Rifle Parts
Rifles have several different parts that can be replaced. Whether you simply have a broken part on your rifle, or you want to upgrade specific features, there are many options. Switching out different parts of your rifle can improve your marksmanship and make it more comfortable for you to use your gun.
What are the major parts of a rifle?
If you own or use a rifle, you should become familiar with its major parts and how these parts work together to make it function. This will help if you encounter any problems and need to replace a part. It is also beneficial for your performance and, most importantly, for your safety and protection.
All rifles have 3 main parts:
- Stock: This is the portion of the gun that you hold onto. Its purpose is to help you hold, secure, aim, and fire your gun.
- Action: Simply put, the action is the portion where most of the action happens. This is the part where you load your gun, where it fires from, and where you unload your cartridges. This is where your firearm breaks open.
- Barrel: This rifle part is responsible for sending the bullet out of the gun and toward the target you are aiming at.
What parts of a rifle are interchangeable?
To make your gun optimal for you, many of its parts are interchangeable. Some of these parts include the following:
- Receivers
- Grips
- Triggers
- Handguards
- Buttstocks
- Safetys
- Stocks
- Barrels
How often should you replace rifle parts?
If you care for your firearm properly, you should never need to replace most of your rifle’s parts. This will also depend on how often you use your rifle. Occasionally, it may be necessary to replace a spring, extractor, or sight. However, many rifle owners choose to replace parts in order to make the gun work better for them.
How often should you clean your firearm?
The answer to this question is dependent upon several factors. If you are shooting corrosive ammunition or the gun has been exposed to water, moisture, or any other harmful element, you should clean it as soon as you possibly can after use.
If your rifle has not been exposed to anything harmful, it is okay to clean it after 3 to 4 trips to the shooting range. However, if you keep your firearm for self-defense, you should always keep it cleaned and ready to use. Keep in mind that dirt, dust, and excessive fouling will require more frequent cleanings.