Break action

In some cases the hinging pin may be easily removable, allowing the two portions of the weapon to be compactly and safely stored.

Rounds are inserted into the breech, loading as many barrels (pistol, rifle, or shotgun) or chambers (revolver) as desired, and the mechanism is closed and latched.

This causes an extractor catch to remove the spent shells so that they fall to the ground, leaving the weapon ready for reloading.

The tip-up was the first revolver designed for use with metallic cartridges in the Smith & Wesson Model 1, on which the barrel pivoted upwards, hinged on the forward end of the top strap.

Since the cartridge extractor or ejector is built into the barrel assembly in break action weapons, the breech face is simply a flat plate with a hole for the firing pin to protrude through.

This makes break actions ideal for interchangeable barrel firearms, such as the popular Thompson/Center Arms Contender and Encore pistols.

Modern double rifles are very expensive and designed for short-range use; the barrels are often regulated for ranges under 110 yards (100 m) for use against dangerous game.

Designs without a replaceable latch may be fixed by building up the worn part with a welder, then filing it back into shape.

Some centerfire pistol and rifle cartridges, however, can generate pressures that may be too great for a single locking lug if it is not stout enough.