Which of the following is a characteristic of a lever action firearm?

The characteristic that accurately defines a lever action firearm is that it loads a cartridge by swinging the lever down and away. This type of firearm operates on a mechanism that utilizes a lever located beneath the action. When the shooter pulls the lever down, it performs several functions: it ejects the spent cartridge (if there is one), cocks the hammer, and chambers a new round. The action of the lever is what distinguishes it as a lever action firearm, providing a distinctive way to cycle through ammunition.

This method of operation allows for a smooth transition between shots, making it popular among hunters and sports shooters. The unique mechanics of lever action firearms contrast with other types of actions, such as semi-automatics or bolt actions, that utilize different cycling methods for loading cartridges.