Final answer:
An action type found in modern shotguns and rifles is the mechanism for loading, firing, and ejecting cartridges, with semi-automatic, bolt-action, and pump-action being common examples. These actions manage recoil and cycle ammunition, and they have evolved significantly over time, influencing both military use and firearm regulations.
Step-by-step explanation:
An action type found in modern shotguns and rifles is the mechanism that manages the sequence of loading, firing, and ejection of cartridges, commonly referred to as the firearm's 'action'. Various actions include semi-automatic, bolt-action, and pump-action. Semi-automatic action types cycle through this sequence using energy from the previously fired shot, either through recoil operation or gas operation, facilitating rapid follow-up shots without manual cycling of the action.
For instance, a semi-automatic rifle typically operates by the force of the gun pushing forward on the bullet, while the bullet pushes backward on the gun, according to Newton's third law. A recoilless rifle, conversely, has a barrel open at both ends, where the shell is ejected from the rear as the bullet is discharged from the muzzle, and as such, it is not safe to stand behind when fired. Such mechanisms are designed to manage forces and enhance efficiency and safety.
In the context of military history and application, the mechanisms employed in rifles can have substantial implications, as seen with the development of the automatic weapon by Hiram Maxim and the modern firearm regulations that came later. These actions directly influence the functionality, safety, and legal status of firearms.