Archives: Glossary

A device to support a firearm during firing.

1. An area equipped for testing or using firearms and ammunition. 2. An area designated for engaging in shooting sports. 3. The horizontal distance between the firearm and the target.

A notched wheel on the rear of a revolver cylinder which causes the cylinder to rotate when so urged by a lever called a Hand or Pawl.

The distance required for the rifling to complete one revolution.

Any metallic sight used in conjunction with a metallic front sight located anywhere between the shooter eye and the front sight.

The replacing of a barrel with another barrel.

A centerfire cartridge case whose rim diameter is smaller than the diameter of the body of the case at the head.

A rotating device designed to move the hammer into a position in which there is no contact of either hammer and firing-pin or firing-pin and primer. It may also be used to position a safety device between the hammer and firing-pin or primer.

A reciprocating device found in some double action revolvers which moves the hammer into a position in which there is no contact of either hammer and firing-pin or firing-pin and primer. It can also be used to position a safety device between hammer and firing-pin or primer in such revolvers.

A feature of some firearms, wherein the hammer, after striking the firing-pin, retracts slightly away from the firing-pin before coming to rest.