Pump Action / Slide Action

Pump - A type of action for shoulder-mounted, repeating firearms, whereby pulling the forend rearward ejects the spent shell and re-cocks the mainspring, and sliding the forend forward again chambers the next cartridge and locks the breech, preparatory to firing again with another pull of the trigger. Examples of this type of firearm are the Winchester Model 61 (above) the Winchester Model 12 shotgun and the Remington Model 870 shotgun.

It has been said that operating the slide action helps focus the mind and coordinates the hand with the eye for better shooting.  However, the pump action---and all repeating shotguns (except the Cosmi)---have the disturbing attribute for others, when shooting in a group, of not being obviously safe or all ready to fire. On the other hand, a break-open gun, carried open, is obviously safe and is therefore far less stressful for others.

The Hallowell & Co. Illustrated Firearms Dictionary is for informational purposes only. We do not necessarily offer the items described above for sale. Please click on any of the links below to see what we actually do have available for purchase.

American Shotguns      English Shotguns       European Shotguns      Double Rifles      Magazine Rifles        Single Shot Rifles      Combination Guns

Winchester      Colt      Smith & Wesson        Other Handguns          Antique Guns       New Arrivals             Custom Knives          Other Neat Stuff

Who We Are       How to Order      We want to buy your Gun(s)       Recommended Links     Historical Gallery         

Firearms Definitions, Abbreviations & Opinions     Store Photos     Magazine Articles          Home  

Hallowell & Co., Inc. PO Box 1445. Livingston, Montana  59047   USA   Tel: 406 222-4770    Fax: 406 222-4792     Email: morris@hallowellco.com

Hours: Tuesday - Saturday, 10 - 6.   (Mountain Time)   Our inventory is constantly changing. Please bookmark this site and return often.