Glossary

The strong spring that cushions the slide during its rearward movement and then throws the slide forward again with enough force to drive a fresh round firmly into the chamber.

Recoil operated firearms use the energy of recoil to cycle the action.

Also known as the kick, it is the sudden rearward push made against the shooter's hands or the shooter's shoulder when a firearm is fired, depending on the firearm such as a shotgun or a handgun.

Also referred to as a gun’s “kick,” this is the backward momentum or force exerted by a gun as it fires.

The rear sight is placed at the top end of the barrel nearest to the shooter, possibly in the shape of a square notch, a 'U,' a 'V,' or a ring.

Targets that when struck fall over, blow up, emit smoke, or make a noise.

A device used to determine the range to a target usually by use of a laser.

The metallic surface on which a semi-automatic firearm's slide travels back and forth as each shot is fired.

A feature under the frame and below the barrel which allows the shooter to attach accessories to the firearm such as a laser sight.

Racking the slide loads a cartridge in the chamber and prepares the gun to be fired in a semi-automatic handgun.

The mechanism in a shotgun or some rimfire rifles for removing a spent shell casing from the chamber and inserting a fresh cartridge into the chamber.

The complete distance the trigger must move before it reaches the break point and fires the gun.

The process of causing the trigger to complete its movement past the point of trigger break.

The ignition of gas from a cartridge that propels the bullet or projectile down the barrel and out of the muzzle. Other propellents can be CO2 and compressed air.

The outline of a concealed handgun that may be discerned through the outer clothing.