What is a bear trap on an air rifle?

Answer 1

Several older models ( Most by the Chinese manufactures ) use a Bear trap loading port for the pellet. It an under lever cocking rifle. When you pull down the lever a large metal door pulls back to reveal the rear of the barrel you must put your finger inside the trap door to load the pellet in the barrel opening. If you don't hold the cocking lever all the way down or back, the trap door can slam shut and cut off the tip of your finger. Hence it is called a bear trap door. It is not as common today as it used to be, but is still used by Chinese manufactures like {BAM or Industry Manufactures) I do not recommend these rifles for that reason.