Glossary of firearms terms#S

{{glossary begin}}

{{term| accurize }}

{{term| accurizing }}

{{defn| {{ghat| Main article: Accurizing}}

The process of altering a stock firearm to improve its accuracy. }}

{{term| Ackley Improved }}

{{defn| {{ghat| Main article: Ackley Improved}}

A type of firearm {{gli|cartridge}} that underwent a process of fireforming to contain more propellant to improve the performance of the round. The term may also refer to cutting down the cartridge to contain a different caliber of projectile. }}

{{term| action }}

{{defn| {{ghat| Main article: Firearm action}}

The physical mechanism that manipulates {{gli|cartridge}}s and/or seals the {{gli|breech}}. The term refers to the method in which cartridges are loaded, locked, and extracted from the mechanism. Actions are generally categorized by the type of mechanism used. A firearm action is technically not present on {{gli|muzzleloader}}s as all loading is done by hand. The mechanism that fires a muzzleloader is called the {{gli|lock}}. }}

{{term| adjustable sight }}

{{defn| Any aiming mechanism, usually {{gli|iron sights}}, that allow the user to move the {{gli|reticle}} up or down ({{gli|elevation}}), and left or right ({{gli|windage}}), in order to compensate for wind and distance. }}

{{term| ammo }}

{{term| ammunition }}

{{defn| {{ghat| Main article: Ammunition}}

Can be described as anything that can be launched or thrown. In the case of modern firearms, usually refers to the assembly that is made up of a brass, steel, aluminum, or (rarely) a polymer case. The case contains the priming compound, usually in its own removable assembly called a {{gli|primer}}. The case will also contain the charge of {{gli|smokeless gunpowder}}, or sometimes {{gli|black powder}}, and will be topped off by the projectile. }}

{{term| ammo belt }}

{{term| ammunition belt }}

{{defn| {{ghat| See: {{gli|belt}}.}} }}

{{term| anti-glare }}

{{defn| A grooved/textured surface detail found above the barrel to deflect light from affecting target acquisition. }}

{{term| assault rifle }}

{{defn| {{ghat| Main article: Assault rifle}}

A {{gli|service rifle}} capable of {{gli|select fire}}, that fires {{gli|intermediate cartridge}}s. }}

{{term| assault weapon }}

{{defn| {{ghat| Main article: Assault weapon}}

A term used in some jurisdictions within the United States, usually used to describe {{gli|semi-automatic rifles}} that fire from a detachable {{gli|magazine}}. }}

{{term| automatic }}

{{term| automatic fire }}

{{defn| File:BarM1918VWM.jpg, a type of automatic rifle]]

A weapon capable of automatic fire is one that will continually expend ammunition for as long as the trigger is held. }}

{{term| automatic pistol }}

{{defn| {{ghat| Main article: Machine pistol}}

A {{gli|pistol}} that is capable of automatic fire; a {{gli|machine pistol}}. }}

{{term| automatic rifle }}

{{defn| {{ghat| Main article: Automatic rifle}}

A {{gli|self-loading rifle}} that is capable of automatic fire. }}

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{{term| back bore }}

{{term| backbored barrel }}

{{defn| A {{gli|shotgun}} barrel whose internal diameter is greater than nominal for the {{gli|gauge}}, but less than the SAAMI maximum. Done in an attempt to reduce felt {{gli|recoil}}, improve patterning, or change the balance of the shotgun. }}

{{term| ballistic coefficient |content= ballistic coefficient (BC) {{anchor|BC}} }}

{{defn| {{ghat| Main article: Ballistic coefficient}}

A measure of a {{gli|projectile}}'s ability to overcome air resistance in flight. It is inversely proportional to the deceleration – a high ballistic coefficient indicates a low deceleration. BC is a function of mass, diameter, and drag coefficient. }}

{{term| ballistics }}

{{defn| {{ghat| Main article: Ballistics}}

a field of mechanics concerned with the launching, flight behavior and impact effects of {{gli|projectile}}s. Often broken down into internal ballistics, transitional ballistics, external ballistics and terminal ballistics. }}

{{term| bandoleer }}

{{term| bandolier }}

{{term| bando }}

{{defn| {{ghat| Main article: Bandolier}}

A pocketed belt for holding {{gli|ammunition}} and {{gli|cartridge}}s, usually slung across the chest. Bandoliers are now rare because most military arms use magazines, which are not well-suited to being stored in a bandolier. However, they are still commonly used with {{gli|shotgun}}s, as a traditional bandolier conveniently stores individual {{gli|shell}}s. }}

{{term| barrel }}

{{defn| {{ghat| Main article: gun barrel}}

A tube, usually metal, through which a controlled explosion or rapid expansion of gases are released to propel a projectile out of the end at high velocity. }}

{{term| barrel nut }}

{{defn| A firearm component used on {{gli|barrel}}s. On handguards, a barrel nut may refer to the component that holds the handguards to the barrel. On {{gli|machine gun}}s, a barrel nut is a screw on component at the rear of the barrel that has locking lugs and a notch for quick barrel change and helps install it in the {{gli|trunnion}}. }}

{{term| battle rifle }}

{{defn| {{ghat| Main article: Battle rifle}}

A {{gli|service rifle}} capable of {{gli|semi-automatic}} or fully {{gli|automatic fire}} of a full-power rifle cartridge. }}

{{term| bayonet lug }}

{{defn| {{ghat| Main article: Bayonet lug}}

An attachment point at the muzzle end of a {{gli|long gun}} for a {{gli|bayonet}}. }}

{{term| belt }}

{{defn| {{ghat| Main article: Belt (firearm)
Also ammunition belt.}}

An ammunition belt is a device used to retain and feed {{gli|cartridge}}s into some {{gli|machine gun}}s in place of a {{gli|magazine}}. }}

{{term| belted magnum }}

{{defn| {{ghat| Main article: Belted magnum}}

Any {{gli|caliber}} {{gli|cartridge}}, generally rifles, using a shell casing with a pronounced "belt" around its base that continues 2 to 4 mm past the {{gli|extractor groove}}.[http://www.larrywillis.com/windex.html Reloading Belted Magnums by Larry Willis] This design originated with the British gunmaker Holland & Holland for the purpose of {{gli|headspacing}} certain of their more powerful cartridges. Especially the non-shouldered (non-"bottlenecked") {{gli|magnum}} rifle cartridges could be pushed too far into the chamber and thus cause catastrophic failure of the gun when fired with excessive headspace; the addition of the belt to the casing prevented this over-insertion. }}

{{term| bipod }}

{{defn| {{ghat| Main article: {{slink|Weapon mount|Bipod}}}}

A support device that is similar to a tripod or monopod, but with two legs. On firearms, bipods are commonly used on {{gli|rifle}}s and {{gli|machine gun}}s to provide a forward rest and reduce motion. The bipod permits the operator to rest the weapon on the ground, a low wall, or other object, reducing fatigue and permitting increased accuracy. }}

{{term| black powder }}

{{defn| {{ghat|See {{gli|gunpowder}}.}} }}

{{term| black powder substitute }}

{{defn| {{ghat| Main article: Black powder substitute}}

A firearm propellant that is designed to reproduce the burning rate and propellant properties of {{gli|gunpowder|black powder}} (making it safe for use in black-powder firearms), while providing advantages in one or more areas such as reduced smoke, reduced corrosion, reduced cost, or decreased sensitivity to unintentional ignition. }}

{{term| blank }}

{{defn| {{ghat| Main article: Blank (cartridge)}}

A type of {{gli|cartridge}} for a firearm that contains {{gli|gunpowder}} but no {{gli|bullet}} or {{gli|shot}}. When fired, the blank makes a flash and an explosive sound ({{gli|report}}). Blanks are often used for simulation (such as in historical reenactments, theatre and movie special effects), training, and for signaling (see {{gli|starting pistol}}). Blank cartridges differ from {{gli|dummy|dummy cartidges}}, which are used for training or function testing firearms; these contain no {{gli|primer}} or gunpowder, and are {{gli|inert}}. }}

{{term| blank-firing adapter }}

{{defn| {{ghat| Main article: Blank-firing adapter}}

Some weapons use an adapter fitted to the {{gli|muzzle}} when firing blanks. }}

{{term| blowback }}

{{defn| {{ghat| Main article: Blowback (firearms)}}

A system of operation for {{gli|self-loading firearm}}s that obtains power from the motion of the {{gli|cartridge case}} as it is pushed to the rear by expanding gases created by the ignition of the powder charge.Chinn, George M.: The Machine Gun, Volume IV: Design Analysis of Automatic Firing Mechanisms and Related Components, p. 3. Bureau of Ordnance, Department of the Navy, 1955. }}

{{term| blow-forward }}

{{defn| {{ghat| Main article: Blow forward}}

A system of operation that pushes the weapon's {{gli|bolt}} forwards to eject the bullet and cycle the {{gli|action}}. }}

{{term| bluing |content= bluing {{anchor|blueing}} }}

{{defn| {{ghat| Main article: bluing (steel)
Also sometimes spelled blueing. }}

A passivation process in which steel is partially protected against rust, and is named after the blue-black appearance of the resulting protective finish. True gun bluing is an electrochemical conversion coating resulting from an oxidizing chemical reaction with iron on the surface selectively forming magnetite ({{chem2|Fe3O4}}), the black oxide of iron, which occupies the same volume as metallic iron. Bluing is most commonly used by gun manufacturers, {{gli|gunsmith}}s, and gun owners to improve the cosmetic appearance of, and provide a measure of corrosion resistance to, their firearms. }}

{{term| bolt }}

{{defn| {{ghat| Main article: Bolt (firearms)}}

The part of a {{gli|repeating rifle|repeating}}, {{gli|breech-loading}} firearm that {{gli|blocks}} the rear opening ({{gli|breech}}) of the {{gli|barrel}} chamber while the {{gli|propellant}} burns, and moves back and forward to facilitate loading/unloading of {{gli|cartridge}}s from the {{gli|magazine}}. The {{gli|extractor}} and {{gli|firing pin}} are often integral parts of the bolt. }}

{{term| bolt action }}

{{defn| {{ghat| Main article: Bolt action}}

A type of firearm {{gli|action}} in which the firearm's {{gli|bolt}} is operated manually by the opening and closing of the {{gli|breech}} ({{gli|barrel}}) with a small handle. As the handle is operated, the bolt is unlocked, the breech is opened, the spent {{gli|shell casing}} is withdrawn and ejected, the {{gli|firing pin}} is cocked, and a new round/shell (if available) is placed into the breech and the bolt closed. }}

{{term| bolt thrust }}

{{defn| {{ghat| Main article: Bolt thrust
Also breech pressure.}}

The amount of rearward force exerted by the {{gli|propellant}} gases on the {{gli|bolt}} or {{gli|breech}} of a firearm {{gli|action}} or breech when a projectile is fired. The applied force has both magnitude and direction, making it a vector quantity. }}

