Reference library
Guides to rifles, shotguns, handguns, ammunition, optics and archery, plus hunting know-how by species for the United States and Canada. Every page lists the sources behind it.
Comparison · Rifles
Controlled-round feed and push-feed describe when a bolt-action rifle’s extractor takes control of the cartridge. Controlled-round feed grips the rim as the round leaves the magazine, while push-feed pushes the round into the chamber before the extractor engages it.
Comparison · Firearms History and Technology
Open-bolt and closed-bolt describe where the bolt starts in the firing cycle, not whether a firearm is semiautomatic or automatic. Open-bolt systems can help with heat management during repeated fire, while closed-bolt systems are often favored for carefully aimed first shots.
Guide · Rifles
A straight-pull rifle is a bolt-action rifle that lets the shooter cycle the bolt mostly straight rearward and forward. The locking still happens, but cams, sleeves, bolt heads, collars or wedges do the turning or locking work inside the action.
Comparison · Shotguns
Steel shot is commonly used as non toxic shot for waterfowl hunting, but it is less dense than lead, so hunters often use larger steel pellets and must confirm patterns with their own shotgun, choke and load. U.S. and Canadian migratory bird rules require non toxic shot in many waterfowl and migratory bird contexts, so hunters should confirm current rules before hunting.
Guide · Firearm Safety and Storage
Dry firing means operating a firearm’s firing sequence without live ammunition. It can be useful for practice, but the firearm must still be unloaded, pointed in a safe direction, and checked against the exact owner’s manual before deciding whether snap caps are needed.
Guide · Rifles
A bullpup rifle places the action, firing mechanism or magazine behind the trigger, usually in the buttstock area. That layout can shorten overall length for a given barrel length, but it also changes balance, controls, trigger linkage and ejection placement.
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Hunting and firearm regulations always link to the official agency, with the date we last verified them.
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