Did you know that there are over 393 million guns in America? This equates to roughly 120.5 guns for every 100 people.
Gun ownership comes with a lot of responsibility, and it’s important to know how guns work before taking the plunge.
There are several benefits to owning a gun, but you must understand how they work before making a purchase.
Keep reading because this “how do guns work” guide covers everything you need to know about how guns work, from the basics of firing mechanisms to more complex concepts like recoil.
We’ll also discuss the different types of firearms and what each is best suited for.
The Basics
To understand how guns work, we must first look at the basic components of a firearm. All guns have four key parts: the barrel, the chamber, the action, and the stock.
The barrel is the metal tubing through which the bullet travels. The chamber is the space in which the bullet lays before it is shot. The action is what fires the bullet (usually via a hammer or trigger mechanism). And finally, the stock is the grip and body of the gun that you hold onto while shooting.
Now that we know the basics, let’s take a more in-depth look at how each of these components works together to fire a bullet.
The Barrel
The barrel is perhaps the most important part of the gun. It is the metal tubing through which the bullet travels. The inside of the barrel is smooth so that the bullet can travel as quickly and as accurately as possible.
At the back of the barrel is the chamber. The chamber is a small space in which the bullet lays before it is shot. When you pull the trigger, the action will cause the chamber to open and close very quickly.
This allows the air pressure behind the bullet to push it out of the barrel and towards your target.
The Action
The action is what fires the bullet. It is usually located at the back of the gun, behind the trigger. The action is opened and closed by the trigger.
When you pull the trigger, it opens the action and allows the air pressure to push the bullet out of the barrel.
The Stock
The stock is the grip and body of the gun that you hold onto while shooting. It is usually made from wood or plastic. The stock helps to steady your hand while you are aiming and firing the gun.
Now that we know the basics of how guns work, let’s take a look at some of the different types of guns that are available.
Different Types of Guns
There are many different types of guns on the market today. Here are just a few of the most popular types:
Pistols
Pistols are small, hand-held guns that come in many different calibers, from .22 to .45. They are usually used for self-defense or target shooting. Pistols are typically made of metal, though some models may have plastic or wood grips.
Most pistols have a magazine (a place to store bullets), and some have a safety mechanism to prevent accidental discharge.
Pistols are fired by pulling the trigger, which releases a spring-loaded firing pin that strikes the primer (a small explosive charge) at the base of the bullet. The primer ignites the gunpowder, and the expanding gases push the bullet out of the barrel.
Revolvers
Another type of handgun is the revolver. Revolvers are small, hand-held guns that work by loading the bullets into a cylinder that revolves around a central axis. This design allows for a quick and easy reload, making it ideal for self-defense situations.
Revolvers are also typically used for target shooting, as they are more accurate than other types of handguns. If you are looking for a reliable and easy-to-use handgun, a revolver may be the right choice for you.
Rifles
Rifles, like the AR15, are long guns that they design to be fired from the shoulder. They have a longer barrel than pistols or revolvers, which makes them more accurate over long distances. Rifles are typically used for hunting or target shooting.
There are many different types of rifles, including bolt-action, lever-action, pump-action, and semi-automatic. Each type has its strengths and weaknesses, and choosing the right rifle for the job is crucial.
For example, you probably know bolt-action rifles for their accuracy, but they can be slow to fire. Lever-action rifles are much faster, but they may not be as accurate.
Pump-action rifles offer a good balance of speed and accuracy, while semi-automatic rifles are the fastest option but may sacrifice some accuracy. Ultimately, it all comes down to personal preference and the specific task at hand.
If you’re looking for replacement parts, check out these AR15 fixed stock replacement parts.
Shotguns
Shotguns are also long guns that are designed to be fired from the shoulder. They have a wide barrel that is filled with small pellets (shot). Shotguns are typically used for hunting or home defense.
How to Use a Gun Safely
Now that you know the basics of how guns work, it’s important to learn how to use them safely. Here are a few safety tips to keep in mind:
1. Always Keep the Gun Pointed in a Safe Direction
One of the most important safety rules is to always keep the gun pointed in a safe direction. A safe direction is usually towards the ground or a backstop.
This helps to ensure that even if the gun is discharged, the bullet will not hit anything or anyone. Of course, there are exceptions to this rule, such as when you are using a gun to defend yourself or others.
In those cases, you should point the gun in the direction of the threat. However, in general, it is always safest to keep the gun pointed toward the ground or a backstop.
2. Keep Your Finger Off the Trigger Until You Are Ready to Shoot
One of the most important safety rules is to keep your finger off the trigger until you are ready to shoot. This helps to prevent accidental shootings, which can occur if your finger slips or if the gun is bumped.
3. Know Your Target and What Is Beyond It
In the heat of the moment, it can be easy to make a mistake. But when that mistake involves a gun, the consequences can be devastating.
That’s why it’s important to take a few extra moments to be sure of your target and what is beyond it before you pull the trigger. Once a bullet leaves the barrel of a gun, there’s no taking it back.
So take the time to ensure that you’re only shooting at what you intend to shoot – and not at anything or anyone else. It could mean the difference between life and death.
4. Be Sure You Unload the Gun Before Handling It
Checking to see if a gun has bullets before handling it is always a good idea. You can do this by opening the action and looking inside. If you see a bullet in the chamber, the gun is live and you should proceed with caution.
Remember, even if the gun is safe, it can still be dangerous. Never point the gun at something you don’t want to shoot, and always treat the gun as if it were loaded.
5. Store Guns Safely When Not in Use
Gun violence is a serious problem in the United States, and one way to help prevent it is to ensure that you store guns safely. When not in use, you should lock guns should away in a gun safe or lockbox.
This will help to prevent accidental shootings and will keep the gun out of the hands of children. In addition, it is important to keep the key to the gun safe or lock the box out of reach of children.
If you have a gun in your home or you are planning on buying a gun, it is essential to take these precautions to help prevent tragic accidents.
How Do Guns Work
Owning a gun comes with responsibilities, but it also offers several advantages. If you’re thinking of purchasing your firearm, you must understand how they work.
This guide has covered the key things to know about how guns function so that you can make an informed decision about whether or not owning one is right for you.
Be sure to check out our blog for more articles like this, on how do guns work, that will help you make sense of all the complex information surrounding firearms and their use.
