BCRC 21-01 Mod 13 FIREARMS

When loading a semiautomatic pistol, officers must do so w/ the weapon in their?

"Workspace"

Cycle of operation SA Pistol- Extraction

"pulling" the spend cartridge from the chamber.

Cycle of operation SA Pistol- Ejecting

"pushing" the spent cartridge out of the ejection port.

Grip (shotgun)

"small of the stock", just behind the receiver, the shooter uses the grip & his or her shooting hand for control when firing or carrying it.

Negligent discharges are the result of:

-Violating the rules of firearms safety. -Inadequate knowledge or skill regarding the operation & use of the firearm. -Improper or inadequate care & maintenance. -Poor judgement.

Types of ammunition

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Basic components Exterior of SA pistol

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Basic Nomenclature Upper Receiver (Rifle)

1. Barrel 2. Gas Tube 3. Hand Guards

Magazine consists of 5 main parts:

1. Follower 2. Spring 3. Magazine Insert 4. Floor plate 5. Magazine Tube.

Prone position

1. Kneel on both knees. 2. Draw the firearm & point it toward the target. 3. Lie on your stomach, face down, using your support hand for stability. 4. Assume a two-handed grip.

Basic Nomenclature Lower receiver (Rifle)

1. Magazine Well 2. Trigger Guard 3. Stock 4. Pistol Grip 5. Safety Selector

There are at least how many uncontrollable stimuli that could cause involuntary contractions of sufficient energy to result in unintentional discharges if the index finger is in position to come into contact w/ the trigger of the fire arm.

3

Impact Area

A backstop (berm) or bullet trap directly behind the target where bullets are expected to impact.

Weaver

A bladed body stance w/ commonality of training the firearm held in a locked arm position w// the off arm bent up supporting the shooting hand. Stand at a 45 degree angle w/ feet shoulder-width apart. Bend your knees be on the balls of your feet. Weapon arm almost fully extended; support arm is bent at elbow.

Exterior Component Rifle Forward assist

A button assuring that the bolt is locked.

Squib load

A cartridge in which no powder charge has been loaded.

Squib load

A cartridge in which no powder charge has been loaded. When the primer is struck in such a cartridge, there is enough energy released to start the bullet into the barrel where it may become lodged. Also known as: "Primer Load".

Double feed

A double feed occurs when the shell stop fails to retain a shell in the magazine tube after one has been moved onto the carrier.

Failure to eject

A failure to eject occurs when an ejector is missing or broken, the shell is swollen & will not extract, or an ejector is bent or improperly positioned.

"Made Safe"

A fire arm put into a condition where the action is open, all ammunition has been taken out of the gun, any magazine has been removed, & any safety engaged.

Shotgun

A firearm designed to be fired from the shoulder w/ a smoothbore barrel that fires shot shells possessing a varying number of pellets. (Some barrels are designed to be used w/ rifled slugs, & the barrel may be rifled)

Failure to feed

A fresh cartridge has not fed from the Magazine to the chamber. Several reasons: may not have been properly seated so the slide was unable to pick up the top round, may be empty & the slide failed to lock back, chamber may be blocked by a cartridge as in a double feed, shooter's grip may also be inhibiting the motion of the slide.

Tracer

A full metal-jacketed bullet w/ incendiary material in the casing of its base. When fired, the round can be visually tracked by the burning material; the bullet tip is normally painted red or orange. Having the same velocity as a full metal-jacketed bullet, it is most often used by the military in fully automatic firearms.

Revolver

A handgun that has a cylinder w/ holes to contain the cartridges. The cylinder revolves to bring the cartridge into position to be fired.

Jacketed (bullet)

A jacketed is a metal envelope that enclose or partially encloses the bullet. Jacketed includes Full Metal Jacket or Semi Jacketed rounds.

Semi-Wadcutter

A lead bullet designed like the wadcutter to cut a clean hole. Allows for quick reloading. Has a low to medium powder charge, which, when fired, produces a mild recoil. It expends most of its velocity going through a hollow core door or interior drywall.

Line Coach (LC)

A line coach / instructor is responsible for directly overseeing the actions & safety of the individual officers on the firing line. May be tasked w/ announcing the course of the fire.

Firing Line

A line parallel to the targets from where firearms are discharged.

Gauge

A measurement of shotgun bores derived from the number of bore-sized balls of lead per pound.

