Firearm action refers to the mechanism that loads, fires, and ejects cartridges in a firearm. It is a critical component that determines how a gun operates, influencing its rate of fire and reliability. Common types of firearm actions include bolt action, lever action, pump action, and semi-automatic. Each action type has distinct characteristics. For example, bolt action requires the shooter to manually operate the bolt to chamber a round, while semi-automatic actions automatically cycle the next round after firing. Understanding these actions helps users choose the right firearm for their needs and ensures safe handling.