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.