{{term| bore rope }}

{{defn| {{ghat| Main article: Bore snake}}

A tool used to clean the {{gli|barrel}} of a gun. }}

{{term| boresight }}

{{defn| {{ghat| Main article: Boresight (firearm)}}

Crude adjustments made to a firearms {{gli|optical sight}}, or {{gli|iron sights}}, to align the firearm {{gli|barrel}} and sights. This method is usually used to pre-align the sights, which makes {{gli|zeroing}} (zero drop at XX distance) much faster. }}

{{term| box magazine }}

{{defn| {{ghat| Main article: Box magazine}}

A standard {{gli|magazine}} that is generally rectangular in shape and used for loading {{gli|ammunition}}. }}

{{term| brass }}

{{defn| The empty {{gli|cartridge case}}. }}

{{term| break-action }}

{{defn| {{ghat| Main article: Break-action}}

A firearm whose {{gli|barrel}}s are hinged, and rotate perpendicular to the {{gli|bore}} axis to expose the {{gli|breech}} and allow the loading and/or unloading of {{gli|ammunition}}. }}

{{term| breech }}

{{defn| {{ghat| Main article: Breech (firearms)}}

The part of a {{gli|breechloader}} that is opened for the insertion of {{gli|ammunition}}. }}

{{term| breech pressure }}

{{defn| {{ghat| See {{gli|bolt thrust}}.}} }}

{{term| buffer }}

{{defn| {{ghat| Main article: recoil buffer}}

A component that reduces the velocity of {{gli|recoil|recoiling}} parts (such as the {{gli|bolt}}). }}

{{term| bullpup }}

{{defn| File:AUG A1 508mm 04.jpg, the first successful bullpup rifle]]

{{ghat| Main article: Bullpup}}

A firearm configuration in which both the {{gli|action}} and {{gli|magazine}} are located behind the {{gli|trigger}}. }}

{{term| burst mode }}

{{defn| {{ghat| Main article: Burst mode (weapon)}}

A firing mode enabling the shooter to fire a predetermined number of {{gli|round}}s, with a single pull of the {{gli|trigger}}. }}

{{term| Browning }}

{{defn| no=1 | John Moses Browning, an American firearms designer. }}

{{defn| no=2 | Reference to John Moses Browning's firearms designs, some of which include the M2 Browning, Browning Auto-5, and Browning Hi-Power. }}

{{term| bullet }}

{{defn| {{ghat| Main article: Bullet}}

The small metal projectile that is part of a {{gli|cartridge}} and is fired through the {{gli|barrel}}. Sometimes, but incorrectly, used to refer to a cartridge. }}

{{term| button rifling }}

{{defn| {{ghat| See also: {{gli|cut rifling}} and {{gli|hammer forging}}.}}

A style of {{gli|rifling}} that is formed by pulling a manufacturing die made with reverse image of the rifling (the 'button') down the pre-drilled {{gli|bore}} of a firearm {{gli|barrel}}. }}

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{{term| caliber |content= {{lang|en-US|caliber}} {{small|(American English)}} }}

{{term| calibre |content= {{lang|en-GB|calibre}} {{small|(British English)}} }}

{{defn| {{ghat| Main article: Caliber}} }}

{{defn| no=1 | (small arms) The internal diameter of a firearm's {{gli|barrel}} or a {{gli|cartridge|cartridge's}} bullet, usually expressed in millimeters or hundredths of an inch; in measuring {{gli|rifled}} barrels this may be measured across the {{gli|land}}s (.303 British) or {{gli|groove}}s (.308 Winchester) or; a specific cartridge for which a firearm is chambered, such as .45 ACP or .357 Magnum. }}

{{defn| no=2 | (artillery) The length of the barrel expressed in multiples of the {{gli|barrel|barrel's}} internal {{gli|bore}} diameter. }}

{{term| caplock }}

{{defn| {{ghat| Main article: Caplock}}

An obsolete mechanism for discharging a firearm. }}

{{term| captive-piston ammunition }}

{{defn| A {{gli|sliencer|silenced}} {{gli|cartridge}} that uses a fully cased projectile with a {{gli|piston}} behind used to suppress the noise to an extent.https://forum.cartridgecollectors.org/uploads/short-url/fzVtp4hgUeSpxgQ2lFOFsh6TQrg.pdf{{User-generated source|date=May 2025}}https://apps.dtic.mil/sti/pdfs/AD0334799.pdfhttps://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/2017/05/01/potd-silent-piston-cartridge-7-62x42/{{User-generated source|date=May 2025}} }}

{{term| carbine }}

{{defn| {{ghat| Main article: Carbine}} }}

{{defn| no=1 | A shortened version of a {{gli|service rifle}}, often {{gli|chamber|chambered}} in a less potent {{gli|cartridge}}. }}

{{defn| no=2 | A shortened version of the infantryman's {{gli|musket}} or {{gli|rifle}} suited for use by cavalry. }}

{{term| cartridge }}

{{defn| {{ghat| Main article: Cartridge (firearms)}}

The assembly consisting of a {{gli|bullet}}, {{gli|gunpowder}}, {{gli|shell casing}}, and {{gli|primer}}. When counting, it is referred to as a {{`}}{{gli|round}}{{`}}. }}

{{term| cartridge overall length |content= Cartidge Overall Length ({{abbr|COL}}) {{anchor|COL|C.O.L.}} }}

{{defn| {{ghat| Main article: Cartridge Overall Length}}

Factory {{gli|ammunition}} is loaded to a standard, SAAMI specified, {{dfn|Cartridge Overall Length}} so that the ammunition will reliably function in all firearms and {{gli|action}} types. This specified overall length has nothing to do with optimizing accuracy, and is typically much shorter than the overall length used by {{gli|handloader}}s for the same {{gli|cartridge}}. For the last several decades,{{when|date=May 2025}} the rule of thumb was the closer you seated the bullet to the lands, the better the accuracy. Currently, it is understood{{by whom|date=May 2025}} that this is not always true. It is true that some bullets and some rifles perform best when bullets are seated out long enough to touch the lands, but other bullets perform best when they have a certain amount of "jump" to the lands.{{Cite news|url=https://www.nosler.com/blog/news-and-articles/2013/6/4/beyond-the-basics-developing-your-own-loads|title=Beyond the Basics: Developing Your Own Loads|work=Nosler – Bullets, Brass, Ammunition & Rifles|access-date=2018-03-07|language=en-US|archive-date=2018-03-08|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180308042113/https://www.nosler.com/blog/news-and-articles/2013/6/4/beyond-the-basics-developing-your-own-loads|url-status=dead}}{{User-generated source|date=May 2025}}}}

{{term| caseless ammunition }}

{{defn| {{ghat| Main article: Caseless ammunition}}

A type of small arms ammunition that eliminates the cartridge case that typically holds the {{gli|primer}}, {{gli|propellant}}, and {{gli|projectile}} together as a unit. }}

{{term| casket magazine }}

{{defn| {{ghat| Main article: Casket magazine}}

A quad stack box {{gli|magazine}}. }}

{{term| centerfire |content= {{lang|en-US|centerfire, center-fire}} {{small|(American English)}} {{anchor|center-fire}} }}

{{term| centrefire |content= {{lang|en-GB|centrefire, centre-fire}} {{small|(British English)}} {{anchor|centre-fire}} }}

{{defn| {{ghat| Main article: Centerfire ammunition}}

A {{gli|cartridge}} in which the {{gli|primer}} is located in the center of the cartridge case head. Unlike {{gli|rimfire}} cartridges, the primer is a separate and replaceable component. The centerfire cartridge has replaced the rimfire in all but the smallest cartridge sizes. Except for low-powered .22 and .17-caliber cartridges and a handful of antiques, all modern {{gli|pistol}}, {{gli|rifle}}, and {{gli|shotgun}} ammunition are centerfire. }}

{{term| chain gun }}

{{defn| {{ghat| Main article: Chain gun}}

A type of single-barrelled {{gli|machine gun}} or {{gli|autocannon}} that uses an external source of power to cycle the weapon. }}

{{term| chamber }}

{{defn| {{ghat| Main article: Chamber (firearms)}}

The portion of the {{gli|barrel}} or firing {{gli|cylinder}} in which the {{gli|cartridge}} is inserted prior to being fired. {{gli|rifle|Rifles}} and {{gli|pistol}}s generally have a single chamber in their barrels, while {{gli|revolver}}s have multiple chambers in their cylinders and no chamber in their barrel. }}

{{term| chambering |content= chambering, chambered {{anchor|chambered}} }}

{{defn| {{ghat| Main article: Chamber (firearms)}}

Inserting a {{gli|round}} into the {{gli|chamber}}, either manually or through the {{gli|action}} of the weapon. }}

{{term| charger }}

{{defn| {{ghat| Main article: stripper clip}}

Commonwealth parlance for a {{gli|stripper clip}}, a {{gli|speedloader}} that holds several {{gli|cartridge}}s together in a single unit for easier loading of a firearm's {{gli|magazine}}. }}

{{term| charging handle }}

{{defn| {{ghat| Main article: Charging handle}}

Device on a firearm which, when operated, results in the {{gli|hammer}} or {{gli|striker}} being {{gli|cock|cocked}} or moved to the ready position. }}

{{term| choke }}

{{defn| {{ghat| Main article: Choke (firearms)}}

A tapered constriction of a {{gli|shotgun}} barrel's {{gli|bore}} at the {{gli|muzzle}} end. Chokes are almost always used with modern hunting and target shotguns, to improve performance. }}

{{term| clip }}

{{defn| File:K98kclip.jpg]]

{{ghat| Main article: clip (ammunition)}}

A device that is used to store multiple {{gli|round}}s of ammunition together as a unit, ready for insertion into the {{gli|magazine}} of a repeating firearm. This speeds up the process of loading and reloading the firearm as several rounds can be loaded at once, rather than one round being loaded at a time. }}

{{term| close-quarters battle |content= close-quarters battle ({{abbr|CQB}}) {{anchor|CQB}} }}

{{term| close-quarters combat |content= close-quarters combat ({{abbr|CQC}}) {{anchor|CQC}} }}

{{defn| {{ghat| Main article: Close combat}}

Close-quarters combat ({{abbr|CQC}}) or close-quarters battle ({{abbr|CQB}}) is a type of fighting in which small units engage the enemy with personal weapons at very short range, potentially to the point of hand-to-hand combat or fighting with hand weapons such as swords or knives. }}

{{term| collateral damage }}

{{defn| {{ghat| Main article: Collateral damage}}

Damage that is unintended or incidental to the intended outcome.{{cite web |url=http://www.fas.org/irp/doddir/usaf/afpam14-210/part20.htm#page180 |title=USAF Intelligence Targeting Guide—AIR FORCE PAMPHLET 14- 210 Intelligence |access-date=2007-10-06 |date=1998-02-01 |page= 180}} The term originated in the United States military, but it has since expanded into broader use. }}

{{term| collimator sight |content= collimator/collimating sight {{anchor|collimating sight}} }}

{{defn| {{ghat| Main article: Collimator sight
Also occluded eye gunsight ({{abbr|OEG}}).{{noitalic|Jan Kay, International Defense Directory, 1991–92, p. 241}} }}

