3 Firearm Modes of Operation (& How They're Powered)

It's very common for those unfamiliar with guns to misunderstand how their operating systems work.

by
posted on October 4, 2023
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
Pump Gun

It's very common for those unfamiliar with guns to misunderstand how their operating systems work. The simple version is this: There are three basic "modes of operation" for guns, and three basic ways to power that mode of operation. Today we'll explore both.

Modes of Operation

Manual (Single-shot)

After a single shot has been fired, the mechanism of the firearm must be manually cycled by the shooter to unlock, extract, eject, feed, chamber and fire a subsequent cartridge. 

Semi-Automatic

After manually loading the first round, this method of operation uses recoil or gas from the fired cartridge to power the action cycle. A single shot will be fired each time the trigger is pulled until the magazine is empty.

Full Automatic 

A fully automatic firearm will fire repeatedly with a single pull of the trigger until the trigger is released or the magazine is empty unless the gun is equipped with what's known as a "burst-limiting" device. (Firearms of this type are classified as Class 3 Firearms, and civilians cannot own them without permission from the ATF and paying a $200 federal tax stamp.)

Powering an Operating System


Manual Power:
Exactly what it sounds like! Human muscle performs the cycle of operation, as in with single-shot firearms and pump- and lever-action firearms.

Self-Loading: The forces generated by firing the cartridge are harnessed to perform the cycle of operation. 

Externally Powered: An outside mechanical power source is used to perform the cycle of operation, as in with some large military full-autos. Examples would include the Gatling gun.

Latest

Savage Proof Testing Lede
Savage Proof Testing Lede

What Is "Proof Testing"? Savage Arms Demonstrates

When a company tells you their firearms have been "proof tested," here's what they mean ... and how it's done!

What the "21-Foot Rule" Means for Self-Defense

In a defensive situation, things can happen very quickly. How fast? This fast.

NRA Family Columnist Serena Juchnowski Partners with SIGHTRON

Competitive shooter and outdoor writer Juchnowski won our writing contest 11 years ago, and she's just getting started.

Video Review: Kimber KDS9c

Many double-stack 1911-style pistols are a bit hard to conceal ... but not this one!

3 CCW Ideas for Active Lifestyles

Hiking, biking and horseback riding ... with the right concealed-carry setup, safety and comfort go hand-in-hand.

First Impressions: Smith & Wesson M&P15 AXE Rifle Series

Created for suppressed shooting, these four 5.56 NATO rifles look sharp and shoot with scalpel precision.

Interests



Get the best of NRA Family delivered to your inbox.