 There are many types of break-action firearms; break actions are universal in double-barrelled shotguns, double rifles and combination guns, and are also common in single shot rifles, pistols (especially derringers), and shotguns, and can also be found in flare guns, grenade launchers, air guns and some older revolver designs.They are also known as hinge-action, break-open, break-barrel, break-top, or, on old revolvers, top-break actions.The first break-action revolver was patented in France and Britain at the end of December in 1858 by Devisme.