A type of optical "blind" {{gli|sight}} that allows the user looking into it to see an illuminated aiming point aligned with the device the sight is attached to regardless of eye position (parallax-free).[https://books.google.com/books?id=g_YXAAAAYAAJ&pg=PT177 Elementary optics and application to fire control instruments By United States. Dept. of the Army, section 8-24] The user can not see through the sight so it is used with both eyes open while one looks into the sight, with one eye open and moving the head to alternately see the sight and then at the target, or using one eye to partially see the sight and target at the same time.William C. Farmer, Ordnance Field Guide, p. 279[https://archive.org/details/elementaryoptics00unitrich/page/84 Elementary optics and applications to fire control instruments: May, 1921 By United States. Army. Ordnance Dept, page 84] }}

{{term| combination gun }}

{{defn| {{ghat| Main article: Combination gun}}

A shoulder-held firearm that has two or more {{gli|barrel}}s; and at least one {{gli|rifle}} barrel and one {{gli|shotgun}} barrel. Most combination guns are of an {{gli|over-under}} design ({{abbr|O/U}}), in which the two barrels are stacked vertically on top of each other; {{gli|side-by-side}} ({{abbr|SxS}}), in which the two barrels are parallel to one another, are also made. }}

{{term| cooking off }}

{{defn| {{ghat| Main article: Cooking off}}

The premature explosion of {{gli|ammunition}}, for example when a gun is hot from sustained firing the heat can ignite the propellant and make the weapon fire. }}

{{term| cordite }}

{{defn| {{ghat| Main article: Cordite}}

A family of {{gli|smokeless powder|smokeless propellants}} developed and produced in the United Kingdom from 1889 to replace {{gli|gunpowder}} as a military propellant. Like gunpowder, cordite is classified as a low explosive because of its slow burning rates and consequently low brisance. The hot gases produced by burning gunpowder or cordite generate sufficient pressure to propel a {{gli|bullet}} or {{gli|shell}} to its target, but not enough to destroy the {{gli|barrel}} of the firearm. }}

{{term| cylindro-conoidal bullet }}

{{defn| {{ghat| Main article: Cylindro-conoidal bullet}}

A hollow base bullet, shaped so that when fired, the bullet expands and seals the {{gli|bore}}. It was invented by Captain John Norton of the British 34th Regiment in 1832, after he examined the blow pipe arrows used by the natives in India and found that their base was formed of elastic lotus pith, which by its expansion against the inner surface of the blow pipe prevented the escape of air past it.Of Arms and Men By Robert L. O'Connell p.191 }}

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{{term| Damascus barrel }}

{{term| Damascus twist }}

{{defn| An obsolete method of manufacturing a firearm barrel made by twisting strips of metal around a mandrel and forge welding it into shape. See also Damascus steel. }}

{{term| delayed blowback }}

{{defn| {{ghat| Main article: Delayed blowback}}

A type of {{gli|blowback}} operation when fired uses an operation to delay the opening until the gas pressure drops to a safe level to extract. }}

{{term| derringer |content= derringer, deringer {{anchor|deringer}} }}

{{defn| {{ghat| Main article: Derringer}}

A generic-use term describing a {{gli|breechloading}} handgun that typically has one to four barrels. Because of their construction, derringers are much smaller and more concealable than many other types of handguns. The name comes from a misspelling of the original Philadelphia Deringer introduced by Henry Deringer in 1825. }}

{{term| direct impingement }}

{{defn| {{ghat| Main article: Direct impingement}}

A type of {{gli|gas-operated|gas operation}} for a firearm that directs gas from a fired {{gli|cartridge}} directly to the {{gli|bolt}} carrier or slide assembly to cycle the {{gli|action}}. }}

{{term| disassembly }}

{{defn| The removal of parts of a firearm, usually as part of a {{gli|field strip}}. }}

{{term| discharge }}

{{defn| Firing a weapon. }}

{{term| doglock }}

{{defn| {{ghat| Main article: Doglock}}

The lock that preceded the 'true' {{gli|flintlock}} in both {{gli|rifles}} and {{gli|pistols}} in the 17th century. Commonly used throughout Europe in the 1600s, it gained popular favor in the British and Dutch militaries. A doglock {{gli|carbine}} was the principal weapon of the harquebusier, the most numerous type of cavalry in the armies of the Thirty Years War and the English Civil War era. }}

{{term| double-barreled shotgun }}

{{defn| File:ShotgunAction.JPG

{{ghat| Main article: Double-barreled shotgun}}

A {{gli|shotgun}} with two {{gli|barrels}} that are usually of the same {{gli|gauge}} or {{gli|bore}}. The two types of double-barreled shotguns are {{gli|over/under}} ({{abbr|O/U}}), in which the two barrels are stacked on top of each other, and {{gli|side-by-side}} ({{abbr|SxS}}), in which the two barrels sit parallel to each other. {{gli|combination gun|Combination guns}} are double-barreled guns that use one shotgun barrel and one rifle barrel. }}

{{term| double action revolver }}

{{defn| A {{gli|revolver}} whose {{gli|trigger}} performs two {{gli|action}}s, firing the {{gli|round}}, and {{gli|cock|cocking}} the {{gli|hammer}}. }}

{{term| double rifle }}

{{defn| {{ghat| Main article: Double rifle}}

A {{gli|rifle}} that has two {{gli|barrel}}s, usually of the same {{gli|caliber}}. Like {{gli|shotgun}}s, they are configured either in {{gli|over-and-under}} or {{gli|side-by-side}}. }}

{{term| drilling }}

{{defn| {{ghat| Main article: {{slink|Combination gun|Drillings}}}}

A firearm with three {{gli|barrel}}s (from the {{Langx|de|drei|lit=three}}). Typically it has two {{gli|shotgun}} barrels in a {{gli|side-by-side}} configuration on the top, with a single {{gli|rifle}} barrel underneath. }}

{{term| drum magazine }}

{{defn| {{ghat| Main article: Drum magazine}}

A type of firearms {{gli|magazine}} that is cylindrical in shape, similar to a drum. }}

{{term| dry fire }}

{{defn| {{ghat| Main article: Dry fire}}

The practice of "firing" a firearm without {{gli|ammunition}}. That is, to pull the {{gli|trigger}} and allow the {{gli|hammer}} or {{gli|striker}} to drop on an empty {{gli|chamber}}. }}

{{term| dum-dum }}

{{defn| {{ghat| Main article: expanding bullet}}

A {{gli|bullet}} designed to expand on impact, increasing in diameter to limit penetration and/or produce a larger diameter wound. The two typical designs are the {{gli|hollow-point}} bullet and the {{gli|soft-point}} bullet. }}

{{term| dummy }}

{{defn| {{ghat| Main article: Military dummy}}

A round of {{gli|ammunition}} that is completely {{gli|inert}}, i.e., contains no {{gli|primer}}, {{gli|propellant}}, or explosive charge. It is used to check weapon function, and for crew training.{{cite web|url=http://www.fas.org/man/dod-101/sys/land/m922.htm|title=M922/M922A1 40mm Dummy Rounds|work=fas.org}} Unlike a {{gli|blank}}, it contains no {{gli|charge}} at all. }}

{{term| dust cover }}

{{defn| A seal for the {{gli|ejection port}} (which allows spent {{gli|brass}} to exit the {{gli|upper receiver}} after firing) from allowing contaminants such as sand, dirt, or other debris from entering the mechanism. }}

{{glossary end}}

{{glossary begin}}

{{term| Ear protection }}

{{defn| {{ghat| Main article: Hearing protection device}}

Devices used to help reduce the sound of a firearm, to prevent hearing damage. Most commonly earplugs or ear defenders. }}

{{term| Effective range }}

{{defn| The maximum range at which a particular firearm can accurately hit a target. }}

{{term| Electronic firing }}

{{defn| {{ghat| Main article: Electronic firing}}

The use of an electric current to fire a {{gli|cartridge}}, instead of a percussion cap. In an electronic-fired firearm an electric current is used instead to ignite the propellant, which fires the cartridge as soon as the trigger is pulled. }}

{{term| Eye relief }}

{{defn| {{ghat| Main article: Eye relief}}

For optics such as binoculars or a rifle scope, eye relief is the distance from the eyepiece to the viewer's eye that matches the eyepiece exit pupil to the eye's entrance pupil. Short eye relief requires the observer to press their eye close to the eyepiece in order to see an un-vignetted image. For a shooter, eye relief is an important safety consideration. An optic with too short an eye relief can cut skin at the contact point between the optic and the shooter's eyebrow due to recoil. }}

{{term| Expanding bullet }}

{{defn| {{ghat| Main article: Expanding bullet}}

An expanding bullet is a bullet designed to expand on impact, increasing in diameter to limit penetration and/or produce a larger diameter wound. The two typical designs are the hollow-point bullet and the soft-point bullet. }}

{{term| Extractor }}

{{defn| {{ghat| Main article: Extractor (firearms)}}

A part in a firearm that serves to remove brass cases of fired {{gli|ammunition}} after the ammunition has been fired. When the gun's action cycles, the extractor lifts or removes the spent brass casing from the firing chamber. }}

{{glossary end}}

{{glossary begin}}

{{term| Fail-to-fire }}

{{defn| A firearm malfunction in which a firearm is incapable of discharging a round. }}

{{term| Falling block action }}

{{term| sliding-block action }}

{{defn| {{ghat| Main article: Falling block action}}

A single-shot firearm {{gli|action}} in which a solid metal breechblock slides vertically in grooves cut into the {{gli|breech}} of the rifle and actuated by a {{gli|lever}}. In the top position, it locks and resists {{gli|recoil}} while sealing the chamber. In the lower position, it leaves the chamber open so the shooter can load a cartridge from the rear. }}

{{term| Ferritic nitrocarburizing }}

{{defn| {{ghat| Main article: Ferritic nitrocarburizing}}

A case hardening processes that diffuse nitrogen and carbon into ferrous metals at sub-critical temperatures to improve scuffing resistance, fatigue properties and corrosion resistance of metal surfaces. Also called nitriding. }}

{{term| Feed ramp }}

{{defn| {{ghat| Main article: Feed ramp}}

A detail which leads the cartridge from the magazine into the chamber. }}

{{term| Field strip }}

{{defn| File:Thompson1928a1.jpg]]

{{ghat| Main article: Field strip}}

Disassembling a firearm for the purpose of repair or cleaning, without tools. When using tools, this is called a detail strip. }}

{{term| Firearm }}

{{defn| {{ghat| Main article: firearm}}

A weapon that fires bullets, and of such a size that is designed for usage by one individual. }}

{{term| Fire forming }}

{{defn| {{ghat| Main article: Fire forming}}

The process of reshaping a metallic cartridge case to fit a new chamber by firing it within that chamber.Glenn Newick, The Ultimate in Rifle Accuracy, Stroger Publishing Company, 1989. {{ISBN|0-88317-159-7}}. }}

{{term| Firing pin }}

{{defn| {{ghat| Main article: Firing pin}}

The part of a firearm that strikes the primer, discharging the round. }}

{{term| Flash suppressor }}

{{term| flash hider}}

{{defn| {{ghat| Main article: Flash suppressor}}

A device that is attached to the muzzle of a firearm, that lowers the temperature at which gases disperse upon firing. }}

