Which terms describe the two basic styles of firearm actions?

The two basic styles of firearm actions are known as single-shot and repeating. A single-shot firearm holds one round of ammunition at a time, requiring the shooter to reload after each shot. This type of action is simple and often provides greater reliability due to fewer moving parts. On the other hand, a repeating firearm is designed to hold multiple cartridges, allowing the shooter to fire several shots without needing to reload after each shot. This category includes various mechanisms such as bolt-action or pump-action that can cycle through the ammunition, enhancing the shooter's efficiency and effectiveness in the field.

Other options, while they include valid terms, do not accurately represent the fundamental categories of firearm actions as outlined in firearm education. For example, the term "automatic" refers to firearms that can fire continuously with a single pull of the trigger, but this is a more specialized category and not one of the basic styles. Similarly, "semi-automatic" is a specific type of repeating action, distinguished by its capability to automatically chamber another round after firing without additional manual action from the shooter. However, it does not encompass the broader definitions of firearm action styles like single-shot and repeating do.