Pumpactions

Pump-action firearms, also called slide-action, use a sliding fore-end to cycle the action. The shooter retracts the forend to eject a spent cartridge, cock the hammer or unlock the bolt, and then pushes the forend forward to feed and chamber a fresh round. This manual cycling is performed entirely by the operator, without relying on gas or recoil to operate. While most pump-actions are shotguns, the mechanism has been adapted for rifles as well. Tubular magazines under the barrel feed the chamber in many shotgun models.

History and development: The pump-action concept emerged in the late 19th century, with early designs that helped popularize the action in shotguns. The Winchester Model 1897, designed by John Browning, contributed to widespread adoption. In the mid-20th century, the Remington 870 and the Mossberg 500 became two of the most widely used pump-action shotguns, found in hunting, sport shooting, and law enforcement. Numerous manufacturers have produced variations with different barrel lengths, gauges, and magazine capacities.

Operation and performance: Pump-actions are valued for their reliability, durability, and straightforward maintenance. They can chamber and fire a broad range of ammunition and perform well in rugged conditions. A key drawback is slower follow-up shooting compared with semi-automatic designs, since each shot requires manual cycling. Ergonomics vary by model, particularly the feel and length of the forend and the throw required to cycle the action.

Use and variants: The most common platform is the 12-gauge pump-action shotgun, but pumps exist in other gauges and, less commonly, in rifle calibers. They are used in hunting (birds, waterfowl, and larger game), sport shooting (trap and skeet), and some law enforcement and home defense contexts. Safety, storage, and local regulations governing ownership and magazine capacity apply similarly to other firearms.