A general term for a variety of actions used to chamber/prime firearms before firing them. This may include:
- Manually pulling back the hammer of a Revolver
- Racking the slide of a semi-automatic Handgun
- Racking the slide of a Pump Action shotgun
- Cycling the bolt of a Bolt Action rifle
Examples
Usually performed after loading a magazine to chamber the first round, but can also forcibly remove an existing round or clear a jam. May also depict a Handgun slide being forced back during normal operation for dramatic effect.