Archives: Glossary

Lead shot containing less than 0.5% alloying metal. Also called Soft Shot.

A tool used to remove primers from cartridge cases or shells.

A cartridge loaded to specific pressures higher than service loads. Used only for testing assembled firearms or elements of firearms which contain the primary firing pressure.

A rapid combustion reaction which is propagated at a sub-sonic rate by heat transfer into the reacting material. This reaction is accompanied by a vigorous evolution of heat and flame. The flow of reaction products is in the direction opposite that of the combustion propagation (unlike DETONATION). Deflagration is usually dependent upon having fuel and oxidizing agent in very close contact, either from having the fuel as a finely divided mixture with the oxidant, or by combining the two in the same chemical compound or mixture. Deflagration exhibits a dependence upon the surrounding gas pressure.

The variation in the normal flight path of a projectile caused by external influences.

A device mounted on the receiver or frame of a firearm to change the direction of an ejected case.

An action in which a mechanical means in conjunction with bolt mass is utilized to gain additional delay prior to bolt opening. Also called Retarded Blowback.

Any delay in firing of an abnormal duration. This implies that firing does eventually occur.

A type of double barrel construction in which the two barrels are fastened together.

A gunsmithing tool used to remove dents from shotgun barrels. Also called Dent Raiser.