Basic Parts and Components of a Firearm
                     Basic Parts and Components 
of a Firearm
Basic Parts and Components of a Firearm 2
When it comes to firearms, there are a few basic parts and components that make up the firearm. 
The barrel is one of the most important parts of the gun, as it is responsible for firing the bullet. 
The next component of firearm parts is the receiver, which holds all of the other parts in place and 
contains the bolt carrier group and trigger assembly. The stock is also an important part of the 
firearm, as it helps to stabilize and support the rifle when shooting.
In this article, we cover the basic components and parts of a firearm that any shooter must know 
about before they venture into buying firearm parts or rifle accessories.
Read ahead, to learn about the basic components and parts of a firearm.
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The Barrel 3
The barrel is one of the most important parts of a 
firearm, as it is responsible for firing the bullet. 
The barrel is the metal tube through which the 
bullet travels. It is important that the barrel is of 
high quality to ensure accuracy. Many barrels are 
now made from stainless steel or Chromoly steel, 
which resist wear and tear better than traditional 
carbon steel.
Additionally, threaded barrels can be screwed onto 
suppressors to reduce noise pollution. It is 
typically made from steel, brass, or aluminum and 
is often chrome-lined to help resist wear and 
corrosion. The barrel can be of different lengths 
depending on the firearm type but are usually 
around 16-18 inches in length. 
The Receiver 4
The receiver is the part of a firearm that holds all 
of the other parts in place and contains the bolt 
carrier group and trigger assembly. This is the part 
that houses the firearm parts and components 
such as firing mechanisms, grips, sights etc. The 
design varies from one manufacturer to another 
but typically follows some common principles for 
parts location.
A trigger group assembly consists of a trigger 
mechanism housed inside its own subassembly 
which can be removed together with all other 
parts attached to it by removing a single pin that 
runs through them all. The bolt carrier group is 
housed within the receiver along with the trigger 
assembly. 
The Stock 5
The stock is also an important part of the gun, as it helps to 
stabilize and support the rifle when shooting. It is typically made 
from wood, plastic, or metal and can have a variety of 
adjustments to fit the shooter’s body. There are also aftermarket 
stocks that can be bought separately that offer more features 
and adjustability. Performance of the stock depends on the 
material used in it.
The buttstock: This is the rear part of the stock, often curved to 
fit against the shoulder for stability.
The cheekpiece: This raised section on the side of the stock 
helps to position your head correctly when looking down the 
sights.
The pistol grip: A grip used for controlling the gun, usually 
located near the trigger. It allows you to hold onto the firearm 
with greater ease and precision.
Wrapping up 6
The parts listed above are some common rifle parts found in most modern firearms today; 
however there are many more parts unique to each firearm type which will vary depending on 
their application (hunting, self defense etc.) These parts should help you understand what makes 
up an average firearm, how the rifle trigger works and how they all blend together to create a 
shooting experience.
Having proper knowledge of the firearms and rifle parts you want to purchase helps in the 
prevention of purchasing parts that may not be compatible and in the end, will save you time and 
money. As you can see, parts of a firearm are not just parts; they make up every part of your rifle 
and collectively make up for your entire shooting efficacy and performance.
This is originally published at wikye.com
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This template is free to use under Creative Commons Attribution license. You can keep the Credits slide or mention 
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