Texas Hunter Education Certification Practice Exam 2026 - Free Hunter Education Certification Practice Questions and Study Guide

The pump-action shotgun is the most popular firearm action type for shotguns primarily due to its reliability and versatility. This type of action allows the shooter to manually cycle the action by sliding the fore-end back and forth, which ejects a spent shell and chambers a new round. This straightforward mechanical operation makes pump-action shotguns easier to maintain and less prone to malfunctions compared to more complex actions.

Additionally, pump-action shotguns have a wide range of uses, including hunting, sport shooting, and home defense, contributing to their popularity among various shooting communities. The ability to hold multiple shells in a tubular magazine enhances their functionality, allowing for quick follow-up shots with minimal effort required in operation.

While semi-automatic shotguns are also popular, they require more maintenance and can be sensitive to the type of ammunition used. In contrast, the pump-action’s simplicity and dependability in diverse conditions make it the preferred choice for many enthusiasts and hunters.