Letter: P

The distribution of individual pellets fired from a single shotshell in a shotgun. Generally measured as a percentage of the total number of pellets striking within a 30” circle at 40 yards. Some skeet guns are measured using a 30” circle at 25 yards.

A rear sight on pistols or revolvers having a flat top with a square notch used with a broad flat-topped front sight. Named after E. E. Patridge.

1. For modern cased ammunition, the term patched ball refers to a full metal jacketed bullet (FMJ). 2. For muzzleloading, the term refers to round or conical lead projectiles that utilize cloth or other material which acts as a gas seal or a guide for the projectile. 3. Early fixed ammunition using paper as a gas seal for the projectile.

1. A piece of cloth used with a rod to clean the bore of a firearm.
2. A piece of paper wrapped around lead bullets to prevent leading of the barrel and to improve the gas seal.
3. In muzzleloading firearms, the piece of cloth surrounding the bullet or ball to improve the gas seal.

A bullet designed for controlled expansion having a jacket which is divided into two cavities which enclose the forward and rear cores of the bullet. It is designed so the first cavity expands and the rear cavity holds together for penetration.

An accessory made to attach to the front of a revolver grip to afford a better grasp.

A small, generally cylindrical, metallic cup containing primer mix used to ignite the main powder charge in some muzzle-loading firearm designs.

A combination of explosive and/or pyrotechnic-type ingredients, which, when pressed into a percussion cap, will ignite upon sufficient impact from a hammer or striker and, in turn, initiate the propellant in a muzzle loader.

A fired primer which has been perforated by the firing-pin.

A device which generates an electrical charge that is proportional to the pressure applied to its crystal element.