Definition of Gun Vocabulary Word

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Gun

19 Other Firearms Definitions You Need To Know

Rim

The edge on the base of a cartridge case which stops the progress of the case into the chamber.

The earliest type of gun, now also popular as modern-made replicas, in which blackpowder and projectile(s) are separately loaded in through the muzzle. The term is often applied to cap-and-ball revolvers where the loading is done not actually through the muzzle but through the open ends of the cylinder's chambers.

Striker

In a handgun that does not have a hammer, the striker is a linear driven, spring loaded cylindrical part which strikes the primer of a chambered cartridge. The striker replaces both the hammer and firing pin found in hammer driven pistols.

Stock

The back part of a rifle or shotgun, excluding the receiver.

NFA

National Firearms Act of 1934. Enacted on June 26, 1934, currently codified as amended as I.R.C. ch. 53, is an Act of Congress in the United States that, in general, imposes a statutory excise tax on the manufacture and transfer of certain firearms and mandates the registration of those firearms. The Act was passed shortly after the repeal of Prohibition. The NFA is also referred to as Title II of the Federal firearms laws.
The NFA includes:

Requires the registration of all fully automatic firearms.
Requires the registration of all "sawed off" rifles and shotguns.
Requires the registration of firearm silencers.
Imposes a $200 transfer tax on the above items.

Winchester Short Magnum

More commonly known as WSM, it is a family of centerfire cartridges designed by Winchester Repeating Arms Company

Double-Barreled Shotgun

A shotgun with two barrels, usually of the same gauge or bore. The two types of double-barreled shotguns are over/under (abbreviated as O/U or OU), in which the two barrels are stacked on top of each other, and side-by-side (abbreviated as SxS), in which the two barrels sit beside each other. See photo at right for example of side-by-side double-barreled shotgun. For double-barreled guns that use one shotgun barrel and one rifle barrel, see combination gun.

Fulminate Of Mercury

A highly sensitive explosive used as a primer compound.

Long Rifle

Typically used in the .22 caliber cartridge designation .22 Long Rifle, which is abbreviated .22LR.

Riding the Slide

Racking the slide incorrectly by allowing your hand to rest upon the slide as it moves forward during the loading procedure. Riding the slide is a common cause of misfeeds and other malfunctions.

FPS

Abbreviation for feet per second. A term used in expressing the velocity of a bullet.

Bullpup

A firearm configuration where the magazine and action are behind the trigger.

Integral Lock

A built in lock that may prevent the firearm from being fired.

Topstrap

The part of a revolver's frame connecting the recoil shield to the barrel-mounting recess; adding considerable strength compared to that of early black powder Colt revolvers, and providing a base for a rear sight.

Pair

Two shots fired very quickly with the use of the sights.

Floor Plate

The detachable plate at the bottom of the cartridge magazine.

Gas Check

A metal cup placed on the end of a lead bullet to protect the lead against the hot gases of the burning powder charge. Used in some types of firearms ammunition when non-jacketed bullets are used in high pressure cartridges, to prevent the buildup of lead in the barrel and aid in accuracy.

Mainspring

A strong spring which activates the striker or hammer of a firearm.

Collateral Damage

Damage that is unintended or incidental to the intended outcome.