (parallel to the barrel), linkage (action bar) will
rifle. Later models use a tubular magazine that move the bolt inside of the receiver, unlocking
is mounted below the barrel. and locking the action. The pump-style action
is used with pistols, rifles, and shotguns. The
The lever-action system has seen continuous
pump-style action system is a manual action
use for over 140 years with little change to the
that must be manipulated by the operator in or-
original design. The lever-action found great
der to complete the cycle of operations. With an
success as a service weapon during the Civil
empty and locked action, the cycle of operations
War and is now very popular with hunters and
for a pump-action firearm is as follows:
ranchers. The lever-action system earned some
of its popularity from the action’s inherent er- • The forend is slid backward while the ac-
gonomics and the fact that the action is mostly tion bar pushes the bolt back, unlocking
ambidextrous. Both right- and left-hand domi- and opening the chamber. The rearward
nant shooters can easily pick up a lever gun and movement of the bolt sets the hammer
naturally cycle the action. The rate of fire and to the cocked position. (1)
magazine capacity has guaranteed the lever-
• Depending on the specific model, the
action system will continue to see use for years
rearward movement of the bolt and
to come.
action bar may trip a cartridge stop that
Some drawbacks of the lever-action system feeds one round into the breech and onto
include limited cartridge selection and human the lifter/elevator. (2)
error. The arrangement of the cartridges inside
of a tubular magazine creates inherent dangers • Depending on the model, on the forward
with some bullet types. Because the rounds are stroke the bolt may strip a round from a
arranged base to tip, there is a chance that recoil magazine or feed the round on the lifter
could cause the tip of a pointed “spitzer” bul- into the chamber. (3)
let to ignite the primer of the cartridge ahead
• When the forend reaches the end of its
of it. This means lever-actions are limited to
stroke, the round will be fully seated and
ball and soft point bullets to prevent accidental
the chamber will be locked. The chamber
ignition. The lever-action system is also prone
may lock in various ways. Some models
to jamming when the cycling procedure is not
use a solid bolt body with a spring-
smooth or complete. Failing to complete the full
loaded lug (bolt lock) that will compress
travel of the lever and bolt results in a condition
when the bolt is out of battery and
known as “short stroking.” Short stroking can
expand into a slot in the receiver when
lead to all kinds of malfunctions from feeding to
the bolt is locked. (4)
ejecting. Both issues can be easily remedied by
using the correct type of ammunition and prac- • The trigger is pressed, releasing the ham-
ticing the proper lever stroke. mer and discharging the cartridge. (5)

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