breechloader
/ˈbriːtʃˌloʊdər/
noun
- A gun that is loaded from the rear (breech) of the barrel rather than from the front (muzzle).
- The soldiers were issued breechloaders, which could be loaded much faster than old muzzle-loading rifles.
- The museum had a display of antique breechloaders from the Civil War era.
- Hunters in the 19th century preferred breechloaders because they were quicker to reload.