Topic 1 - Re-introduction to key firearms and ammunition terminology Flashcards
What is the equation for Kinetic Energy (Ek)?
Ek = 1/2 x M x v^2 (squared)
What is a unit of Firearm ammunition refered to in modern day?
“A round”
What are the main components of “A round”?
Cartridge case, Bullet, propellant, primer
What is the traditional measuring unit for gunpowder and bullet mass?
The Grain
How many Grains are in 1 gram?
15.4 grains
How many Grams are in 15.4 grains
1 gram
how many lbs are in 1 KG?
1 KG = 2.2 lbs
How many grains are in 1 KG / 2.2 lbs?
15400 Grains
What is a “Caliber”?
The caliber is the internal diammeter of the firearm barrel. But it is also the effective diammeter of the bullet that would fit into the barrel of that diameter. (nothing to do with the cartridge).
What are the 3 systems of measurement for Calibers?
1) Metric e.g. 5.56mm
2) Imperial e.g. 0.223”
3) Caliber e.g. 223 cal
All legally registered firearms in the UK have a proof mark, where are the two places in the United Kingdom you can obtain a proof mark?
The London or Birmingham proof house
What are “Zip guns”?
Homemade Firearms that are very dangerous - very lethal and could explode on firing due to them being improvised and not made well
What are the two main groups of Air weapons?
1) Spring
2) Pre-charged pneumatic (PCP)
What are the two main categories of Machine guns?
1) Light
2) Heavy
What are the classifications for firearms?
1) Manufacturer
2) Model
3) Class
4) Caliber
What are class characteristics?
1) General firearms class
2) General dimensions (plus caliber and chambering)
3) Make and model
4) Shape of firing pin
What are individual characteristics?
1) Serial numbers - on all major components of the firearm ( if unmodified all components of the firearm should bare the same serial number. if they don’t the firearm has been repaired or modified.
2) Proof marks - after undergoing the proofing process if they’re legally registered in the UK at some point in time.
Where on a firearm are the serial numbers found?
The number is usually stamped into the various major components of the firearm - there are several databases that are international and record each serial number.
What are Proof Markings for? and what is their reason?
before release or repair work, a firearm must be proofed.
in this process, the unit is stressed around 30% above its normal operating pressures.
it is done to ensure that the firearm can withstand the rigors of normal use and is therefore safe for intended use. (tested beyond its limits to ensure it is safe for regular use/limits).
proof marks are impressed into the action and other pressure bearing components.
it’s a criminal offence to sell a non proofed or out of proof firearm.
What are the typical firearm components?
most common components of firearms:
1) Bolt
2) Breech face with firing pin window
3) extractor claw
4) chamber
5) ejector
6) slide
7) magazine
8) receiver
What are the classes of Firearms?
PISTOLS - can be a revolver or semi-automatic: 5.5mm to 12.7mm
RIFLES - can be bolt action, semi-automatic or automatic: 4.5mm to 12.7mm
SUB MACHINE GUNS - small machine guns: automatic or selective: 9mm to 11.5mm
ASSAULT RIFLES - Military application: 5.56mm to 7.92mm
MACHINE GUNS - : 7.62mm to 20mm
SHOTGUNS - smooth bore: caliber is generally calculayed in a strange way
AIR WEAPONS - spring or compressed air: 4.5mm to 5.5mm
What are the characteristics of a self loading pistol with a semi-automatic mechanism?
magazine fed
self loading after the initial cocking - relatively high rate of fire
can be Blowback or gas operated
Typically has a 7 to 33 round capacity magazine (**what pistol has a 33 round magazine?!!!!!)
generally lower energy than revolvers
fast reload
What are the main components of a self loading pistol
Hammer
slide
ejection port
muzzle
mainspring cap
frame
trigger guard
trigger
magazine
grip safety
front sight
rear sight
slide lock
magazine release
grip panel
thumb safety
What are revolvers?
they are named by the action - ammunition is held in a revolving cylinder, it has a slow reload time - have to manually place each cartridge into the revolving chamber/cylinder.
usually holds between 5 to 7 rounds (popular “six shooter”)
can be twice the energy of a semi automatic pistol
single shot mechanism - slow fire rate but powerful
double or single action mechanism
What are the main components of a revolver?
Scope (maybe)
adjustable rear sight
hammer
cylinder release
grip
trigger
trigger guard
cylinder
crane
ejector rod
barrel
muzzle
front sight
What are bolt action rifles?
they are highly accurate and powerful weapons
448 Lapua being one of the most powerful in current production
low fire rate and medium reload speed
magazine fed - 5 to 30 rounds
standard military weapon until 1945 ww2 end
now used for hunting/sport/tactical
range from .17” varmint caliber (4.4mm) to .80” caliber in the case of anti tank rifles
What are the main components of a bolt action rifle?
Monte Carlo
bolt
safety switch
receiver
scope
barrel
muzzle
loading port
tubular magazine
ejection port
bolt handle
trigger
trigger guard
sling swivel stud
butt plate
toe
heel
stock
grip
What are sub machine guns?
they are magazine fed
30 to 100 round magazines
can be either Blowback or gas operated
high fire rate and fast reload
can be inaccurate depending on design
usually a similar energy to a self loading pistol
almost always found in 9mm caliber
What are the main components of a sub machine gun?
rear sight
ejection port
front sight
barrel
integrated silencer
muzzle
safety/selector
trigger and trigger guard
magazine
pistol grip
receiver
What are assault rifles?
they are intermediate caliber firearms between heavy machine gun and sub machine gun
they have a selective fire option: single shot, burst fire and automatic
they’re the go to for most military forces internationally
accurate to a degree
high power
magazine fed - 20 to 40 rounds and usually gas operated
What are the main components of an assault rifle?
Stock
charging handle
rear sight drum
carrying handle
ejection port
slipring
handguard
front sight assembly
barrel
flash suppressor
bayonet stud
upper sling swivel
dust cover
magazine release button
magazine
trigger guard
trigger
pistol grip
rear sling swivel
rubber recoil pad
what are shotguns?
most common firearm in private ownership
very powerful at short ranges
not capable of long range
deliberately inaccurate (wide spread)
semi auto typically
caliber from 0.22” up to 2”
low fire rate typically
smooth bore
What is a sawn off shotgun?
inaccurate low reload speed and fire rate shotgun
small and easily concealed
devastating at close range - especially if loaded with “SG” shot
easily obtainable
made by hand sawing off the barrel reducing the length - consequently increasing the spread of the projectiles.
what are the main components of a shotgun?
stock
grip
heel
toe
comb
sling swivel stud
safety switch
butt plate
trigger and guard
receiver
bolt
release for action bar lock
double action bars
magazine loading port
magazine
barrel
fore-end
magazine cap
front sight
muzzle
what are machine guns?
military use only and the name is often used to characterise the weapons function within a platoon
two main categories: light and heavy
usually placed on a bi/tripod for stability as can have high recoil
may be standalone or vehicle mounted
distinguished from assault rifles by having a cooling system or interchangeable barrels.
