Hunters Ed Flashcards

Firearm Basics

• A firearm is a device using burning powder to propel a projectile through a metal tube.
• The action encompasses the moving parts that load, fire, and eject cartridges; muzzleloaders use locks instead.
• The stock acts as the handle, typically made from wood or synthetic materials.
• The barrel is the metal tube through which projectiles travel; its design varies between rifles, handguns, and shotguns.

Ammunition Components

• The bore is the interior of the barrel where the projectile travels when fired.
• The breech refers to the rear end of the barrel.
• The firing pin strikes the primer to initiate ignition of the cartridge.
• The receiver houses the action’s working parts.

Types of Firearms

• Shotguns are long-barreled firearms, primarily using pump action.
• Handguns include revolvers and pistols, generally short-barreled and versatile for hunting.

Ammunition Types

• Cartridges comprise primer, gunpowder, and a bullet; used in rifles and handguns.
• Shotshells are for shotguns, containing primer, gunpowder, wad, and either slugs or shot.
• The cartridge case holds all components and is made from materials like brass, steel, or plastic.

Ignition and Propellant

• Primer is an explosive compound igniting gunpowder upon impact from the firing pin; it can be rimfire or centerfire.
• Gunpowder is a rapidly burning chemical mixture, with modern smokeless powder being less volatile than black powder.

Projectiles

• Projectiles are objects expelled from barrels; types include bullets for rifles and solid slugs or pellets for shotguns.
• Wads are used in shotshells to separate powder from slugs or shot, preventing gas escape and keeping the shot together.

Bullet Types and Characteristics

• Pointed soft point bullets achieve high velocity and mushroom on impact.
• Rounded soft point bullets are suited for low-velocity calibers and tubular magazines.
• Projected tip bullets are accurate and expand well upon impact.
• Full metal jacket bullets offer maximum penetration with no expansion, often illegal for big game hunting.
• Roundnose lead promotes good penetration with minimal expansion.
• Semi-wad cutters balance between penetration and expansion.
• Hollow points are designed for significant expansion on impact.
• Wad cutters create clean holes in paper, ideal for target shooting.

Ammunition Classification

• Centerfire ammunition has a primer located at the casing's center, generally reloadable and used in various firearms.
• Rimfire ammunition contains the primer in the casing's rim, limited to low-pressure loads and not reloadable.

Test your knowledge of firearm terminology with these flashcards. Each card presents a word related to firearms and its definition, helping you prepare for hunting and firearm safety. Perfect for students in Hunters Ed classes or anyone interested in learning more about guns.