Stock (firearm) facts for kids
A stock is an important part of a rifle or other firearm. It is also known as a shoulder stock or buttstock. The stock is where the main parts of the gun, like the barrel and the firing mechanism, are attached.
When someone shoots a gun, they hold the stock firmly against their shoulder. This helps them to hold the gun steady and aim it correctly. The stock also helps to absorb the recoil, which is the push-back feeling you get when a gun is fired. This makes shooting safer and more comfortable.
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What is a Gun Stock?
A gun stock is the part of a gun that you hold against your shoulder. It helps you control the gun. It also helps to manage the kickback, or recoil, when the gun shoots.
Why Do Guns Have Stocks?
Stocks are very important for shooting accurately. They give the shooter a stable way to hold the gun. Without a stock, it would be very hard to aim a rifle. The stock also helps to spread out the force of the gun's recoil. This makes the gun easier to handle.
Where Does the Word "Stock" Come From?
The word "stock" for a gun part has been used since 1571. It comes from the Germanic word stoc. This word means "tree trunk". This makes sense because early gun stocks were often made from wood.
Types of Stocks
Gun stocks come in many different shapes and sizes. Some are fixed, meaning they don't move. Others can be folded or made shorter. This makes the gun easier to carry or store. Some stocks are designed for specific types of shooting.
- Fixed Stocks: These stocks are solid and do not move. They are common on many traditional rifles.
- Folding Stocks: These stocks can fold to the side. This makes the gun shorter for transport.
- Telescoping Stocks: These stocks can slide in and out. This allows the shooter to adjust the length.
- Bump Stocks: These are special stocks that help a semi-automatic gun fire faster. They use the gun's recoil to quickly reset the trigger.
Images for kids
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M1 Garand rifle with one-piece wooden stock.
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M16A1 cutaway rifle (top) and M16A2 (below) with a "straight-line" stock configuration
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Gun stock construction on a lathe from the 1850s (photo circa 2015)
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M4 carbine with a telescoping stock.
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An AK-103 with its stock folded.
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A bump stock allows semi-automatic firearms to shoot at a faster rate of fire that somewhat mimics fully automatic fire.
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The Luger Artillery Pistol with its wooden holster attached.
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A SIG MPX with a retractable Velcro-strap brace with two slide rods.
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An early hand cannon, or gonne, supported by a simple stock
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Different styles of gunstock grips
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Variations in gunstock combs
See also
In Spanish: Culata (arma de fuego) para niños
