Pump-action

A firearm mechanism characterized by a sliding handguard (the "pump") that, when manually moved back and forth, ejects a spent cartridge, chambers a new round from a magazine, and cocks the firing mechanism. pump-action firearms offer a rapid rate of fire, good reliability due to their mechanical simplicity, and often allow for a variety of ammunition types to be used. They are commonly found in shotguns, but some rifles also utilize this system.

Pump-action meaning with examples

• The seasoned hunter expertly worked the pump-action of his shotgun, seamlessly cycling the next shell after the successful pheasant hunt. Its smooth operation meant he could quickly target another bird if the situation arose. The sound of the action was familiar, a reassuring part of the hunt's rhythm.
• During the home invasion, the intruder brandished a pump-action shotgun, the ominous metallic clack of its mechanism echoing through the frightened house. The terrified family huddled in the corner, praying for the nightmare to end, as the perpetrator began to load another round.
• After the police training exercise, the officer demonstrated the pump-action of the department's standard issue shotgun, highlighting its ease of use and its potential for multiple rounds to be fired with speed and precision. This also reinforced the importance of safety training.
• In the film, the hero masterfully handled the pump-action rifle, using its cycling mechanism to rapidly dispatch the villains during the climactic showdown. The choreographed movement of the action enhanced the tense drama of the scene.
• The gunsmith carefully disassembled the pump-action of the old shotgun, inspecting each component for wear and tear. He understood the intricacies of the system's operation and could easily repair and enhance this particular type of firearm.