Caliber

A measurement used to identify different cartridge (projectile) sizes.

Rifle

A modern firearm designed to be fired from the shoulder. Its main characteristic is a refiled (grooved) barrel that imparts a spin to a single projectile as it travels through the bore.

Blank

A round designed for training or noise. The casing's cardboard material becomes a projectile when fired. Able to penetrate soft body tissue. When fired close range, can cause serious injury or death.

Ammunition Defects Scrape

A scrape makes a layer of the case wall metal look as if it has been scratched or torn away. This may weaken the case wall.

Cartridge

A self-contained unit which includes a projectile & propellant capable of firing the projectiles through the barrel of a firearm.

Rifles

A semiautomatic gas operated AR-15 style rifle functions by using the pressurized gas from a fired cartridge tapped from the barrel as the bullet move past a gas port located under the rifle's front sight base.

Shotguns

A shotgun is a smooth bore gun designed for firing at short distances.

Round

A single cartridge.

Rifled Slug

A single, hollow lead bullet weighs from 7/8 to 1 1/8 ounce. It is .72 caliber round w/ an effective range of approximately 100yds & penetrates most materials, but not solid steel.

Stacked feed

A stacked feed occurs when a round is in the chamber & the action is closed. The shell latch fails to keep a round in the magazine tube. Instead, it moves the round onto the carrier.

Long Gun

A term applied to shotguns & rifles.

Firearm

A term used to describe any gun, usually small, from which a bullet is propelled by means of hot gasses generated by burning powder.

Handgun

A term used to describe pistols, either auto-loading, single shot or cylinder types held in one or two hand w/ no support, such as a shoulder stock.

Eyes & Ears

A term used to describe the safety glasses & hearing protection.

Primer (Cartridge parts)

A very small explosive device in the rear of the casing.

Basic components Exterior of SA Pistol- Trigger

Activates the pistol's operation; when pressed, releases the hammer/striker

Ammunition Defects Puncture

Actual tear, separation, or rip in the case.

Failure to Feed (rifle)

After inserting a magazine, releasing the bolt forward, & disengaging the safety, you press the trigger, and nothing happens. This occurs when the magazine is not fully seated in the magazine well, the magazine is empty, the magazine spring is broken or the magazine is not loaded properly.

Press (trigger control)

After prepping the trigger, apply steady, firm pressure until the trigger breaks.

Cold Range

All firearms are in an unloaded condition when not engaged in a shooting exercise or drill. They will be loaded only on the command of the instructor or range officer in charge & unloaded prior to leaving the firing line. This procedure is used when the training is for novice or unknown-skill shooters or to fulfill specific goals of the training session.

Basic components Exterior of SA Pistol- Slide cover plate

Allows access of the firing pin assembly.

Gun

An instrument that uses a propelling charge to move a projectile.

Sympathetic Contractions

An involuntary contraction that occurs in the muscles of one limb when the same muscles in the other limb are performing an intended forceful action. also referred as Overflow Effect or Mirror Movement.

Pistol

Any small, concealable, short-barreled (2" to 10") hand firearm, generally not a revolver, capable of being held, aimed, & fired w/ one hand.

Involuntary Contractions

Are contractions of the muscles of the body (including limbs) that occur w/o conscious intent or decision.

Unlocking (shotgun)

As the projectile is forced from the carrel, the fore end is drawn to the rear to unlock.

Cycle of Operation Stages (SA pistol) Unlocking

As the projectiles is forced from the pistol, the casing is forced in the opposite direction. This force moves the slide to the rear of the firearm.

Cycle of Operation Stages (SA pistol) Extracting

As the slide moves to the rear, the extractor pulls the casing out of the firearm's chamber.

Cycle of Operation Stages Rifle Firing

As the trigger is pressed, the hammer moves forward striking the firing pin. The expanding gases from the burning powder force the projectile from the casing & down the barrel.

Firing (shotgun)

As the trigger is pressed, the hammer moves forward striking the firing pin. The expanding gases from the burning powder force the projectile from the casing & down the barrel.

Cycle of Operation Stages (SA pistol) Firing

As the trigger is pulled, the hammer/striker is released. The hammer moves forward striking the firing pin. The firing pin then strikes the primer, which in turn ignites the powder charge in the round. The expanding gases from the burning powder force the projectile from the casing & down the barrel.

Reset (trigger control)

As you release the trigger, you feel a soft "click" which is the point the trigger has reset.

