Glossary

The delayed blowback system is not fully locked at the moment of firing, but its mechanism creates additional mechanical resistance to the action opening which initially restricts the breechblock from moving when fired.

This function on double-action autoloading firearms has a lever that mechanically lowers the hammer without firing the gun.

Double action only – mostly used on semi-auto pistols, but there are DAO revolvers.

A firearm that can be fired either double or single action – can be revolver or semi-auto.

Double action – on the trigger pull, the hammer is cocked and then released in one full travel of the trigger

A revolver has a spring activated device attached to the bottom of the frame beneath the cylinder. This catches the notches in the cylinder to stop the cylinder's rotation and hold it in place each time a chamber in the cylinder is legend up with the barrel.

Found only in revolvers, this is the portion of the gun containing multiple chambers. The cylinder rotates so each cartridge aligns with the barrel before firing.

The area inside the bore nearest to the muzzle of the firearm.

The cross-shaped 'hairs' seen in the center of a scope or optics, better known as the reticle.

A shooter who is uses a right-handed stance, but has the stronger left-eye, or left-handed shooter that is right-eyed.

Two shots fired in rapid succession, only after the shooter has obtained a second, well-read shot with his eyes after the first.

A handgun that is carried out of sight, usually in a holster made to be concealed somewhere on the body. Always check your local laws to fins out if concealed carry is legal in your area.

A device attached to or designed to be a part of a gun barrel made to reduce recoil or muzzle kick upon firing.

The stock on a long gun that can be pushed into itself to shorten its length, either for storage or to make the gun fit shooters of different arm lengths such as a youth shooter.

A shooting range term for when all firearms are unloaded and not being handled, to indicate it is safe to walk down range for things like target inspection and replacement.