North Dakota Hunter Safety Study Course
Chapter 1: Know Your Rifles and Shotguns
Rifle and Shotgun Parts
Both rifles and shotguns feature a long barrel, and each is usually braced against the hunter's shoulder when fired. Each of these types of firearms consists of most or all of the following parts.
1. Stock
Supports the action and the barrel of a firearm and is made out of either wood or synthetic material. The stock may be a single piece or two pieces, depending on the manufacturer.
2. Action
Consists of a series of parts that load, fire and eject a cartridge or shot shell from a firearm.
3. Sight
An alignment device to help aim a firearm. Styles of sights include metallic, fiber optic, peep, open, telescopic, dot and laser.
4. Barrel and Muzzle
The barrel is the tube-shaped part of a firearm through which ammunition is fired. The muzzle is located at the front end of the barrel.
5. Trigger Trigger Guard
When squeezed, the trigger releases the firing pin to hit the primer on a firearm's cartridge, igniting the powder and sending the bullet down the barrel. The trigger guard protects the trigger.
6. Magazine
A storage device for cartridges or shot shells featured on most firearms. Without your magazine, your rifle or shotgun will be limited to a single shot. There are two types of magazines: Box & Tubular. They are available as either a detachable or fixed part. A detachable magazine can be removed from a firearm, whereas a fixed magazine cannot.
North Dakota Hunter Safety Study Course