Advantages
The break open action is one of the strongest and most compact firearms actions. Since there are no parts to reciprocate, it is much shorter than a repeating firearm, and as built the break-open is generally more compact than other non-repeating firearms such as the falling block and rolling block actions. This compactness means reductions in weight and size, compared to larger actions; this can also allow a longer barrel in a firearm of equivalent size.
Since the cartridge extractor or ejector is built into the barrel assembly on break open actions, the breech face is simply a flat plate with a hole for the firing pin to project. This makes break open actions ideal for interchangeable barrel firearms, such as the popular Thompson Center Arms Contender and Encore pistols. The simplicity of the break open design, especially external hammer types, also reduces the cost of manufacture. There are a number of companies, such as H & R Firearms, producing break open rifles at far lower costs than comparable bolt action rifles.
Most firearms are designed for right-handed shooters. Break open action guns typically work the same when used from either shoulder.
Another advantage of the break open action is the ability to insert very long cartridges into the chamber. This allows cartridges of a length impractical in most other designs, as well as easy use of caliber conversion sleeves. It is common to find double barrel shotguns available with conversion sleeves for smaller gauges, allowing the same gun to be used with, for example, 12, 20, 28 gauge, and .410 bore shells.
Read more about this topic: Break-action
Famous quotes containing the word advantages:
“To say that a man is your Friend, means commonly no more than this, that he is not your enemy. Most contemplate only what would be the accidental and trifling advantages of Friendship, as that the Friend can assist in time of need by his substance, or his influence, or his counsel.... Even the utmost goodwill and harmony and practical kindness are not sufficient for Friendship, for Friends do not live in harmony merely, as some say, but in melody.”
—Henry David Thoreau (1817–1862)
“For, the advantages which fashion values, are plants which thrive in very confined localities, in a few streets, namely. Out of this precinct, they go for nothing; are of no use in the farm, in the forest, in the market, in war, in the nuptial society, in the literary or scientific circle, at sea, in friendship, in the heaven of thought or virtue.”
—Ralph Waldo Emerson (1803–1882)
“We work harder than ever, and I cannot see the advantages in cooperative living.”
—Lydia Arnold, U.S. commune supervisor (of the North American Phalanx, Red Bank, New Jersey, 1843- 1855)