Exterior Component Rifle Muzzle suppressor

Attachment on the barrel's forward end that reduces the flash as burning powder escapes when the bullet exits the barrel.

"Stance" =

Balance + Stability + Mobility.

Muzzle (shotgun)

Barrel's front end.

Front/bead sight or post (shotgun)

Bead or raised post on the front of the barrel used to bring the firearm into alignment for accuracy.

Exterior Component Rifle Safety

Blocks the hammer from striking the firing pin; prevents firing. Note: located on both sides of firearm slightly above the trigger.

Nomenclature of the stock (shotgun)

Butt, Comb, Grip, Heel, Toe.

Cartridge consist of 4 basic parts

Casing, Primer, Propellant, Bullet.

Negligent Discharge

Caused by violating the rules of firearms safety; inadequate knowledge or skill regarding the operation & use of the firearm, improper or inadequate care & maintenance, & poor judgement.

Locking (shotgun)

Closing the action to a locked position by moving the fore-end forward until it stops.

Exterior Component Rifle Magazine

Contains the ammunition ready to be chambered.

Internal Component Rifle Bolt

Contains the firing pin, spring, & extractor.

Exterior Component Rifle Lower receiver group

Contains the magazine release, magazine well, trigger housing, trigger components.

Bolt (shotgun)

Cylindrical steel part containing the firing pin & extractor, which closes the breech end of the barrel for firing.

Magazine components Follower

Device that directly follows the founds & is pushed by the spring.

Basic components Exterior of SA Pistol- Slide stop lever

Device that locks the slide in the open position.

Interior Components of SA Pistol Extractor

Device that pulls casings from the chamber.

Magazine components Extractor

Device that pulls casings from the chamber.

The most common duty firearms are:

Double action only semiautomatic handgun & The shoulder fired 12 gauge shotgun.

How can ammunition go off?

Dropped on a hard surface, Struck w/ enough force to indent the primer at the base of the cartridge, Placed in contact w/ electrical current, Exposed to extreme heat.

Exterior Component Rifle Charging handle

Enables manipulation of the bolt to chamber a round.

Take down pins

Enables separation of the upper receiver from the lower receiver & allows for field stripping & cleaning.

Internal Component Rifle Buffer/buffer spring

Enables the bolt to return after firing.

Exterior Component Rifle Trigger

Enables the firearm to fire when pulled.

Basic components Exterior of SA Pistol- Muzzle

End of the firearm from which the projectile emerges.

SA pistol - double action

Every round fires double action w/ the hammer at rest against the rear of the slide. Every time the trigger is pressed to the rear, it manually cocks & releases the hammer to fire the pistol. As the slide cycles & goes forward, the hammer safety follows, coming to rest against the slide's rear. The hammer never stays coked. The weapon's trigger press is the same each time.

Startle Reaction

Evokes rapid involuntary contractions that begin w. an eye blink & progress to include bending of the neck, trunk & shoulders, elbows, fingers, & legs.

Internal Part Rifle Ejector

Expels the shell from the ejection port.

Magazine components Body/Tube

Exterior casing holding the mechanism of the magazine.

Misfire

Failure of a cartridge to discharge after a firearm's firing pin has struck the primer.

Failure to Extract (rifle)

Failure to extract round (double feed) occurs when a spent casing remains in the chamber, blocking a new round from feeding into the chamber.

Fast - 5

Fight, Assess, Scan, Take cover, Take off, Top off, Treat injuries.

Bolt carrier (shotgun)

Flat steel part that fits onto the action bars & on which the bolt sits.

Ammunition

General term applied to cartridges used as firearm projectiles.

Exterior Component Rifle Extractor

Grips & pulls the shell from the chamber.

Powder charge

Gun powder which bums when detonated by the primer.

Officers should never handle a firearm if they:

Have consumed alcoholic beverages w/in the last 8 hours. Have taken drugs or medications that could impair their ability or reflexes. Medications can include both over-the-counter medications as well as prescription drugs.

Follow Through (trigger control)

Hold the trigger to the rear until your sights are back on target, & then slowly release the trigger to the reset point.

Magazine

Holds the ammunition. Contains a spring & follower that pushes each round up to be stripped off by the forward movement of the slide.

Exterior Component Rifle Bolt lock level

Holds the bolt to the rear when the charging handle is pulled to the rear & the lower portion is depressed; releases the bolt when the upper portion is depressed.

