The test of an assembled firearm or individual components by firing a Definitive Proof Cartridge. See Definitive Proof Cartridge.
Archives: Glossary
Glossary custom post type
PROPELLANT
In a firearm, the chemical composition which, when ignited by a primer, generates gas. The gas propels the projectile. Also called powder, gunpowder, smokeless powder, blackpowder.
PROVISIONAL PROOF CARTRIDGE (HISTORICAL)
A cartridge loaded to specified pressures higher than service loads to test barrels during manufacture, but before assembly.
PULL-THROUGH
A flexible device that is pulled through the barrel of a firearm to clean the barrel.
PUMP ACTION
An action in which a moveable fore-end is manually actuated in a motion generally parallel to the barrel. This motion is transmitted to a breech bolt assembly which performs all the functions for loading and extracting cartridges. This type of action is prevalent in shotguns and is found to a lesser extent in rifles.
PYRAMID SIGHT
A type of front sight of triangular appearance. Also called Barleycorn Sight.
QUICK DETACHABLE SWIVEL
A two part sling swivel which has a stud that is attached to the stock or barrel and a bow portion which is mounted on a spring plunger arrangement. The plunger passes through a hole in the stud for attachment of the bow to the firearm. They are sometimes called Q.D. Swivels, and allow for quick mounting and dismounting of a sling from a firearm.
RADIAL PRESSURE GAUGE
A British term denoting a Gauge to measure cartridge-developed pressure through the sidewall of a case or shotshell tube as opposed to measuring the pressure transmitted through the head.
RAMP SIGHT
A sight blade and/or base with a rearward-facing sloped surface.
RAMROD
A rod used in seating a load in muzzle loading firearms.