Washington State Hunters Ed Practice Exam

Which part of the shotgun is responsible for extracting and ejecting spent shells?

1. Receiver

2. Action

3. Fore-end

4. Magazine tube

The correct answer is: Action

The action of a shotgun is the component responsible for extracting and ejecting spent shells. When a shotgun is fired, the action engages various parts that enable the cycling of the firearm—loading a new shell, extracting the spent shell from the chamber, and ejecting it from the firearm. In many shotgun designs, the action includes the mechanisms that interact with the shell. This allows the spent cartridge to be removed completely, ensuring the chamber is clear for the next shot. Understanding this function is crucial for safe operation and maintenance of a shotgun, as it directly relates to how the firearm cycles ammunition. The receiver houses the action and other important components but does not directly perform the extraction and ejection functions. The fore-end is purely a part of the firearm's structure that allows for grip and support, while the magazine tube is where shells are stored before being fed into the chamber. Therefore, focusing on the action is vital for grasping how the shotgun functions during shooting.