Letter: D

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.

A generic term applied to many variations of small one-or two-shot pistols, using both percussion caps and cartridges. The original designer, Henry Deringer, spelled his name Deringer, not Derringer.

Indentation used as a stop for a spring-load lock.

An extremely rapid exothermic decomposition reaction which proceeds at a rate greater than the speed of sound within the reacting material (unlike DEFLAGRATION). The normal mode of initiation is shock (such as a blasting cap or high level mechanical shock), or from initial combustion which, due to peculiarities of confinement or other circumstances accelerates to such a degree that a shock wave is formed. Behind the shock wave is a reaction zone where material is converted to gaseous products at high temperature and pressure. The flow of the reaction is in the same direction as the propagation.