Archives: Glossary

The branch of ballistics related to the effects of projectiles at or inside the target.

The remaining energy of a projectile at the point of impact.

The remaining velocity of a projectile at the point of impact. See Striking Velocity.

A barrel of special dimensions used for testing ammunition.

A rifle stock which has an abnormally long fore-end, but which does not reach the muzzle.

The tapered portion of the bore of a barrel, immediately ahead of the chamber which is sized to provide clearance for the bullet of the loaded cartridge. Also referred to as Leade or Ball Seat and is associated with Free Bore. See Free Bore.

A latch used on some revolvers to release the cylinder. Sometimes called a “Thumb Latch”.

A ledge in the grip area of a rifle or handgun on which to rest the thumb of the trigger hand.

A type of manual safety in which the external control component is located for convenient operation by the thumb of the trigger hand.

Any stock having a contoured hole in the grip area to accommodate the thumb of the trigger hand.