Abstract: The falling block rifle of the invention has an improved action which is simple in design and economical to manufacture and which exhibits aesthetically pleasing lines while accommodating a variety of different calibers. The rifle includes a barrel having opposing ends with a receiver mounted on one end of the barrel. The receiver has a forward face which joins the barrel and a rearward face. The receiver has a breechblock mortise machined at a slight angle, less than perpendicular, to the bore. A breechblock is raised and lowered in the breechblock mortise by a swinging operating lever. The operating lever is pivotally pinned to the receiver and connected to the breechblock by means of a connecting link. The action is of the concealed hammer type, with no provision for manual cocking or uncocking by means of the thumb. The hammer is pivotally pinned to the breechblock and moves correspondingly upwardly and downwardly with the breechblock.