A comprehensive list of firearm-related terms used on this site.
The study of projectiles in motion.
An early type of gunpowder.
The projectile fired from a rifle or pistol.
The internal diameter of the firearm barrel, usually expressed in inches or millimeters.
Example: .45 caliber, 9mm
A complete unit of ammunition, consisting of a case, primer, powder, and projectile (bullet or shot).
The diameter of a shotgun barrel, related to the weight of a lead ball that fits the bore.
Example: 12 gauge, 20 gauge
A small explosive charge that ignites the propellant.
Small, usually lead or steel, projectiles fired from a shotgun.
A modern type of propellant.
The metal tube through which the projectile travels.
The interior of the barrel.
The rear part of the barrel where the cartridge or shotshell is loaded.
The part of the firearm held against the shoulder.
The part of the barrel that holds the cartridge or shotshell ready for firing.
The rotating part of a revolver that holds multiple cartridges.
The main structural component of the firearm.
The part of the firearm held by the hand.
The part of the firing mechanism that strikes the firing pin or cartridge directly.
A container that holds cartridges or shotshells to be fed into the action.
The front end of the barrel where the projectile exits.
The part of the firearm that houses the action.
Generally defined as a firearm manufactured before 1899.
A specific classification under US law for certain firearms of historical interest.
Documentation from the manufacturer detailing a firearm's original configuration.
A system for grading the condition of firearms.
A surface discoloration caused by age and oxidation.
The mechanism of a firearm that loads, fires, and ejects cartridges or shotshells.
Example: Bolt-Action, Lever-Action, Pump-Action
An action operated by a rotating bolt.
A firearm loaded from the breech.
A short rifle.
An action operated by a lever.
A smoothbore, muzzleloading long gun.
A firearm loaded from the muzzle.
A handgun.
An action operated by a sliding forearm.
A firearm capable of firing multiple rounds without manual reloading after each shot.
A handgun with a rotating cylinder containing multiple chambers.
A long gun with a rifled barrel designed for accuracy.
A firearm that fires one shot per trigger pull and automatically loads the next round.
A long gun designed to fire shot shells.
A firearm that holds only one round at a time.
An ornamental frame or panel, sometimes containing markings on a firearm stock.
A person who makes or repairs firearms.
A military force composed of citizen-soldiers.
Military weapons and related materials.
A government grant protecting an invention.
Marks applied to firearms to indicate they have been tested for strength.