How Guns Work [Visual Guide]

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A super quick explanation of how guns work.

Benelli M2, CZ75, AR-15 (3)
3-Gun: Benelli M2, CZ75, AR-15 Stacked

We’ll begin with the easy definition of what is a gun, different components of the bullet cartridge, some gun actions, and loading mechanisms.

Table of Contents

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What is a Gun?

At its core, guns are things that launch projectiles of some sort at high speed. The first guns were just tubes with explosives and a projectile…think cannons.

Cannon Blast, Smithsonian Channel
Cannon Blast, Smithsonian Channel

Modern guns have come a long way.

Cartridges

What most people think of as “bullets” are actually “cartridges” that include the bullet, a casing, powder, and a primer.

Deconstructed 9mm Cartridge
Deconstructed 9mm Cartridge

Of course there’s TONS of different calibers (size of bullets).

Common Calibers in Room
Common Calibers in Room

The primer is first ignited causing a small explosion, which then burns the rest of the powder, creating lots of pressure that moves the bullet out of the gun.  

Rimfire vs Centerfire Cartridges
Rimfire vs Centerfire Cartridges

The bullet is just the projectile that shoots out of a gun, not the entire object.

.308 (168gr vs 208gr)
.308 (168gr vs 208gr)

To get a lot more in-depth…check out our Ammo 101: How Cartridges Work.

And here are cross-sections of a variety of pistol/rifle cartridges. Not to scale with each other.

Cross Section of a Bullet Cartridge
Cross Section of a Bullet Cartridge

And some cutaways for the different types of shotgun shells.

12ga Shotgun Shells, Opened (L to R: Bird, Buck, Slug)
12ga Shotgun Shells, Opened (L to R: Bird, Buck, Slug)

For more info:

How Guns Work

Different types of guns have different mechanisms of how to ignite the primer to burn the gunpowder, but there is almost always a rounded metal object called the “firing pin” which strikes the primer and starts the process.

Burning Smokeless Powder
Burning Smokeless Powder

Modern smokeless powders don’t even burn that fast…it’s the pressure of the confined space of the chamber that gives it the oomph to move the bullet down the barrel.

Below you can see that the firing pin is attached to a “hammer” in a revolver.

How a Revolver Works
How a Revolver Works

While in a rifle it could be by itself and held in a “bolt.”

Gas System Gun
Gas System Gun

Here’s some of me shooting!

Loading Mechanisms

Most guns will have a mechanism that gets rid of the spent casing and moves in a fresh cartridge.

Some of these include manual actions, using the recoil from the explosion, or using expended gas from the explosion.  We’ll go over these in detail in further lessons. But for now, here’s some slow-motion of guns in action.

Additional Learning

Looking for a comprehensive handgun video course that only goes over the most important stuff…with none of the attitude? Check out our very own Gun Noob to Gun Slinger course.

Pew Pew Tactical Handgun Course
Pew Pew Tactical Handgun Course

Want some of our gun suggestions?

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