{{term| Flintlock }}

{{defn| {{ghat| Main article: Flintlock}}

An obsolete mechanism for discharging a firearm. }}

{{term| Fluted barrel }}

{{defn| Removal of material from a cylindrical surface, usually creating grooves. This is most often the barrel of a rifle, though it may also refer to the cylinder of a revolver or the bolt of a bolt action rifle. In contrast to rifle barrels and revolver cylinders, rifle bolts are normally helically fluted, though helical fluting is sometimes also applied to rifle barrels. }}

{{term| Fluted chamber }}

{{defn| A barrel chamber that allows gas to leak around the cartridge during extraction. Fluted chambers are often found in Delayed Blowback firearms. }}

{{term| Fouling shot }}

{{defn| A fouling shot is a shot fired through a clean bore, intended to leave some residue of firing and prepare the bore for more consistent performance in subsequent shots. The first shot through a clean bore behaves differently from subsequent shots through a bore with traces of powder residue, resulting in a different point of impact. Also, the Fouling Shot Journal, a publication of the Cast Bullet Association{{cite web |url=http://www.castbulletassoc.org/foulingshotindex.shtml |title=Fouling Shot Index |access-date=2007-10-01 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080104151633/http://www.castbulletassoc.org/foulingshotindex.shtml |archive-date=2008-01-04 |url-status=dead }} }}

{{term| Forcing cone }}

{{defn| The tapered section at the rear of the barrel of a {{gli|revolver}} that eases the entry of the bullet into the bore, similar to that of a feed ramp.{{cite book |title=Standard Catalog of Smith & Wesson|last1= Supica|first1=Jim|last2=Nahas|first2=Robert|edition=3rd|year=2006|publisher=Gun Digest Books|location=Iola, Wisconsin, USA|isbn=0-89689-293-X|pages=407–429}} }}

{{term| Forward assist }}

{{defn| {{ghat| Main article: Forward assist}}

A button, found on firearms firing from closed bolt only and with non-reciprocating cocking handles, commonly on AR-10/AR-15-styled rifles, usually located near the {{gli|bolt}} closure, that when hit, pushes the {{gli|bolt}} carrier forward, ensuring that the bolt is locked in-battery position. }}

{{term| Fouling }}

{{defn| {{ghat| Main article: Fouling}}

The accumulation of unwanted material on solid surfaces. The fouling material can consist of either powder, lubrication residue, or bullet material such as lead or copper. }}

{{term| Frangible }}

{{defn| {{ghat| Main article: Frangibility#Bullets}}

A bullet that is designed to disintegrate into tiny particles upon impact to minimize their penetration for reasons of range safety, to limit environmental impact, or to limit the danger behind the intended target. Examples are the Glaser Safety Slug and the breaching round.{{cite web |url=http://www.policeandsecuritynews.com/janfeb01/frangibleammunition.htm |title=FRANGIBLE AND NONTOXIC AMMUNITION |author=Tony L. Jones |publisher=Police and Security News |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090318063910/http://policeandsecuritynews.com/janfeb01/frangibleammunition.htm |archive-date=2009-03-18 }}{{cite web |url=http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/systems/munitions/frangible.htm |title=Frangible Ammunition |publisher=GlobalSecurity.org}} }}

{{term| Free gun }}

{{defn| {{ghat| Main article: Free gun}}

A term for a General Purpose Machine Gun used by Door gunners that is not installed on a weapon mount but a bungee/sling allowing more free movement. }}

{{term| Frizzen }}

{{defn| {{ghat| Main article: Frizzen}}

An L-shaped piece of steel hinged at the rear used in flintlock firearms. The flint scraping the steel throws a shower of sparks into the flash pan. }}

{{glossary end}}

{{glossary begin}}

{{term| Gas bleed }}

{{defn| A device used on a firearm for various purposes. One example found on bolt action rifles to prevent ruptured cartridges. The other used on gas operated firearms, usually a small hole on the barrel/gas block that is used to push back a gas piston to unlock the bolt. }}

{{term| Gas check }}

{{defn| {{ghat| Main article: Gas check}}

A device used in some types of firearms {{gli|ammunition}} when non-jacketed bullets are used in high pressure cartridges, to prevent the buildup of lead in the {{gli|barrel}} and aid in accuracy.{{cite web |url=http://www.midwayusa.com/guntecdictionary.exe/showterm?TermID=2550 |title=GunTec Dictionary, gas check |access-date=2010-10-05 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110714092114/http://www.midwayusa.com/guntecdictionary.exe/showterm?TermID=2550 |archive-date=2011-07-14 |url-status=dead }} }}

{{term| Gas-operated reloading }}

{{defn| {{ghat| Main article: Gas-operated reloading}}

A system of operation used to provide energy to operate autoloading firearms. }}

{{term| Gatling gun }}

{{defn| {{ghat| Main article: Gatling gun}}

A hand-crank operated cannon named after its inventor, Richard Gatling. In modern usage, a Gatling often refers to a rotary machine gun. }}

{{term| Gauge }}

{{defn| {{ghat| Main article: Gauge (bore diameter)}}

The gauge of a firearm is a unit of measurement used to express the diameter of the barrel. }}

{{term| General purpose machine gun }}

{{defn| File:M60 Medium Machine Gun (7414626098).jpg, a general purpose machine gun]]

{{ghat| Main article: General purpose machine gun}}

A machine gun intended to fill the role of either a light machine gun or medium machine gun, while at the same time being man-portable. }}

{{term| Grain }}

{{defn| {{ghat| Main articlle: Grain (unit)}}

A unit of measurement of mass that is based upon the mass of a single seed of a typical cereal. Used in firearms to denote the amount of powder in a cartridge or the weight of a bullet. Traditionally it was based on the weight of a grain of wheat or barley, but since 1958, the grain (gr) measure has been redefined using the International System of Units as precisely {{val|64.79891|u=mg}}.{{cite web|url=http://ts.nist.gov/WeightsAndMeasures/Publications/upload/h4402_appenc.pdf |title=NIST General Tables of Units of Measurement |access-date=2007-12-01 |publisher=United States government |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061126120208/http://ts.nist.gov/WeightsAndMeasures/Publications/upload/h4402_appenc.pdf |archive-date=November 26, 2006 }}{{cite book |title=Weights and measures standards of the United States: A brief history |year=1976 |url=http://physics.nist.gov/Pubs/SP447/contents.html |first=L. E. |last=Barbrow |author2=Judson, L. V. |access-date=2010-10-06 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080511153143/http://physics.nist.gov/Pubs/SP447/contents.html |archive-date=2008-05-11 |url-status=dead |oclc=1013411136|lccn=76600055}} [https://catalog.hathitrust.org/Record/006865699 Online copies]. There are 7,000 grains per avoirdupois pound in the Imperial and U.S. customary units. }}

{{term| Grip safety }}

{{defn| {{ghat| Main article: Safety (firearms)#Grip safety}}

A safety mechanism, usually a lever on the rear of a pistol grip, that automatically unlocks the trigger mechanism of a firearm as pressure is applied by the shooter's hand. }}

{{term| gunpowder }}

{{defn| no=1 | {{ghat| Main article: Gunpowder
Also black powder.}}

A mixture of sulfur, charcoal, and potassium nitrate. It burns rapidly, producing a volume of hot gas made up of carbon dioxide, water, and nitrogen, and a solid residue of potassium sulfide.{{sfn|Benton|1862|p=8}} Because of its burning properties and the amount of heat and gas volume that it generates, gunpowder has been widely used as a propellant in firearms and as a pyrotechnic composition in fireworks. }}

{{defn| no=2 | Also refers broadly to any propellant powder. Modern firearms (since 1886){{citation needed|date=May 2025}} do not use the traditional gunpowder (black powder) described above, but instead use {{gli|smokeless powder}}. Guncotton replaced black powder as a propellant, and was in turn replaced by smokeless powder. }}

{{term| Gun serial number }}

{{defn| {{ghat| Main article: Gun serial number}}

A unique identifier given to a specific firearm. }}

{{glossary end}}

{{glossary begin}}

{{term| Hammer bite }}

{{defn| The action of an external hammer pinching or poking the web of the operator's shooting hand between the thumb and fore-finger when the gun is fired. Some handguns prone to this are the M1911 pistol and the Browning Hi-Power.{{cite book|last=James|first=Frank|title=Effective Handgun Defense: A Comprehensive Guide to Concealed Carry|year=2004|publisher=Krause Publications|isbn=978-0-87349-899-9|page=[https://archive.org/details/effectivehandgun00jame/page/177 177]|url=https://archive.org/details/effectivehandgun00jame/page/177}} }}

{{term| Hang fire }}

{{defn| {{ghat| Main article: Hang fire}}

An unexpected delay between the triggering of a firearm and the ignition of the propellant. This failure was common in firearm actions that relied on open primer pans, due to the poor or inconsistent quality of the powder. Modern weapons are susceptible, particularly if the {{gli|ammunition}} has been stored in an environment outside of the design specifications. }}

{{term| Half-cock }}

{{defn| {{ghat| Main article: Half-cock}}

The position of the hammer where the hammer is partially but not completely cocked. Many firearms, particularly older firearms, had a notch cut into the hammer allowing half-cock, as this position would neither allow the gun to fire nor permit the hammer-mounted firing pin to rest on a live percussion cap or cartridge. The purpose of the half-cock position has variously been used both for loading a firearm, and as a safety-mechanism. }}

{{term| Hammer }}

{{defn| File:Revolverfiringpin.jpg

{{ghat| Main article: Hammer (firearm)}}

The function of the hammer is to strike the firing pin in a firearm, which in turn detonates the impact-sensitive {{gli|cartridge}} primer. The hammer of a firearm was given its name for both resemblance and functional similarity to the common tool. }}

{{term| Hammer/striker cocker }}

{{defn| A device used on various pistols with single-action triggers used to cock the hammer/striker as an alternative to pistols with double-action triggers. }}

{{term| Handgun }}

{{defn| {{ghat| Main article: Handgun}}

A type of firearm that is compact enough that it can be held and used with only a single hand. }}

{{term| headspace }}

{{term| headspacing }}

{{defn| {{ghat| Main article: Headspace (firearms)}}

The distance measured from the part of the chamber that stops forward motion of the {{gli|cartridge}} (the datum reference) to the face of the {{gli|bolt}}. Used as a verb, headspace refers to the interference created between this part of the chamber and the feature of the cartridge that achieves the correct positioning.Davis, William C. Jr. (1981). Handloading. National Rifle Association. pp. 67–69. {{ISBN|0-935998-34-9}}. }}

{{term| Headstamp }}

{{defn| {{ghat| Main article: Headstamp}}

A headstamp is the markings on the bottom of a cartridge case designed for a firearm. It usually tells who manufactured the case. If it is a civilian case it often also tells the caliber, if it is military, the year of manufacture is often added. }}

{{term| Heavy machine gun }}

{{defn| {{ghat| Main article: Heavy machine gun}}

A machine gun firing large diameter rifle cartridges, considerably larger than a medium or light machine gun. Most heavy machine guns fire larger rounds, such as the .50 BMG or 12.7×108mm. }}

