New York Firearms Safety Course Practice Exam

Which part of the firearm loads, fires, and ejects the ammunition?

1. Barrel

2. Action

3. Stock

4. Trigger

The correct answer is: Action

The action of a firearm is the component responsible for loading, firing, and ejecting the ammunition. It refers to the mechanism that includes several parts working together to cycle the firearm and allow for operation. When you pull the trigger, the action is activated to load a round from the magazine, chamber it, fire the round, and then eject the spent cartridge case. Understanding the roles of the other parts provides clarity: the barrel guides the projectile and determines accuracy, the stock provides stability and support for handling, and the trigger is simply the mechanism that initiates the firing sequence. Each of these components plays a critical role in the functioning of a firearm but is distinct from the overall operation managed by the action.