Basic components Exterior of SA Pistol- Slide lock

Holds the slide in place rearward; device that allows quick & simple field stripping of the pistol.

Receiver (shotgun)

Holds the trigger group & bolt assembly.

Exterior Component Rifle Upper receiver group

Houses the bolt assembly.

Internal part Rifle Magazine Well

Housing for the magazine Hammer. Part of the firearm that drives the firing pin forward.

Failure to feed

If the slide is cycled, but the round does not feed, there is a failure to feed.

Cycle of operation SA Pistol- Firing

Ignition of the primer & firing the cartridge.

Breath Control

Improper breathing techniques can affect accuracy. Breathe naturally & prepare to shoot after you exhale. The preferred method is to fire during the "natural respiratory pause"

Interior Components of SA Pistol Chamber

Inner portion of the barrel where the cartridge is seated.

Semiautomatic Pistol

Is a hand-held firearm (handgun) that features a magazine which hold cartridges that self-load into the firing changer automatically.

Barricade Position

Is a position behind cover.

Sul

Is a safe position that is to be used in situations where there is no threat area to cover w/ your weapon, or when officers may be passing across or working in your area of responsibility.

Close-Ready

Is a weapon position that should only be used at distances closer than 2 meters.

Cover*

Is something that will not only conceal your location, but stop a bullet as well. Should be chosen for its bullet-stopping capabilities, not its size.

Sight picture

Is the appearance of a firearms sights to the shooter's eye as aligned against the target.

Holstering

Is the placing of a firearm into the officer's holster so that it is secure & available for use.

Trigger control

Is the process of using smooth continuous pressure on the trigger w/o disturbing the sight picture. Req's concentration & discipline.

Bullet

Is the projectile that is expelled from the cartridge.

Sight alignment

Is the relationship of the front sight & rear sight w/ the officer's eye(s). Top of the front sight is level w/ the rear sight's top edge & centered in the rear sight aperture or notch.

Drawing

Is the removal of a firearm from the holster.

Types of stances:

Isosceles, Weaver, Modified Weaver.

Concealment*

It doesn't stop a bullet; "Conceals" you from the view of a bad guy.

Cardinal Rules of Firearm Safety Rule #2

Keep the muzzle pointed in a safe direction at all times.

Cardinal Rules of Firearm Safety Rule #3

Keep your finger off the trigger until you are on target and have made the decision to fire.

Cardinal Rules of Firearm Safety Rule #4

Know your target and what is beyond it.

Cycle of Operation Stages Rifle

Loading, Chambering, Locking, Firing, Unlocking, Extracting, Ejecting, Cocking.

Cycle of operation stages (shotgun)

Loading, Chambering, Locking, Firing, Unlocking, Extracting/Ejecting.

Cycle of operation Semiautomatic pistol

Loading, Feeding/chambering, locking, firing, unlocking, extraction, ejecting, cocking.

Magazine cap (shotgun)

Located on the magazine tube's end and keeps the barrel in place.

Basic components Exterior of SA Pistol- Rear sight

Located on the rear of the slide that aligns w/ the (slide)

Basic components Exterior of SA Pistol- Front sight

Located on the slide's front; used to bring the firearm into alignment for accuracy.

Magazine tube (shotgun)

Located under the barrel & holds rounds.

Basic components Exterior of SA Pistol- Ejection port

Location where spent cartridge is ejected from the firearm.

Barrel (shotgun)

Long cylinder-shaped tube through which the projectile travels from the chamber.

Basic components Exterior of SA Pistol- Grip panel

Made of polymer designed to allow the shooter to easily grip & control the weapon.

Armor piercing

Made of solid carbon or tungsten steel coated w/ bright green Teflon; it has a considerable sharper point that most manufactured rounds. The round can pierce protective body armor or steel.

Safety (shotgun)

Mechanical device that prevents a shooter from pulling the trigger & discharging the shotgun.

Action/Slide release (shotgun)

Mechanical device that, when activated, releases the slide.

Interior Components of SA Pistol Recoil spring & guide

Mechanism that returns the slide to the firing position & absorbs the recoil.

Basic components Exterior of SA Pistol- Magazine release

Mechanism that, when depressed, releases the magazine from the firearm.

Exterior Component Rifle Swing Swivels

Metal loops affixed to the rifle/carbine to which carrying strap attaches.