{{term| High brass }}

{{defn| A shotgun shell for more powerful loads with the brass extended up further along the sides of the shell, while light loads use "low brass" shells. The brass does not provide significantly more strength, but the difference in appearance helps shooters quickly differentiate between higher and lower powered ammunition. }}

{{term| Holographic weapon sight }}

{{defn| {{ghat| Main article: Holographic weapon sight}}

a non-magnifying gun sight that allows the user to look through a glass optical window and see a cross hair reticle image superimposed at a distance on the field of view.[http://ultimak.com/UnderstandingE-sights.htm Red Dot Sights / Reflex Sights & Holosights Explained -Electronic Sights; A look at why they exist, how they work, and how you use them.] The hologram of the reticle is built into the window and is illuminated by a laser diode. }}

{{glossary end}}

{{glossary begin}}

{{term| Improved cartridge }}

{{defn| File:243 with 243 Ackley.jpg (left) and .243 Winchester (right)]]

A wildcat cartridge that is created by straightening out the sides of an existing case and making a sharper shoulder to maximize powder space. Frequently the neck length and shoulder position are altered as well. The caliber is NOT changed in the process. }}

{{term| IMR powder }}

{{term| Improved Military Rifle}}

{{defn| {{ghat| Main article: Improved Military Rifle (IMR)}}

A series of tubular nitrocellulose smokeless powders evolved from World War I through World War II for loading military and commercial ammunition and sold to private citizens for reloading rifle ammunition for hunting and target shooting. }}

{{term| Improvised firearm }}

{{defn| {{ghat| Main article: Improvised firearm}}

A firearm manufactured by someone who is not a regular maker of firearms, often as part of an insurgency. }}

{{term| Internal ballistics }}

{{defn| {{ghat| Main article: Internal ballistics}}

A subfield of ballistics, that is the study of a {{gli|projectile}}'s behavior from the time its propellant's igniter is initiated until it exits the gun barrel. The study of internal ballistics is important to designers and users of firearms of all types, from small-bore Olympic {{gli|rifle}}s and {{gli|pistol}}s, to high-tech artillery. }}

{{term| Iron sights }}

{{defn| {{ghat| Main article: Iron sights}}

A system of aligned markers used to assist in the aiming of a device such as a firearm, crossbow, or telescope, and exclude the use of optics as in a scope. Iron sights are typically composed of two component sights, formed by metal blades: a rear sight mounted perpendicular to the line of sight and consisting of some form of notch (open sight) or aperture (closed sight); and a front sight that is a post, bead, or ring. }}

{{glossary end}}

{{glossary begin}}

{{term| Jacket }}

{{defn| File:GP11 coupe.JPG

{{ghat| Main article: Bullet#Modern bullets}}

A metal, usually copper, wrapped around a lead core to form a bullet. }}

{{term| Jam }}

{{defn| A type of firearm malfunction, in which a cartridge does not load correctly and needs to be resolved by the user to maintain proper functioning. }}

{{term| Jeweling }}

{{defn| A cosmetic process to enhance the looks of firearm parts, such as the bolt. The look is created with an abrasive brush and compound that roughs the surface of the metal in a circular pattern. Asides aesthetics, it can be used as an anti-glare on the barrel and hold lubricants on components. }}

{{glossary end}}

{{glossary begin}}

{{term| Keyhole }}

{{term| keyholing}}

{{defn| Refers to the end-over-end tumbling of the {{gli|bullet}} which will often leave an elongated or keyhole shaped hole in a paper target. This occurs when the bullet is insufficiently stabilised by the firearm's rifling, either because the rifling is too slow or long for a given bullet, also meaning that the bullet is too long or tail heavy for said rifling. Or else due to poor fit of an undersize bullet in the gun barrel. In these cases the {{gli|bullet}} has a natural tendency to wobble, and may start to tumble end-over-end just encountering the resistance of the air. Keyholing can also occur in wounding (human or animal), when the bullet is sufficiently stabilised for penetrating the air only, but not for penetrating denser media such as bone or flesh. In these cases tumbling starts at some point inside the victim's body, subsequently causing massive wounding. When using a bullet/rifling combination which is just sufficiently stabilised for normal flight though free air, and so to easily produce massive keyhole wounds in the victim, then keyholing may occur quite easily in flight if any obstacle is encountered, be it a twig, leaf, even a blade of grass or a large rain-drop. }}

{{term| Khyber Pass copy }}

{{defn| {{ghat| Main article: Khyber Pass Copy}}

A firearm manufactured by cottage gunsmiths in the Khyber Pass region between Pakistan and Afghanistan. }}

{{term| kick }}

{{term| kickback }}

{{defn| {{ghat| See: {{gli|recoil}}.}} }}

{{glossary end}}

{{glossary begin}}

{{term| Laser sight }}

{{defn| {{ghat| Main article: Laser sight (firearms)}}

an attachment that projects a laser beam onto the target, providing a rough point of impact. }}

{{term| Leading }}

{{defn| The act of aiming a firearm in front of a moving target, to compensate for the bullet's travel time. }}

{{term| Length of pull }}

{{defn| {{ghat| Main article: Length of pull}}

The distance between the trigger and the butt end of the shoulder stock of a {{gli|rifle}} or {{gli|shotgun}}. }}

{{term| Lever-action }}

{{defn| File:Colt Burgess open noBG.png]]

{{ghat| Main article: Lever-action}}

A type of firearm {{gli|action}} with a lever that encircles the trigger guard area, (often including the trigger guard itself) to load fresh {{gli|cartridge}}s into the {{gli|chamber}} of the {{gli|barrel}} when the lever is worked. }}

{{term| Light machine gun }}

{{defn| {{ghat| Main article: Light machine gun}}

a class of machine gun often defined as being designed for carry and use by a single operator and firing the same intermediate-power cartridge as other soldiers in a unit. }}

{{term| Linkless feed system }}

{{defn| a magazine device that works similar to a conveyor belt but without using links.{{cite web|url=https://patents.google.com/patent/US4681019A/en|title=Magazine for automatic weapons|publisher=Google Patents|website=patents.google.com|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250409105015/https://patents.google.com/patent/US4681019A/en%253C/ref%253E%253Cref%253Ehttps:/www.noblesworldwide.com/linkless-ammunition-handling/|archive-date=9 April 2025|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://www.noblesworldwide.com/linkless-ammunition-handling/|title=Linkless Ammunition Handling - Ensuring the Steady Flow of Ammunition|publisher=Nobles Worldwide|website=www.noblesworldwide.com|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250318051628/https://www.noblesworldwide.com/linkless-ammunition-handling/|archive-date=18 March 2025|url-status=live}} }}

{{term| Live fire exercise }}

{{term| LFX}}

{{defn| {{ghat| Main article: Live fire exercise}}

Any exercise that simulates a realistic scenario for the use of specific equipment. In the popular lexicon this applies primarily to tests of weapons or weapon systems associated with a branch of a nation's armed forces, though the term can also apply to civilian activity. }}

{{term| Lock }}

{{defn| {{ghat| Main article: Lock (firearm)}}

the mechanism of a firearm that is used to initiate the ignition and propel the projectile down the {{gli|barrel}}. }}

{{term| Lug }}

{{defn| any piece that projects from a firearm for the purpose of attaching something to it. For example, barrel lugs are used to attach a break-action shotgun barrel to the action itself. If the firearm is a revolver, the term may also refer to a protrusion under the barrel that adds weight, thereby stabilizing the gun during aiming, mitigating recoil, and reducing muzzle flip. A full lug extends all the way to the muzzle, while a half lug extends only partially down the barrel. On a swing-out-cylinder revolver, the lug is slotted to accommodate the ejector rod. }}

{{glossary end}}

{{glossary begin}}

{{term| Machine gun }}

{{defn| {{ghat| Main article: Machine gun}}

A fully automatic weapon capable of sustained fire over a long period of time. }}

{{term| Machine pistol }}

{{defn| {{ghat| Main article: Machine pistol}}

A pistol capable of automatic fire. Also used interchangeably with submachine gun. }}

{{term| Magazine }}

{{defn| File:Flickr - Israel Defense Forces - Explosive Detonator Captured in North Gaza (1).jpg with magazines]]

{{ghat| Main article: Magazine (firearms)}}

A magazine is an ammunition storage and feeding device within or attached to a repeating firearm. Magazines may be integral to the firearm (fixed) or removable (detachable). The magazine functions by moving the cartridges stored in the magazine into a position where they may be loaded into the chamber by the action of the firearm. }}

{{term| Match grade }}

{{defn| {{ghat| Main article: Match grade}}

Firearm parts and ammunition that are suitable for a competitive match. This refers to parts that are designed and manufactured such that they have a relatively tight-tolerances and high level of accuracy. }}

{{term| Matchlock }}

{{defn| {{ghat| Main article: Matchlock}}

An obsolete mechanism for discharging a firearm. }}

{{term| Medium machine gun }}

{{defn| {{ghat| Main article: Medium machine gun}}

A class of machine gun often defined as being designed for carry and use by multiple operators, firing a full-power rifle cartridge. }}

{{term| Mine shell }}

{{defn| {{ghat| Main article: Mine shell}}

A high explosive round used for armour piercing etc. }}

{{term| Muzzle }}

{{defn| {{ghat| Main article: Muzzle (firearms)}}

The part of a firearm at the end of the {{gli|barrel}} from which the {{gli|projectile}} exits. }}

{{term| Muzzle brakes and recoil compensators }}

{{defn| {{ghat| Main article: Muzzle brake}}

Devices that are fitted to the muzzle of a firearm to redirect propellant gases with the effect of countering both recoil of the gun and unwanted rising of the barrel during rapid fire. }}

{{term| Muzzle energy }}

{{defn| {{ghat| Main article: Muzzle energy}}

the kinetic energy of a {{gli|bullet}} as it is expelled from the {{gli|muzzle}} of a firearm. It is often used as a rough indication of the destructive potential of a given firearm or load. The heavier the bullet and the faster it moves, the higher its muzzle energy and the more damage it does. }}

{{term| Muzzle velocity }}

{{defn| {{ghat| Main article: Muzzle velocity}}

The speed at which a {{gli|projectile}} leaves the {{gli|muzzle}} of the gun. Muzzle velocities range from approximately {{convert|800|ft/s|abbr=on}} for some {{gli|pistol}}s and older {{gli|cartridge}}s to more than {{convert|4000|ft/s|abbr=on}} in modern cartridges such as the .220 Swift and .204 Ruger. In conventional guns, muzzle velocity is determined by the quality (burn speed, expansion) and quantity of the propellant, the mass of the projectile, and the length of the barrel. }}

{{glossary end}}

{{glossary begin}}

{{term| Necking down }}

{{term| necking up}}

{{defn| Shrinking or expanding the neck of an existing {{gli|cartridge}} to make it use a bullet of a different caliber. A typical process used in the creation of wildcat cartridges. }}

{{term| National Rifle Association |content= National Rifle Association ({{abbr|NRA}}) {{anchor|NRA}} }}

{{defn| no=1 | {{ghat|Main article: National Rifle Association}}

American organization that lists its goals as the protection of the Second Amendment of the United States Bill of Rights and the promotion of firearm ownership rights as well as marksmanship, firearm safety, and the protection of hunting and self-defense in the United States. The NRA is also the sanctioning body for most marksmanship competition in the United States, from the local to international level (particularly bullseye style events). }}

