A term that has numerous definitions (military, political, regulatory etc.). For the purpose of firearms that fall under SAAMI: See Sporting Arms.
Letter: S
SMALL BORE CARTRIDGE
General term applied in the United States to 17 and 22 caliber rimfire cartridges. Normally used for target shooting and small game hunting.
SMALL OF THE STOCK
That portion of the stock between the rear of the action and the comb, which has the smallest circumference.
SMALL-BORE
In America, any firearm or ammunition of the rimfire type with a lead alloy bullet not over 0.23” in diameter.
SMOKELESS POWDER
A propellant containing mainly nitrocellulose (single base) or both nitrocellulose and nitroglycerine (double base).
SMOOTH-BORE
Firearm with unrifled bore, typically a shotgun.
SNAP-CAP
A protective device to permit dry firing without damage to the firing-pin.
SOFT POINT PROJECTILE
A design providing for exposure of a portion of the core at the nose of a jacketed bullet, to initiate expansion of the projectile upon impact.
SOLID FRAME
1. In shoulder arms, a firearm in which the barrel and receiver are not designed for quick disassembly. 2. In handguns, having a frame that is not hinged.
SOLID RIB
A solid raised surface above a barrel or barrels which functions as a sighting plane.
