Rifles: Semi and Fully Automatic

Now we come to the “cool” ones. The rifles that action heroes have been using to sow destruction for over 50 years now. Let’s define some things.

Rifles: Bolt Action

This is probably the most common style of rifle in the sporting world. They can be chambered in any caliber from .22 long rifle, to .50 BMG (Browning Machine Gun).

Rifles: Double Rifles

Double Rifles were made in Europe, mainly England, for use in Africa in the late 1800’s. They had the same metal casings, but used black powder or a mix of black and smokeless. These latter versions were the “Express” calibers. The .577 Nitro used black powder only, the .577 Nitro Express used a mix.

Rifles: Rolling Block and Falling Block

The word Rifle can refer to many different types, from the long barreled muzzle loading flintlocks*, to the classic lever action cowboy gun, to the modern hunting rifle, and even the short barreled bullpup assault rifle. The one thing they must all have is a rifled barrel.

 

Rifles: Lever and Pump Actions

Starting in the mid-1800’s metal cartridges made repeating rifles possible. The most famous of these was the model ’94 (1894) Lever Action Winchester. This was most common in .30-30, which is still available today.