{{defn| no=2 | {{ghat|Main article: National Rifle Association (disambiguation)}}

A National Rifle Organization of a non-US country or state. }}

{{glossary end}}

{{glossary begin}}

{{term| occluded eye gunsight |content= occluded eye gunsight (OEG) {{anchor|OEG}} }}

{{defn| {{ghat| See {{gli|collimator gunsight}}.}} }}

{{term| Out-of-battery }}

{{defn| {{ghat| Main article: Out-of-battery}}

The status of a weapon before the action has returned to the normal firing position. The term originates from artillery, referring to a gun that fires before it has been pulled back into its firing position in a gun battery. In firearms where there is an automatic loading mechanism, a condition in which a live round is at least partially in the firing chamber and capable of being fired, but is not properly secured by the usual mechanism of that particular weapon can occur. }}

{{term| Over and Under }}

{{term| O/U }}

{{defn| A configuration for double-barreled shotguns, in which the barrels are arranged vertically. }}

{{term| Over-bore }}

{{defn| Small caliber bullets being used in very large cases.{{cite book | last = Ackley | first = P.O. | title = Handbook for Shooters & Reloaders | edition = 12th Printing | series = vol I | orig-year = 1962 | year = 1927 | publisher = Plaza Publishing | location = Salt Lake City, Utah | page = 165| isbn = 978-99929-4-881-1}} It is the relationship between the volume of powder that can fit in a case and the diameter of the inside of the barrel or bore.{{cite web|title=Defining 'Overbore' Cartridges Via Comparative Index |url=http://accurateshooter.wordpress.com/2008/05/05/overbore-cartridges-a-working-definition/|publisher=AccurateShooter.com|access-date=5 October 2010}} }}

{{term| Obturate }}

{{defn| {{ghat| Main article: obturation}}

An ordnance word; to close (a hole or cavity) so as to prevent a flow of gas through it, especially the escape of explosive gas from a gun tube during firing. The process of obturation is where a recess in the base of a bullet allows for expanding gases to press against the base and inside skirt of the bullet creating a gas tight seal to the bore. See also swage. }}

{{term| Offset mount }}

{{defn| {{ghat| Main article: Offset mount}}

A situation wherein it may not be practical to mount a telescopic sight directly above the receiver and barrel of a firearm. This was noted with many military and service arms where new ammunition was fed from above along a similar path, in reverse, to the spent cartridge cases being ejected clear. Not often seen or used today, although complete or partial sets of offset mounts attract keen interest from restorers and collectors. }}

{{term| Open bolt }}

{{defn| {{ghat| Main article: Open bolt}}

Open-bolt weapons have the {{gli|bolt}} to the rear of the {{gli|receiver}} when ready to fire. This means that when the trigger is pulled the bolt moves forward, feeds a cartridge into the {{gli|chamber}} and fires that cartridge in one movement. }}

{{term| Open sight }}

{{defn| A type of {{gli|iron sight}} that has an open notch. }}

{{term| Open Tip Match }}

{{defn| {{ghat| Main article: Open Tip Match}}

A type of bullet. The open tip design employs a precision deep drawn jacket with lead inserted from the front tip and ogival forming from the open tip mouth, and originated strictly for competitive match. }}

{{glossary end}}

{{glossary begin}}

{{term| Paramilitary ammunition }}

{{defn| Firearm ammunition {{em|not}} used by the armed forces but retains combat capabilities and sold commercially to civilians or used by various law enforcement/government organisations.{{cite web|url=https://apps.dtic.mil/sti/citations/ADA165896|title=Small-Caliber Ammunition Identification Guide. Volume 1. Small-Arms Cartridges Up to 15 mm|website=apps.dtic.mil|publisher=Defense Technical Information Center|last=Huntington|first=R. T|date=1 June 1978|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231031033416/https://apps.dtic.mil/sti/citations/ADA165896|archive-date=31 October 2023|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://apps.dtic.mil/sti/citations/AD1008964|title=Small-Caliber Ammunition Identification Guide. Volume 1. Small-Arms Cartridges Up to 15 mm. Change 3|website=apps.dtic.mil|publisher=Defense Technical Information Center|date=16 August 1991|last=Watson|first=Albert III|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231115233903/https://apps.dtic.mil/sti/citations/AD1008964|archive-date=15 November 2023|url-status=live}} }}

{{term| Paramilitary firearm }}

{{defn| Firearms {{em|not}} used by the armed forces but retains military capabilities (IE: Design layout, ergonomics, field strip ability, modularity etc). The term may refer to semi automatic only variants of military firearms sold to civilians/law enforcement agencies/government paramilitary organisations or privately-owned military firearms (semi- or full-auto) chambered in civilian rounds.Modern Law Enforcement: Weapons and Tactics Paperback – April 1, 1987 by Wiley M. Clapp (Author), Joe Boyd (Other Contributor), {{ISBN|0873490088}} }}

{{term| Parkerizing }}

{{defn| {{ghat| Main article: Parkerizing}}

A method of protecting a steel surface from corrosion and increasing its resistance to wear through the application of an electrochemical phosphate conversion coating. Also called phosphating and phosphatizing. }}

{{term| Parts kit }}

{{defn| {{ghat| Main article: Parts kit}}

A kit of firearm parts minus the receiver. Used to build a complete firearm with the purchase or manufacture of a receiver (regulated in the US). }}

{{term| Percussion cap }}

{{defn| {{ghat| Main article: Percussion cap}}

a small cylinder of copper or brass that was the crucial invention that enabled muzzle-loading firearms to fire reliably in any weather. The cap has one closed end. Inside the closed end is a small amount of a shock-sensitive explosive material such as fulminate of mercury. The percussion cap is placed over a hollow metal "nipple" at the rear end of the gun barrel. Pulling the trigger releases a hammer, which strikes the percussion cap and ignites the explosive primer. The flame travels through the hollow nipple to ignite the main powder charge. }}

{{term| Picatinny rail }}

{{defn| {{ghat| Main article: Picatinny rail}}

A bracket used on some firearms to provide a standardized mounting platform. }}

{{term| Pinfire }}

{{defn| {{ghat| Main article: Pinfire}}

An obsolete type of brass cartridge in which the priming compound is ignited by striking a small pin that protrudes radially from just above the base of the cartridge. }}

{{term| Plinking }}

{{defn| {{ghat| Main article: Plinking}}

Informal target shooting done at non-traditional targets such as tin cans, glass bottles, and balloons filled with water.{{cite web |url=http://www.myoan.net/shootingart/sm_pist_plink.html |title=Plinking with Handguns |access-date=2007-09-24 }} }}

{{term| POA }}

{{defn| point of aim. }}

{{term| Pocket mortar }}

{{defn| A flare pistol modified as an ad-hoc grenade launcher or capable of firing high explosive armor piercing rounds, in particular as an anti-tank weapon. }}

{{term| Point of impact }}

{{defn| The exact place at which a bullet hits its target. }}

{{term| Ported chamber }}

{{defn| A barrel chamber with pressure relief ports that allows gas to leak around the cartridge during extraction. Basically the opposite of a fluted chamber as it is intended for the cartridge to stick to the chamber wall making a slight delay of extraction. This requires a welded-on sleeve with an annular groove to contain the pressure. }}

{{term| Pistol }}

{{defn| {{ghat| Main article: Pistol}}

A type of firearm that can be held and fired with one hand. The word pistol is usually used to refer specifically to a semi-automatic pistol. }}

{{term| Pistol grip }}

{{defn| File:Caroline-pontet-p1000527.jpg]]

{{ghat| Main article: Pistol grip}}

A feature on some firearms that gives the user a slightly curved area to grip, just rear of the trigger. }}

{{term| Powerhead }}

{{term| bang stick}}

{{defn| {{ghat| Main article: Powerhead (firearm)}}

A specialized firearm used underwater that is fired when in direct contact with the target. }}

{{term| Propellant }}

{{defn| The substance in a cartridge that burns to create pressure that propels the projectile. Examples are cordite and gunpowder. }}

{{term| Pump-action }}

{{defn| {{ghat| Main article: Pump-action}}

A {{gli|rifle}} or {{gli|shotgun}} in which the handgrip can be pumped back and forth to eject a spent round of {{gli|ammunition}} and to {{gli|chamber}} a fresh one. It is much faster than a {{gli|bolt-action}} and somewhat faster than a {{gli|lever-action}}, as it does not require that the shooter remove their {{gli|trigger}} hand during reloading. In rifles, this action is also commonly called a slide action. }}

{{glossary end}}

{{glossary begin}}

{{term| Ramrod }}

{{defn| {{ghat| Main article: Ramrod}}

A device used with early firearms to push the projectile up against the propellant (mainly gunpowder). }}

{{term| Rate of fire }}

{{defn| {{ghat| Main article: Rate of fire}}

The frequency at which a firearm can fire its projectiles. Usually measured in RPM (rounds per minute). }}

{{term| Receiver }}

{{defn| {{ghat| Main article: Receiver (firearms)}}

the part of a firearm that houses the operating parts. }}

{{term| recoil }}

{{defn| {{ghat| Main article: Recoil
Also kick or kickback.}}

The backward momentum of a firearm when it is discharged. In technical terms, the recoil caused by the gun exactly balances the forward momentum of the {{gli|projectile}}, according to Newton's third law. }}

{{term| Recoil operation }}

{{defn| {{ghat| Main article: Recoil operation}}

An operating mechanism used in locked-breech, autoloading firearms. As the name implies, these actions use the force of recoil to provide energy to cycle the action. }}

{{term| Red dot magnifier }}

{{defn| {{ghat| Main article: Red dot magnifier}}

An optical telescope that can be paired with a non-magnifying optical sight turning the combination into a telescopic sight. }}

{{term| Red dot sight }}

{{defn| {{ghat| Main article: Red dot sight}}

A type of reflector (reflex) sight for firearms that gives the uses a red light-emitting diode as a reticle to create an aim point. }}

{{term| Reflector (reflex) sight }}

{{defn| {{ghat| Main article: Reflector sight}}

A generally non-magnifying optical device that has an optically collimated reticle, allowing the user to look through a partially reflecting glass element and see a parallax free cross hair or other projected aiming point superimposed on the field of view.[https://books.google.com/books?id=g_YXAAAAYAAJ&pg=SA8-PA27 Elementary optics and application to fire control instruments By United States. Dept. of the Army, page 8-27, 8–28 ] Invented in 1900 but not generally used on firearms until reliably illuminated versions were invented in the late 1970s (usually referred to by the abbreviation "reflex sight"). }}

{{term| Reversed bullet }}

{{defn| {{ghat| Main article: Reversed bullet}}

A bullet placed in the cartridge backwards as an ad-hoc way of armour piercing. }}

{{term| Revolver }}

{{defn| {{ghat| Main article: Revolver}}

A repeating firearm that has a cylinder containing multiple chambers and at least one barrel for firing. }}

{{term| Rib }}

{{defn| A grooved/textured surface found above the receiver/barrel to improve target acquisition. }}

