Glossary

A cartridge for a shotgun, an empty ammunition case, or in the matter of a shell casing, the hollow piece of metal that is closed on one end except for a small hole which holds a primer, and the open end holds that holds the bullet.

A bullet design that has a conical extended nose, with a flat point and a sharp edge on its shoulder.

A firearm's ability to be fired in multiple way, such as semi-automatic or fully automatic.

Any firearm designed to fire one cartridge, eject the empty case and reload the chamber every time the trigger is pulled, using the energy from the gasses of the fired shot to eject the empty case and feed the next round into the chamber.

Semi automatic, or Self Loader. Each trigger pull fires a round and the gun cycles to load another round into the chamber.

Part of the trigger mechanism which holds the hammer or striker back. Pulling the trigger causes the sear to release the hammer or striker, allowing it to hit the firing pin and shoot the round.

A device that magnifies or brings the target in closer for the shooter to see. It includes some form of reticle for aiming.

A tube attached to the top of a firearm that magnifies the target so a shooter can fire accurately from a distance.

An included mechanical device used to block or stop the firing pin or trigger so that the firearm cannot be fired.

Single Action Shooting Society – governs cowboy action shooting competition.

Single action only – “Cowboy” style revolvers and some semi-auto pistols.

Sporting Arms and Ammunition Manufacturers Institute – an accredited standards developer.

A firearm mechanism designed to prevent a gun from being fired by restricting the gun’s trigger. With modern firearms, a gun’s safety should always be engaged until a shooter is ready to fire the weapon.

A device which keeps the position of a bullet or shell centered in the barrel of a gun, attached either to the projectile or inside the barrel and separating from the round as it leaves the muzzle.

Performing all necessary functions of a firearm that keep the gun functioning normally.

Single action – the hammer is cocked by hand before pulling the trigger. This results in a smoother, lighter trigger pull and increases accuracy.