Minnesota Firearms Safety Hunter Education Practice Exam

Which part of the firearm loads, fires, and ejects the shells or cartridges?

1. Muzzle

2. Action

3. Stock

4. Barrel

The correct answer is: Action

The action of a firearm is responsible for loading the cartridges or shells, firing them, and ejecting them. This is done through the mechanism inside the action, which usually includes a bolt, firing pin, and extractor. The muzzle is the end of the barrel where the projectile exits, so it is not involved in loading or ejecting. The stock is the part of the firearm that is held against the shooter's shoulder, and while it may sometimes contain mechanisms for loading and ejecting, it is not the primary part responsible for these actions. Finally, the barrel is responsible for containing and directing the projectile, but it does not play a role in loading or ejecting the ammunition. Overall, the correct answer is B because the action is specifically designed for these purposes.