{{term| Ricochet }}

{{defn| {{ghat| Main article: Ricochet}}

A rebound, bounce or skip off a surface, particularly in the case of a {{gli|projectile}}. }}

{{term| Rifle bedding }}

{{defn| {{ghat| Main article: Rifle bedding}}

A process of filling gaps between the action and the stock of a rifle with an epoxy based material. }}

{{term| Rifling }}

{{defn| File:Rocket Launcher Front.jpg]]

{{ghat| Main article: Rifling}}

Helical grooves in the {{gli|barrel}} of a firearm, which imparts a spin to a {{gli|projectile}} around its long axis. This spin serves to gyroscopically stabilize the projectile, improving its aerodynamic stability and accuracy. }}

{{term| Rimfire }}

{{defn| {{ghat| Main article: rimfire ammunition}}

A type of firearm {{gli|cartridge}} that used a firing pin to strike the base's rim, instead of striking the primer cap at the center of the base of the cartridge to ignite it (as in a centerfire cartridge). The rim of the rimfire cartridge is essentially an extended and widened percussion cap that contains the priming compound, while the cartridge case itself contains the propellant powder and the projectile ({{gli|bullet}}). }}

{{term| Riot gun }}

{{defn| {{ghat| Main article: Riot gun}}

A gun that has been loaded for rubber bullets, smoke grenades, or any other projectile that is not designed to kill its target. }}

{{term| Rolling block }}

{{defn| {{ghat| Main article: Rolling block}}

A form of firearm {{gli|action}} where the sealing of the breech is done with a circular shaped breechblock able to rotate on a pin. The breechblock is locked into place by the hammer, thus preventing the cartridge from moving backwards at the moment of firing. By cocking the hammer, the breechblock can be rotated freely to reload the weapon. }}

{{term| Rotary cannon }}

{{defn| {{ghat| Main article: Rotary cannon}}

A type of autocannon that contains multiple rotating barrels. If in a machine gun caliber it is referred to as a rotary machine gun. }}

{{term| Round }}

{{defn| {{ghat| Main article: Cartridge (firearms)}}

A single cartridge. }}

{{term| RPM }}

{{defn| Rounds per minute. }}

{{glossary end}}

{{glossary begin}}

{{term| Sabot }}

{{defn| {{ghat| Main article: Sabot (firearms)}}

A device used in a firearm to fire a projectile, such as a bullet, that is smaller than the bore diameter. }}

{{term| Safety }}

{{defn| {{ghat| Main article: Safety (firearms)}}

A mechanism used to help prevent the accidental discharge of a firearm in case of unsafe handling. Safeties can generally be divided into sub-types such as internal safeties (which typically do not receive input from the user) and external safeties (which typically allow the user to give input, for example, toggling a lever from "on" to "off" or something similar). Sometimes these are called "passive" and "active" safeties (or "automatic" and "manual"), respectively. }}

{{term| Sand cuts }}

{{defn| Surface details and contours on firearm components that operate as a self-cleaning device, or to channel away residue from the main moving parts for a reliable operation. }}

{{term| Sawed-off shotgun }}

{{term| Sawn off shotgun }}

{{term| Short-barreled shotgun }}

{{term| SBS }}

{{defn| {{ghat| Main article: Sawed-off shotgun}}

A type of shotgun with a shorter gun barrel and often a shorter or deleted stock. }}

{{term| Sealed round }}

{{defn| {{ghat| Main article: Sealed round}}

A sealed round is a munition which is typically stored in some kind of container (usually a cylinder or box, but the container may in fact be the outside of the munition), so that the munition does not require any sort of maintenance and is stored in this container until use. }}

{{term| Selective fire }}

{{defn| {{ghat| Main article: Selective fire}}

A firearm that fires semi–automatically and at least one automatic mode by means of a selector depending on the weapon's design. Some selective fire weapons utilize burst fire mechanisms to limit the maximum or total number of shots fired automatically in this mode. The most common limits are two or three rounds per pull of the trigger. }}

{{term| Selector }}

{{defn| The part of a selective fire weapon that allows the user to choose their desired mode of firing. }}

{{term| Semi-automatic }}

{{defn| {{ghat| Main article: Semi-automatic firearm}}

Firing a single round of ammunition each time the trigger is pulled. }}

{{term| Semi-automatic pistol }}

{{defn| {{ghat| Main article: Semi-automatic pistol}}

A pistol that has a single chamber, and is capable of semi-automatic fire. }}

{{term| Semi-wadcutter }}

{{term| SWC }}

{{defn| {{ghat| Main article: semiwadcutter}}

A type of all-purpose {{gli|bullet}} commonly used in {{gli|revolver}}s that combines features of the wadcutter target bullet and traditional round nosed revolver bullets, and is used in both revolver and {{gli|pistol}} cartridges for hunting, target shooting, and plinking. The basic SWC design consists of a roughly conical nose, truncated with a flat point, sitting on a cylinder. The flat nose punches a clean hole in the target, rather than tearing it like a round nose bullet would, and the sharp shoulder enlarges the hole neatly, allowing easy and accurate scoring of the target. The SWC design offers better external ballistics than the wadcutter, as its conical nose produces less drag than the flat cylinder. }}

{{term| Shooting range }}

{{defn| {{ghat| Main article: Shooting range}}

Specialized facility designed for firearms practice. }}

{{term| Shooting sticks }}

{{defn| {{ghat| Main article: Shooting sticks}}

Portable weapon mounts. }}

{{term| Short-barreled rifle (SBR) }}

{{defn| {{ghat| Main article: Short-barreled rifle}}

A legal designation in the United States, referring to a shoulder-fired, rifled firearm with a barrel length of less than 16" (40.6 cm) or overall length of less than 26" (66.0 cm). }}

{{term| Shotgun }}

{{defn| File:USMC-050303-M-0884D-004.jpg shotgun with a sling]]

{{ghat| Main article: Shotgun}}

A type of firearm designed to fire shotshell, which releases a large number of small projectiles (shot) or a single large projectile (slug) upon firing. }}

{{term| Side by side (SxS) }}

{{defn| A configuration for double-barreled shotguns, in which the barrels are arranged horizontally }}

{{term| Sighting in }}

{{term| sighting}}

{{defn| The act of setting up a telescopic or other sighting system so that the point of impact of a bullet matches the sights at a specified distance. }}

{{term| Silencer }}

{{term| suppressor }}

{{term| sound suppressor }}

{{term| sound moderator }}

{{term| hush puppy }}

{{defn| {{ghat| Main article: Suppressor}}

A device attached to or part of the {{gli|barrel}} of a firearm to reduce the amount of noise and flash generated by firing the weapon. }}

{{term| Single-action }}

{{defn| {{ghat| Main article: Single-action}}

Usually referring to a {{gli|pistol}} or {{gli|revolver}}, single-action is when the hammer is pulled back manually by the shooter (cocking it), after which the trigger is operated to fire the shot. See also double-action. }}

{{term| Single-shot }}

{{defn| {{ghat| Main article: Single-shot}}

A firearm that holds only a single round of {{gli|ammunition}} and must be reloaded after each shot. }}

{{term| Slamfire }}

{{defn| {{ghat| Main article: Slamfire}}

A premature, unintended discharge of a firearm that occurs as a round is being loaded into the chamber. }}

{{term| Sleeving }}

{{defn| A method of using new tubes to replace a worn-out gun barrel.{{cite book|last=Hadoke|first=Diggory|title=Vintage Guns for the Modern Shot|year=2008|publisher=Skyhorse Publishing|isbn=978-1-60239-198-7|page=223}} }}

{{term| Slide bite }}

{{term| Snake bite}}

{{defn| A phenomenon often grouped with hammer bite, in this case the web of the shooting hand is cut or abraded by the rearward motion of the semi-automatic pistol's slide, not by the gun's hammer. This most often occurs with small pistols like the Walther PPK and Walther TPH that have an abbreviated grip tang. This problem is exacerbated by the sharp machining found on many firearms. }}

{{term| Sling }}

{{defn| {{ghat| Main article: Sling (firearms)}}

A type of strap or harness designed to allow an operator carry a firearm (usually a long gun such as a {{gli|rifle}}, carbine, {{gli|shotgun}}, or submachine gun) on his/her person and/or aid in greater hit probability with that firearm. }}

{{term| Snap cap }}

{{defn| {{ghat| Main article: Snap cap}}

An inert device shaped like a cartridge or shotshell used for function checks or training, such as dry firing. }}

{{term| Snubnosed revolver }}

{{defn| {{ghat| Main article: Snubnosed revolver}}

A revolver with a very short barrel. }}

{{term| Sound moderator }}

{{defn| A muzzle device used to dampen sound, although similar it differs to a Supressor.{{cite web | url=https://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/guns-of-the-decades-1960s-the-colt-607-44817514 | title=Guns of the Decades - 1960s: Colt 607 - Colt's First AR-15 Carbine | date=18 December 2024 }} }}

{{term| Speedloader }}

{{defn| {{ghat| Main article: Speedloader}}

A device used for loading a firearm or firearm magazine with loose ammunition very quickly. Generally, speedloaders are used for loading all chambers of a {{gli|revolver}} simultaneously, although speedloaders of different designs are also used for the loading of fixed tubular magazines of {{gli|shotgun}}s and {{gli|rifle}}s, or the loading of box or drum magazines. Revolver speedloaders are used for revolvers having either swing-out cylinders or top-break cylinders. }}

{{term| Spitzer bullet }}

{{defn| {{ghat| Main article: Spitzer (bullet)}}

An aerodynamic bullet design. }}

{{term| Sporterising }}

{{term| sporterisation }}

{{term| sporterization }}

{{defn| {{ghat| Main article: Sporterising}}

The practice of modifying military-type firearms either to make them suitable for civilian sporting use or to make them legal under the law. }}

{{term| Squib load }}

{{term| squib round }}

{{term| pop and no kick }}

{{term| squib }}

{{defn| {{ghat| Main article: Squib load}}

A firearms malfunction in which a fired projectile does not have enough force behind it to exit the barrel, and thus becomes stuck. Squib loads make the firearm unsafe to shoot, unless the projectile can be removed. }}

{{term| Stock }}

{{defn| {{ghat| Main article: Stock (firearms)}}

The part of a rifle or other firearm, to which the barrel and firing mechanism are attached, that is held against one's shoulder when firing the gun. The stock provides a means for the shooter to firmly support the device and easily aim it. }}

{{term| Stopping power }}

{{defn| {{ghat| Main article: Stopping power}}

The ability of a firearm or other weapon to cause a penetrating ballistic injury to a target, human or animal, sufficient to incapacitate the target where it stands. }}

{{term| Stripper clip }}

{{defn| {{ghat| Main article: Stripper clip}}

A speedloader that holds several {{gli|cartridge}}s together in a single unit for easier loading of a firearm's magazine. }}

{{term| Submachine gun }}

{{defn| {{ghat| Main article: Submachine gun}}

A type of automatic, magazine-fed weapon that fires pistol cartridges. }}

{{term| Swage }}

{{defn| {{ghat| Main article: swaging}}

To reduce an item in size by forcing through a die. In internal ballistics, swaging refers to the process where bullets are swaged into the rifling of the barrel by the force of the expanding powder gases. }}