Basic components Exterior of SA Pistol- Frame/Receiver

Metal or polymer housing of the firearm below the slide; holds the internal parts, as well as the slide assembly, & provides a way to grip the pistol.

M & M Principal

Minimize your body exposure to the threat & maximize your distance from the threat.

Cycle of Operation Stages Rifle Chambering

Moving the round from the magazine to the chamber by releasing the bolt, picking up the round from the magazine & seating the round into the chamber.

Cycle of operation SA Pistol- feeding/chambering

Moving the round from the magazine to the chamber by releasing the slide, picking up the round from the magazine & seating the round into the chamber.

Basic Nomenclatures of Semiautomatic Pistol

Muzzle Front sight Barrel Take down lever Rear sight Magazine Magazine catch Trigger Trigger guard Slide

The most common cause of firearms "accidents"

Negligence

Frangible

Normally made of brass or copper dust held together with a resin material that disintegrates upon impact with steel or concrete; it can penetrate hollow core doors, drywall, or thin wood material.

Birdshot (shotgun ammunition)

Normally used for bird hunting or practice, this shell has a load of small diameter lead or steel shot pellets. When fired at close range, these pellets can be dangerous & cause injury. Law enforcement uses birdshot for training purposes only.

Stove pipe

Occurs when an empty casing fails to completely eject. Causes includes a weak powder charge or a dry weapon (not enough lubrication).

Dominant Eye

One eye focuses directly on a given object while the other eye focuses indirectly on that object.

Semi-Jacketed soft point

One-half to three-quarters of this lead bullet is jacketed w/ copper. Only the rear portion of the bullet is enclosed by the jacket. Easily penetrates interior walls & solid doors.

Basic components Exterior of SA Pistol- Magazine well

Opening at bottom of the grip where the magazine is inserted.

Ejection port (shotgun)

Opening on the side or bottom of the receiver; spent casings are ejected from it & live rounds are loaded in this port.

Internal Component Rifle Ejection port

Opening that permits the shell to exit the firearm.

Cartridge case

Outer container that holds the primer, powder charge, & projectile usually made of brass or other metal.

Stock (shotgun)

Part of the firearm attached to the receiver; a shooter places the stock on his or her shoulder when firing.

Interior Components of SA Pistol Firing pin

Part of the firearm which strikes the primer of the cartridge.

Magazine components Firing pin

Part of the firearm which strikes the primer of the cartridge.

Basic components Exterior of SA Pistol- Trigger guard

Part of the frame that protects the trigger.

Exterior Component Rifle Trigger guard

Part of the frame that protects the trigger.

Trigger guard (shotgun)

Part of the frame that protects the trigger.

Exterior Component Rifle Stock

Part that enables shoulder support during firing.

SA pistol- single action

Performs the single action of releasing the hammer or striker. Once the first round is fired the automatic movement of the slide resets the mechanism for each subsequent shot.

Exterior Component Rifle Magazine Release

Permits removal of the magazine from the firearm.

Ejector (shotgun)

Piece of spring steel mounted on the inside left of the receiver; when the action pulls a shell to the rear, it compresses & then releases the ejector as the bolt goes pas it. A small extension stops the shell from going further & assists in ejecting the shell from the receiver.

Loading (shotgun)

Placing live rounds in the magazine tube or open ejection port.

Handguns should always be:

Pointed only at the target, In a low ready or close ready position, -OR- In the holster.

Long guns should be:

Pointed only at the target, In a ready position, Slung on the shoulder -OR- In a rack unloaded w/ the action or bolt open & safety on.

Basic components Exterior of SA Pistol- grip

Portion of the firearm that is held in the hand.

Basic components Exterior of SA Pistol- Front strap

Portion of the grip that allows the fingers of the shooting hand to rest.

Magazine components Feed lips

Portion of the magazine body which holds the round in the proper position.

Exterior Component Rifle Barrel

Provides a path for the fired bullet; its chamber holds the cartridge.

Basic components Exterior of SA Pistol- Accessory Rail

Provides space for lighting & sighting devices

Magazine components Spring

Provides the tension which forces round up the magazine.

Cycle of Operation Stages Rifle Extracting

Pulling the spent cartridge case from the chamber.

Cycle of Operation Stages Rifle Ejecting

Pushing the spent cartridge case out of the ejection port.

All commands are given by the? while conducting training.

