Rimfire actions explained: bolt, semi-auto, lever, pump and single-shot
Written in our own words from the sources cited after each fact. We haven't run hands-on tests for this page; where sources disagree we say so. Prefer the primary source (SAAMI, the maker, the governing body) if anything here conflicts with it.
| Action | How it works | Good for | Current example |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bolt | You lift and cycle the bolt by hand for each shot. | Accuracy, NRL22, hunting, teaching | Ruger American Rimfire: 60° bolt throw[Ruger American Rimfire overview] |
| Straight-pull | Bolt moves straight back without lifting. | Fast follow-ups, biathlon-style | Browning T-Bolt[Browning T-Bolt] |
| Semi-auto | Blowback cycles the action and loads the next round. | Plinking, NRL22 Semi-Auto, pest control | Winchester Wildcat 22: blowback, 10-rd rotary mag[Winchester Wildcat 22] |
| Lever | A lever under the receiver cycles the action from a tube magazine. | Traditional plinking, small game | Henry H001: 14 LR in the tube[Henry H1 rimfire lever-action spec sheet] |
| Pump/slide | A sliding forend cycles the action. | Gallery and traditional shooting | Historic Winchester and Remington pumps in .22 Short[Wikipedia] |
| Single-shot | Load one round per shot, often with manual cocking. | First rifles, youth | Keystone Crickett and Chipmunk[Keystone Sporting Arms (Crickett, Chipmunk)] |
Which is safest for beginners?
Any action is safe with good habits. Single-shots and bolt guns slow the pace, which many instructors like for first lessons. See best first .22 and the rifles by maker.
Do semi-autos care about ammo?
Yes. Blowback actions need enough energy to cycle. Very quiet loads like CCI Quiet-22 (710 fps) may not cycle many semi-autos[CCI 2026 catalog]. See ammo terminology.
Sources
- Ruger American Rimfire overview
- Browning T-Bolt
- Winchester Wildcat 22
- Henry H1 rimfire lever-action spec sheet
- Wikipedia: .22 Short
- Keystone Sporting Arms (Crickett, Chipmunk)
- CCI 2026 catalog