Hammer Lever Action vs. Hammer Pump Action

Attribute	Hammer Lever Action	Hammer Pump Action
Operation	Requires lever to be manually operated to cock the hammer	Requires pump handle to be manually operated to cock the hammer
Speed of Action	Generally slower compared to pump action	Generally faster compared to lever action
Complexity	May have simpler mechanism compared to pump action	May have more complex mechanism compared to lever action
Historical Usage	Commonly used in older firearms	Commonly used in modern firearms

Introduction

When it comes to firearms, there are various types of actions that dictate how a gun functions. Two popular types of actions are the hammer lever action and the hammer pump action. Both have their own unique attributes that make them popular among gun enthusiasts. In this article, we will compare the attributes of these two actions to help you understand the differences between them.

Hammer Lever Action

The hammer lever action is a type of firearm action that is operated by a lever located around the trigger guard. When the lever is cycled, it moves the bolt back and forth to load and eject cartridges. This action is commonly found in rifles such as the Winchester Model 1873, which is known as "The Gun that Won the West." One of the main advantages of the hammer lever action is its smooth and quick cycling, making it popular for hunting and shooting sports.

Another attribute of the hammer lever action is its classic and nostalgic appeal. Many gun enthusiasts appreciate the traditional look and feel of lever-action rifles, which harken back to the days of the Wild West. Additionally, the lever action allows for quick follow-up shots, making it ideal for shooting moving targets or in fast-paced shooting competitions.

However, one potential downside of the hammer lever action is its limited capacity. Lever-action rifles typically have a tubular magazine located under the barrel, which can hold a limited number of cartridges compared to other types of actions. This can be a drawback for those who require a higher ammunition capacity for their shooting needs.

Overall, the hammer lever action is a reliable and efficient action that is well-suited for hunting, target shooting, and cowboy action shooting. Its smooth cycling and classic design make it a favorite among many gun enthusiasts.

Hammer Pump Action

The hammer pump action is a type of firearm action that is operated by manually cycling a pump located under the barrel. When the pump is cycled, it moves the bolt back and forth to load and eject cartridges. This action is commonly found in shotguns such as the Remington 870, which is one of the most popular pump-action shotguns in the world. One of the main advantages of the hammer pump action is its versatility and reliability.

One attribute of the hammer pump action is its ability to cycle a wide variety of ammunition. Pump-action shotguns can shoot everything from light target loads to heavy magnum shells, making them suitable for hunting, home defense, and sport shooting. Additionally, the pump action is known for its simplicity and ruggedness, making it less prone to malfunctions compared to other types of actions.

Another advantage of the hammer pump action is its higher ammunition capacity. Pump-action shotguns typically have a tubular magazine like lever-action rifles, but they can hold more cartridges due to their larger size. This makes pump-action shotguns ideal for situations where a higher ammunition capacity is needed, such as hunting waterfowl or defending against multiple attackers.

Overall, the hammer pump action is a versatile and reliable action that is well-suited for a wide range of shooting applications. Its ability to cycle various types of ammunition, high ammunition capacity, and rugged design make it a popular choice among gun owners.

Comparison

When comparing the attributes of the hammer lever action and the hammer pump action, there are several key differences to consider. One of the main differences is the type of firearms that use each action. The hammer lever action is commonly found in rifles, while the hammer pump action is typically found in shotguns.

• The hammer lever action is known for its smooth cycling and quick follow-up shots, making it ideal for hunting and shooting sports.
• The hammer pump action is versatile and reliable, able to cycle a wide variety of ammunition and hold a higher ammunition capacity.

Another difference between the two actions is their historical significance. The hammer lever action is often associated with the Wild West and cowboy action shooting, while the hammer pump action is more commonly used in modern firearms for hunting and self-defense.

Overall, both the hammer lever action and the hammer pump action have their own unique attributes that make them popular among gun enthusiasts. Whether you prefer the classic look and feel of a lever-action rifle or the versatility and reliability of a pump-action shotgun, both actions have something to offer for shooters of all levels.