Break action
Videos
Break action is a type of firearm action in which the barrel are hinged much like a door and rotate perpendicularly to the bore axis to expose the breech and allow loading and unloading of cartridges.
A view of the break-action of a typical double-barrelled shotgun, with the action open and the extractor visible. The opening lever and the safety catch can also be clearly seen.
Close-up of an IOF 32 break-action revolver
Smith & Wesson Model 1 Third Issue open
Falling-block action
Videos
A falling-block action is a single-shot firearm action in which a solid metal breechblock slides vertically in grooves cut into the breech of the weapon and is actuated by a lever.
Ruger No. 1 single-shot falling-block rifle in .243 Winchester with custom barrel with action open.