RSO & RO

Butt (shotgun)

Rear area of the stock that the shooter mounts against the shoulder for firing; normally covered w/ a metal or plastic butt plate or a recoil pad.

Interior Components of SA Pistol Breech

Rear end of the barrel, including the chamber.

Uprange

Refers to the area where the shooters are.

Downrange

Refers to the area where the targets are.

Centerfire ammunition

Refers to the primer being located in the center of the primer cup.

Extracting/Ejecting (shotgun)

Removal of the empty casing from the chamber & pushing the empty casing out of the firearm through the ejecting port by manually cycling the slide/fore-end grip to the rear.

Chambering (shotgun)

Removing a round from the magazine tube & placing it in the barrel's chamber by cycling the firearm, or after placing a round in the open ejection port, pushing the slide forward.

Range Safety Officer (RSO)

Responsible for all aspects of safety during firearms training and/or qualification.

Range Master (RM)

Responsible for overseeing all aspects of the firearms training on the Range. Ultimate authority on the range, supervising the Range Safety Officer, Range Officer's & all participants.

Cycle of operation SA Pistol- Cocking

Returning the firing mechanism to the fire position.

Cycle of Operation Stages Rifle Cocking

Returning the firing mechanism to the firing position.

Types of bullets:

Round Nose, Hollow point, Truncated, Jacketed.

Conditions that causes a failure to fire (shotgun):

Safety is on, The chamber is empty, The round is bad, Or the firing pin is broken.

Cycle of Operation Stages Rifle Loading

Seating a loaded magazine into the magazine well.

Cycle of operation SA Pistol- Loading

Seating a loaded magazine into the magazine well.

Rear sight (shotgun)

Secondary aligning device located on the receiver or barrel that aligns w/ the front sight bead or post to bring the shotgun into alignment for accuracy.

Trigger group

Sections consisting of the trigger, trigger springs, safety, & all firing mechanism parts.

Failure to load from the magazine

Shells fail to load into the magazine tube when a bent carrier prevents the shell from aligning w/ the magazine tube opening, the wrong ammunition is used, or the shell stop is defective.

Modified Weaver

Similar to the Weaver Stance except the weapon arm is locked out straight. Stands in a position of interview at a 45 degree angle to suspect w/ support hand forward, wedged toward target.

Shell carrier (shotgun)

Slightly rounded steel part that blocks the loading port catches rounds released from the magazine & raises them into alignment w/ the chamber.

Trigger Affirmation

Some officers under stress may violate Safety Rule #3 & unknowingly, perhaps briefly, move the index finger from its "indexed" position to the trigger.

Interior Components of SA Pistol Barrel rifling

Spiral grooves machined into the interior of the firearm's barrel which causes the bullet to spin when fired, giving it stability.

Semiautomatic rifle malfunctions include:

Squib load, failure to fire, failure to feed, failure to extract (double feed), or failure to eject (stovepipe).

Fundamentals of firearm shooting accuracy are**:

Stance, Grip, Sight alignment/sight picture, Breath control, Trigger control, Follow-through.

Types of shooting positions:

Standing, Kneeling & hip, tactical or close ready, & Barricade.

Comb (shotgun)

Stock's top edge where the shooter's cheek rests.

Nomenclature of a Shotgun (p430)

Stock, Receiver, Ejection Port, Bolt, Barrel, Magazine, Cap, Forend, Magazine Tube, Action Release, Trigger, Safety, NOTE: there is also the front/rear sight, comb.

Internal Component Rifle Chamber

Supports the cartridge at rest & during firing.

Prep (trigger control)

Take up the slack on the trigger until you meet resistance.

Clear rifle method:

Tap - Rack - Ready

Chamber

That part of the bore at the breech that is formed to accept & holds the cartridge ready for firing.

Dry Firing

The act or result of firing the firearm when it is not loaded, for the purpose of practice shooting or testing the firearm.

Isosceles

The arms & chest making an isosceles triangle. Body is squared off stance facing the target, feet shoulder width apart, arms straight out in front of the shooter w/ the elbows locked. Maximizes body armor protection.

The "action" of a firearm

The assembly of functional parts which move when the trigger is pressed, causing the firearm to fire.

Basic components Exterior of SA Pistol- Backstrap

The back portion of the grip that is placed in the palm of the shooting hand.

Toe (shotgun)

The bottom part of the butt.

