underlever

An underlever is a type of firearm action. It is characterized by a lever located beneath the barrel that pivots downwards to open the breech. This action is commonly found in break-action shotguns and some rifles. When the underlever is actuated, it typically unlocks the barrel from the receiver, allowing the barrel to pivot downwards or forwards. This action simultaneously cocks the hammer or striker and ejects the spent cartridge case, if equipped with an automatic ejector. The breech is then manually reloaded with a fresh cartridge, and the lever is moved back upwards to close and lock the action. This mechanism provides a robust and reliable way to load and unload firearms. The underlever design is known for its simplicity and durability. It is a popular choice for hunting shotguns due to its ease of operation and quick reloading capability. Some older lever-action rifles also employed an underlever mechanism, though this is less common in modern firearms. The term underlever specifically refers to the location and pivoting action of the lever.