Archives: Glossary

The position of the hammer or striker when the firearm is ready to fire.

1. The impression made by the firing-pin in the primer cup of the centerfire primer or the rim of rimfire cartridges. 2. A measure of the kinetic energy delivered by the firing-pin.

The distance the firing-pin protrudes from the breech face when it is in its most forward position.

A blank cartridge that was designed for use in firearms of different calibers. It can be used in caliber 38-40, 44-40, and 45 Colt revolvers and in caliber 38-40 and 44-40 rifles.

A type of smokeless propellant in the form of thin discs or cut squares.

A muzzle attachment designed to reduce muzzle flash. Also called Flash Suppressor.

1. A hole pierced or drilled through the web in the primer pocket in a centerfire cartridge case. 2. The hole in the end of a battery cup primer used in shotshells.

A material that is added to propellant for the purpose of reducing muzzle flash.

A projectile which is flat at its forward end.

A relative term for minimal arching in the flight of a projectile. Generally, the faster the speed of the projectile, the flatter it’s trajectory.