Cycle of operation SA Pistol- Locking

The breech end of the barrel locks into the slide.

Hollow point (bullet)

The bullet is either made of lead or copper-jacketed lead w/ a hollow cavity in the bullet's nose.

Failure to extract

The cartridge case is not removed from the chamber. Several reasons: A broken extractor can be at fault as well as impeded slide operation, Case head may have separated from rest of the case so part of it remains lodged in the chamber, a very dirty or scored chamber may have case to stick in the chamber & the extractor hook ripped through the rim.

Rimfire

The cartridge has the primer distributed around the periphery of the base. Refers to the firing pin striking & crushing the rim of the cartridge to ignite the powder.

Ammunition Defects Corrosion

The case looks discolored or oxidized. This occurs from foreign material, such as mold, fungi layers, congealed oil & lubricants.

Ammunition Defects Dent

The case looks like it was struck w/ a hard object, crushing part of it inward creating & dimple or depression in the case.

Cycle of Operation Stages (SA pistol) Ejecting

The casing is then deflected out of the ejection port.

Round

The complete ammunition cartridge that contains all of the components of ammunition.

Basic components Exterior of SA Pistol- Tang

The curved tongue portion on the top of the backstrap.

Rim

The edge on the base of a cartridge case that stops the progress of a case into the chamber.

Failure to Eject

The empty case fails to clear the ejection port & breech area. Several reasons: broke ejector could be at fault or it could be the shooter's grip causing the hand to rub on the slide which impedes the rearward travel & the shooter limp wristing the weapon.

Breech

The end of the barrel attached to the action.

Exterior Component Rifle Butt

The end of the stock

Full Metal Jacket (FMJ)

The entire bullet is enclosed by the jacket. A round-nosed lead bullet completely covered w/ a copper jacket. Used extensively by the military. The chance of ricochet is high (aka "Hardball")

Cycle of Operation Stages Rifle Locking

The face of the bolt locks w/ the breech end of the barrel.

Misfire

The failure of a primer to ignite the powder charge.

Misfre

The failure of a primer to ignite the powder charge.

Bullet (Cartridge parts)

The final part of the cartridge. As the gunpowder rapidly burns, it creates heat & expanding gases. The rapid expansion of the gases forces the bullet out of the casing.

Upload & Show Clear

The firearm is completely unloaded, actin/cylinder/bolt is open, & presented to the RM/LC for inspection.

Grip

The firearm is held. Must be firm w/o being too tight.

Cycle of Operation Stages (SA pistol) Chambering

The force of the spring inside the magazine pushes the next round from the top of the magazine into the chamber.

Failure to close Action

The fore-end/slide may fail to close fully. This malfunction results from a bent action bar, a jammed or bent shell stop, a foreign object or broken part in the action, or The shooter's failure to push the fore-end/slide completely forward.

Muzzle

The forward end of the barrel where the bullet exits the firearm, often called the bore.

Bore

The inside of the barrel. "Smoothbore" firearms do not have rifling (lands/grooves) but most passes when a gun is fired.

Head stamp

The markings found on the cartridge base that indicates caliber or gauge & identify the manufacture.

Unintentional Discharge

The mechanical failure or breakdown of a firearm in which a round is fired not caused by operator negligence or lack of skill or knowledge.

Barrel

The metal tube of a gun made from iron or steel through which the bullet or shot charge passes when a gun is fired.

Crimp (shotgun only)

The part of the case mouth that bends inward to grip the bullet. (the closure at the case mouth).

Action

The part of the firearm that loads, fires, & ejects a cartridge; includes lever action, pump action, bolt action, & semi-automatic. The first 3 are found in firearms that fire a sing shot.

Bullet

The portion of the cartridge that becomes a projectile when in flight.

Cycle of Operation Stages (SA pistol) Feeding

The recoil spring begins to push the slide forward in the firing position. When the slide moves forward again, the next round is taken from the top of the magazine.

Cycle of Operation Stages (SA pistol) Locking

The recoil spring forces the slide all the way into the forward position, locking the slide in place. The firearm is then ready to fire, beginning the cycle once again.

Shotgun malfunctions include:

The shell fails to load from the magazine tube, The fore-end/slide fails to close fully, Failure to feed, Double feed, Stacked feed, Failure to fire, Failure to extract, Failure to open, Failure to eject, Failure to close, and stovepipes.

