Rifle Types

Every rifle action loads, fires and ejects a little differently. Here is how they compare and what each one does best.

Rifle actions at a glance: bolt, lever, semi-auto, pump and single shot
Rifle actions at a glance: bolt, lever, semi-auto, pump and single shot

Bolt action

Lift, pull, push, lock. Bolt guns are strong, simple and accurate, which is why they rule the deer woods and the long-range bench. More in Bolt Action Rifles.

Lever action

The classic American rifle. Fast, handy and fun, with a lever that cycles a fresh round without taking the rifle off your shoulder. More in Lever Action Rifles.

Semi-automatic

Gas or recoil runs the action and loads the next round for you. Semi-autos like the AR-15 shine for defense, competition and hogs. More in AR15 Style Rifles.

Modern sporting rifle with a sling resting in desert brush
Modern sporting rifle with a sling resting in desert brush
Scoped AR-style rifle on the bench
Scoped AR-style rifle on the bench

Pump action

Slide the forend to cycle, just like a pump shotgun. Pump rifles are rare today but make sense for hunters who grew up with a pump in their hands.

Single shot

Load one, fire one. Light, safe, very affordable and a great teacher of good habits. A favorite first rifle for young shooters.

Chart of how fast each rifle action delivers a follow-up shot
Chart of how fast each rifle action delivers a follow-up shot

Watch and Learn

Videos from the Gun Websites YouTube channel.

M1A SOCOM-16 semi-auto battle rifle in .308
Henry Mini Bolt .22 LR youth rifle

Not sure which caliber to pair with your action? See Rifle Calibers.