{{term| Swaged bullet }}

{{defn| A bullet that is formed by forcing the bullet into a die to assume its final form. }}

{{term| Swaged choke }}

{{defn| A constriction or choke in a shotgun barrel formed by a swaging process that compresses the outside of the barrel. }}

{{term| Swaged rifling }}

{{defn| Rifling in a firearm barrel formed by a swaging process, such as button rifling. }}

{{term| Synchronization gear }}

{{defn| {{ghat| Main article: Synchronization gear}}

A device usually used on aircraft for the weapon to shoot through the propeller without damaging the rotating blades. The term can be used to describe a rate of fire moderator. }}

{{glossary end}}

{{glossary begin}}

{{term| Tack driver }}

{{defn| {{ghat| Main article: Tack driver}}

A term used in the firearms industry to a firearm regardless of form one is trying to promote. }}

{{term| Tapering }}

{{defn| {{ghat| Main article: Tapering (firearms)}}

Firearm components that narrow down to a conical fashion hence the name taper, notably with barrels and cartridges. }}

{{term| Taylor KO Factor }}

{{defn| {{ghat| Main article: Taylor KO Factor}}

Mathematical approach for evaluating the stopping power of hunting {{gli|cartridge}}s, which favors cartridges with a high momentum and a large bullet diameter. }}

{{term| Telescoping stock }}

{{term| collapsing stock}}

{{defn| {{ghat| Main article: Telescoping stock}}

A {{gli|stock}} on a firearm that can telescope or fold in on itself to become more compact. Telescoping stocks are useful for storing a {{gli|rifle}} or weapon in a space that it would not normally fit in. }}

{{term| Terminal ballistics }}

{{defn| {{ghat| Main article: Terminal ballistics}}

A sub-field of ballistics, the study of the behavior of a {{gli|projectile}} when it hits its target.[https://web.archive.org/web/20121006212114/http://www.dtic.mil/cgi-bin/GetTRDoc?AD=ADA246922&Location=U2&doc=GetTRDoc.pdf Terminal Ballistics Test and Analysis Guidelines for the Penetration Mechanics Branch] – BRL }}

{{term| Throat Erosion (firearms) }}

{{defn| The wearing of the portion of the barrel where the gas pressure and heat is highest as the projectile leaves the chamber. The greater the chamber pressure, the more rapid throat erosion occurs. This is compounded by rapid firing, which heats and weakens the steel. }}

{{term| Trigger }}

{{defn| {{ghat| Main article: Trigger (firearms)}}

A mechanism that actuates the firing sequence of a firearm. Triggers almost universally consist of levers or buttons actuated by the index finger. }}

{{term| Trigger pull restrictor (TPR) }}

{{defn| A quasi-selector device intended for automatic firearms using a staged trigger. }}

{{term| Trunnion }}

{{defn| {{ghat| Main article: Trunnion}}

a cylindrical protrusion used as a mounting and/or pivoting point. On firearms, the barrel is sometimes mounted in a trunnion, which in turn is mounted to the receiver. }}

{{term| Turn bolt }}

{{defn| {{ghat| Main article: Turn bolt}}

A turn bolt refers to a firearm component that where the whole bolt without using a bolt carrier turns to lock/unlock. This is mostly used to describe manually operated bolt action firearms, but also on some automatic firearms. }}

{{glossary end}}

{{glossary begin}}

{{term| Upset forging }}

{{defn| {{ghat| Main article: Forging#Upset forging}}

A process that increases the diameter of a workpiece by compressing its length. }}

{{term| Underlug }}

{{defn| no=1 | The locking lugs on a break-action firearm that extend from the bottom of the barrels under the chamber(s) and connect into the receiver bottom.{{cite web|url=http://www.midwayusa.com/guntecdictionary.exe/showterm?TermID=5059|title=Underlugs|publisher=Midway USA|access-date=2010-11-05}}{{Dead link|date=March 2022 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }} }}

{{defn| no=2 | The metal shroud underneath the barrel of a revolver that surrounds and protects the extractor rod. The two types of underlugs include half-lug, meaning the shroud does not run the entire length of the barrel but instead is only as long as the extractor rod, and full-lug, meaning the shroud runs the full length of the barrel. }}

{{term| Underwater firearm }}

{{defn| {{ghat| Main article: Underwater firearm}}

A firearm specially designed for use underwater. }}

{{glossary end}}

{{glossary begin}}

{{term| Varmint rifle }}

{{defn| File:Ruger no1 223 varmint rifle.png varmint rifle]]

{{ghat| Main article: Varmint rifle}}

A small-caliber firearm or high-powered air gun primarily used for varmint hunting—killing non-native or non-game animals such as rats, house sparrows, starling, crows, ground squirrels, gophers, jackrabbits, marmots, groundhogs, porcupine, opossum, coyote, skunks, weasels,{{Cite web|url=http://www.fgc.ca.gov/regulations/current/mammalregs.asp#472|title=Nongame Animals|publisher=California Fish and Game Commission|access-date=2010-08-05|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100813081537/http://www.fgc.ca.gov/regulations/current/mammalregs.asp#472|archive-date=2010-08-13|url-status=dead}} or feral cats, dogs, goats, pigs, and other animals considered a nuisance vermin destructive to native or domestic plants and animals.Craige, Captain John Houston (1950). The Practical Book of American Guns. Bramhall House. pp. 211–222. }}

{{term| Velocity }}

{{defn| {{ghat| Main article: Velocity}}

The speed at which a projectile travels. }}

{{glossary end}}

{{glossary begin}}

{{term| Wadcutter }}

{{defn| {{ghat| Main article: Wadcutter}}

A special-purpose {{gli|bullet}} specially designed for shooting paper targets, usually at close range and at subsonic velocities typically under {{convert|800|ft/s|abbr=on}}. They are often used in handgun and airgun competitions. A wadcutter has a flat or nearly flat front that cuts a very clean hole through the paper target, making it easier to score and ideally reducing errors in scoring the target to the favor of the shooter. }}

{{term| WCF }}

{{defn| {{ghat| Main article: List of Winchester Center Fire cartridges}}

An acronym for a family of {{gli|cartridge}}s designed by Winchester Repeating Arms Company, called Winchester Center Fire, as in the .30–30 WCF or .32-20 WCF.{{cite book|last=Chicoine|first=David|title=Guns of the New West|year=2005|publisher=Krause Publications|isbn=978-0-87349-768-8|page=236}} }}

{{term| Wheellock }}

{{defn| {{ghat| Main article: Wheellock}}

An obsolete mechanism for discharging a firearm. }}

{{term| Wildcat cartridge }}

{{term| wildcat}}

{{defn| {{ghat| Main article: Wildcat cartridge}}

A custom {{gli|cartridge}} for which {{gli|ammunition}} and firearms are not mass-produced. These cartridges are often created to optimize a certain performance characteristic (such as the power, size or efficiency) of an existing commercial cartridge. See improved cartridge. }}

{{term| Windage }}

{{defn| {{ghat| Main article: Windage}}

The side-to-side adjustment of a sight, used to change the horizontal component of the aiming point. See also Kentucky windage. }}

{{glossary end}}

{{glossary begin}}

{{term| X-ring }}

{{defn| A circle in the middle of a shooting target bullseye used to determine winners in event of a tie. }}

{{glossary end}}

{{glossary begin}}

{{term| Yaw }}

{{defn| {{ghat| Main article: Flight dynamics}}

The heading of a bullet, used in external ballistics that refers to how the Magnus effect causes bullets to move out of a straight line based on their spin. }}

{{glossary end}}

{{glossary begin}}

{{term| Zero-in }}

{{term| zeroing }}

{{defn| {{ghat| Main article: Sighting in}}

The act of setting up a telescopic or other sighting system so that the point of impact of a bullet matches the sights at a specified distance. }}

{{term| Zero stop }}

{{defn| A stopping mechanism found on some scope sights letting the user easily dial back their sight to the zeroing distance after having adjusted their sight to shoot at other distances. }}

{{glossary end}}

• Firearm components
• Firearm terminology
• Glossary of military abbreviations
• List of established military terms
• List of military tactics

{{reflist}}

{{refbegin|30em|indent=yes}}

• {{cite book |last= Benton |first= James G. |date= 1862 |title= Ordnance and Gunnery |place= West Point, New York |publisher= Thomas Publications |isbn= 1-57747-079-6 |edition= 2nd }}
• {{Cite web |url=http://saami.org/Glossary/index.cfm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20031011134200/http://www.saami.org/glossary/index.cfm |archive-date=2003-10-11 |title=SAAMI glossary |access-date=2007-09-20 |url-status=dead }}
• {{cite book |last= Hadoke |first= Diggory |date= 2008 |title= Vintage Guns for the Modern Shot |publisher= Skyhorse Publishing |isbn= 978-1-60239-198-7 }}
• {{Cite web |url=http://www.midwayusa.com/guntecdictionary.exe/home |title=GunTec Dictionary of Shooting, Reloading, Gunsmithing, Hunting & Outdoor Terms |access-date=2007-10-01 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071012105522/http://midwayusa.com/guntecdictionary.exe/home |archive-date=2007-10-12 |url-status=dead }}

{{refend}}

• {{Cite book |last=Hartink |first=A. E. |year=2003 |title=The Complete Encyclopedia of Pistols & Revolvers |url=https://archive.org/details/completeencyclop0000hart_e5v7 |url-access=registration |edition=7th |chapter=Part 3: A Comprehensive Explanatory Glossary |chapter-url=https://archive.org/details/completeencyclop0000hart_e5v7/page/376/mode/2up |location=Edison, NJ |publisher=Chartwell Books |pages=377–445 |isbn=9780785815198 |oclc=769805958}}
• {{Cite book |last1=Mueller |first1=Chester |author2=John Olson |year=1968 |title=Shooter's Bible Small Arms Lexicon and Concise Encyclopedia |location=South Hackensack, N.J. |publisher=Shooter's Bible |lccn=67-030798 |oclc=2188346}}
• {{Cite book |last=Olson |first=John |year=1985 |title=Olson's Encyclopedia of Small Arms |url=https://archive.org/details/olsonsencycloped0000olso |url-access=registration |location=Piscataway, N.J. |publisher=Winchester Press |isbn=0832903744 |oclc=11573384}}
• {{Cite book |last=Petzal |first=David E. |year=1991 |title=Encyclopedia of Sporting Firearms |url=https://archive.org/details/encyclopediaofsp00petz/mode/2up |url-access=registration |location=New York |publisher=Facts on File |isbn=0816023050 |oclc=756944658}}
• {{Cite book |last=Steindler |first=R. A. |year=1970 |title=The Firearms Dictionary |url=https://archive.org/details/firearmsdictiona00stei |url-access=registration |location=Harrisburg, Penn. |publisher=Stackpole Books |isbn=0811706141 |lccn=75-107957 |oclc=250054305}}

{{Firearms}}

{{Glossaries of sports}}

Category:Firearm terminology

Category:Firearm components

Firearms

Category:Wikipedia glossaries using unordered lists