In what manner does a break action/hinge action rifle operate?

A break action or hinge action rifle operates by utilizing a hinged mechanism that opens the action to expose the chamber for loading and unloading rounds. When the action is opened, it creates a clear access point to the chamber, allowing the shooter to load a round directly into the chamber or remove it if necessary. This design is straightforward and emphasizes safety and simplicity, providing clear visibility of the chamber, which is an important safety feature.

The other options do not accurately describe how this type of rifle operates. For instance, automatic cycling through rounds or using a lever to switch cartridges pertains more to different types of action mechanisms, such as semi-automatics or lever actions, which do not align with the break or hinge action design.