Understanding the different gun components can seem daunting if you’re a beginner at guns. From barrels to magazines, this guide is an overview of the essential parts of a firearm and how they work together. Learn what these components are and their purpose so you can safely handle firearms.
Basic Gun Components:
- Stock
The component that provides stability and support to the shooter. The stock is the support for the shooter’s shoulder and also helps to control recoil. In addition, it provides stability when aiming and assists in accuracy. Many stocks are adjustable or collapsible and are made of wood or synthetic materials such as plastics, composites, or metal alloys. Depending on the style of firearm, stocks can either be fixed or detachable parts of the gun.
- Barrel
The tube through which the bullet travels when fired. The barrel is the metal tube a bullet travels through when the gun fires. It is an essential component of a firearm because it affects accuracy and muzzle velocity, determining how far a shot will travel. Barrels can range in length and diameter depending on the type of gun, with most barrels being made of either steel or aluminum alloys. In addition, some gun barrels are rifled, meaning they have grooves cut into them to help impart spin to the projectile, aiding in accuracy and stability.
- Action
The mechanism loads, fires, and ejects bullets or shells. The action is the part of a firearm that controls all of these operations. It includes the bolt, which holds the round in place; the firing pin, which strikes the primer on the cartridge case to ignite it; and the extractor, which removes spent cartridges from the chamber. In addition, depending on the type of action, there could be other gun components, such as ejectors and magazine followers. Semi-automatic steps are generally more complicated than manual actions, though both still serve their purpose.
- Magazine
A container of ammunition that feeds the action of firearms. Magazines are generally metal containers that hold rounds of ammo, with feed lips and a removable floor plate at either end, such as Remington 522 viper magazine. There are two main types of the magazine: detachable and integral. Detachable magazines can easily be removed from the firearm for loading, cleaning, or storage, while essential magazines remain in action at all times. The amount of rounds a magazine can hold depends on its size and design, with magazines often having anywhere from five to some hundred rounds of ammunition.
- Receiver
Guns are incomplete without a receiver. It serves as the frame that holds all other parts of the gun together. It is also responsible for controlling all the pressure created by firing a round. As such, any firearm needs to have a robust and reliable receiver. Many receivers are available in today’s technologically advanced world, each with unique features. To ensure accuracy and safety when shooting, it’s crucial to ensure the receiver on your gun is up to par.
- Muzzle
Muzzle devices come in various shapes and sizes, each designed for different purposes. Some are designed to reduce recoil, while others are designed to improve accuracy or reduce sound levels. There are even muzzles that can be used for both purposes. Regardless, all muzzles serve a similar goal -directing the bullet safely.
- Sight
The type of gun sight you choose will depend on your shooting style and preferences. Different types of sights are available such as iron sights, red dot sights, holographic sights, reflex sights, laser sights, etc. Choosing the style that suits you best is essential since each type has advantages and disadvantages.
- Trigger Guard
Trigger guards come in different shapes, sizes, and materials, so you can choose one that best fits your needs. A trigger guard is worth considering if you want to add extra security to your firearm. It will make your gun more secure and give it a unique look that sets it apart from other guns on the market.
- Trigger
The trigger is one of the most essential gun components of any firearm. It is responsible for releasing the firing pin and firing a round. Without a properly functioning trigger, a gun is rendered useless. As such, it’s important to understand the different types of triggers and their uses to ensure your gun is always working correctly.
Critical gun safety rules
These simple but critical rules must be followed:
- Before you put a firearm away, make sure it’s not loaded.
- Only point the gun at things you are willing to destroy.
- Always be sure of your target and what’s behind it.
- Finally, only put your finger on the trigger / inside the trigger guard when ready to fire.
Modern firearms do not just fire independently, even if dropped or bumped. Any human error causes 99.9% of gun accidents. By strictly following the above rules, you don’t allow circumstances where something terrible can happen.
And it’s not the sort of thing where people get more relaxed with those rules as they become more experienced. So it is your responsibility that firearms are safe, secure, and locked away from people or children who shouldn’t get to them.