Failure to feed (shotgun) causes:

The shell stop is holding back the shell. The magazine follower is sticking in the magazine tube. An improperly operating carrier prevents alignment of the shell. Ammunition is inverted. The fore-end or slide is not cycled completely. The firearm is not loaded.

Hot Range

The shooter is expected to make every attempt to keep the firearm fully loaded & ready to fire ("continuity of fire") at all times unless given specific instructions to the contrary. The firearm is loaded, either on command of the instructor or because it was transported onto the range in that condition.

Failure to Extract

The shotgun fails to extract a spend casing from its chamber while it tries to feed a new round into the chamber at the same time.

00 buckshot (double-aught buckshot) (shotgun ammunition)

The standard 2 3/4 - inch shell contains nine .33 caliber lead pellets. The 3-inch magnum shell contains twelve .32 caliber pellets. The pellets penetrate solid wood doors, drywall, & wood walls at close range. Can ricochet when they hit hard surfaces.

Hangfire

The temporary failure of the primer to ignite the powder charge.

Low ready position

The weapon is held in both hands w/ arms extended to a comfortable position & the muzzle pointed in a manner that allows the shooter to see the suspect's hands and/or the waist are of his adversary. Finger OFF the trigger!

Wadcutter

This bullet has a flat nose & a sharp shoulder to cut a clean, round hole in the target. Its powder load is minimum or moderate. Used mainly in practice or competition.

Round nose (bullet)

Tip of bullet narrows to a rounded end. Has a medium velocity. Easily penetrates interior walls or hollow core doors & then ricochets.

Truncated (bullet)

Tip of the bullet narrows to a flat end.

Heel (shotgun)

Top corner of the butt recoil pad - a butt plate, usually rubber, that reduces the effect of the shotgun's recoil or "kick".

Basic components Exterior of SA Pistol- Slide

Top part of the firearm that contains the firing mechanism; ejects spent cartridge & cycles new cartridge.

Cardinal Rules of Firearm Safety Rule #1

Treat every firearm as if it were loaded. ALWAYS!

"Cease Fire" may be called by anyone observing an unsafe condition.

True

Basic components Exterior of SA Pistol- Barrel

Tube through which the bullet is discharged.

Shell latches (stops) (shotgun)

Two pieces of steel mounted on each side of the inside of the receiver at the magazine's rear; they help hold the cartridges in the magazine & release them one at a time when the action operates. They are also used to manually unload the shotgun.

Cycle of Operation Stages Rifle Unlocking

Unseating the bolt from the breech end of the barrel.

Cycle of operation SA Pistol- Unlocking

Unseating the breech end of the barrel from the slide.

Exterior Component Rifle Sights (front & rear)

Used to align the firearm to the bullet's point of impact.

Exterior Component Rifle Fore stock/hand gaurd

Used to support the rifle w/ the support hand; acts as a heat shield from the barrel.

Pre-fragmated

Usually has a hollow-point design w/ a full metal jacket precut so the bullet fragments upon impact. Normally of high velocity w/ low ricochet capability, it penetrates solid doors & interior or wood walls.

Casing (Cartridge parts)

Usually made of brass, forms a cylinder closed on one end. The casing contains the Primer (at the closed end) & the propellant inside.

Loss of Balance

When balance is disturbed, rapid involuntary contractions are evoked in an attempt to return the body to a position of equilibrium. also referred as Postural Instability.

Trigger (shotgun)

When pulled, this releases the sear (a part that holds the hammer in the coked position) & activates the firing pin.

Failure to fire

When the shooter presses the trigger & nothing happens; we have a failure to fire.

Cycle of Operation Stages (SA pistol) Cocking

When the slide completes its movement to the rear, the hammer/striker is cocked.

Failure to fire (rifle)

When the trigger is pulled, but the round fails to fire.

Automatic Firearm

Will load & fire automatically & continuously w/ a single pull of the trigger until the magazine is empty. (ex: Machine guns).

Semiautomatic Firearm

Will load & fire only one cartridge automatically w/ a single pull of the trigger (ex: semiautomatic pistols).

Fore-end or slide (shotgun)

Wooden or polymer grip near the magazine.

Loading port (shotgun)

bottom opening on the receiver that live rounds are fed into or removed from the magazine tube.

Propellant (Cartridge parts)

is the small amount of gunpowder ("smokeless" powder) in a cartridge.