Firearms Identification PDF Midterms

FIREARMS IDENTIFICATION 1st Semester | Midterms Note: Firearms Identification ▪ Arquebus is specific type of firelock (accordi...

FIREARMS IDENTIFICATION 1st Semester | Midterms Note: Firearms Identification ▪ Arquebus is specific type of firelock (according sakong notes kay shot sya na giused sa video na gipakita ni sir) LEARNING OUTCOME(S) ▪ Naay delay ang firelock kay nauna ang combustion 1. Men Behind Firearm inside ▪ In firelock, unag ignite ang combustion pagka putok 2. General Types of Firearms before mu bang ang baril so nay delay. FIREARMS 1498 ▪ rifling was appeared as the 1st reference for the rifled barrel weapon Firearms ▪ Note: Augustus Kotter from Germany who 1st Legal Definition invented the riflings on 1520 These are rifles, muskets, carbines, shotguns, revolvers, ▪ Crossbow fired with a bolt (short heavy arrow) through pistols, and all other deadly weapons from which a bullet, ball, a tube with spiral groves. shot, shell or other missile may be discharged by means of gunpowder or other explosive 15th Century Matchlock was developed The term also includes air rifles except such as being of small caliber and limited range are used as toys A metal rod often in the shape of a gently curved S held in the match at one end and pivoted about the center The barrel of any firearm shall be considered a complete firearm for all the purposes hereof The opposite end from the match projected below the gun barrel where the operator could push or pull on it cause the match to meet Sec. 877, of Revised Admin Code (Act No 211) the touchhole. (sa matchlock ang gunpowder kay ginalagay diretso ▪ Note: Act No – this means this Act was made during the sa muzzle, also ginalagyan din ang matchhole) American Perriod Refers to any handheld or portable weapon, whether a small arm 1515 or light weapon, that expels or is designed to expel a bullet, shot, Wheel Lock was developed in 1515 slug, missile or any projectile, which is discharged by means of ▪ consisted of spring driven wheel in which when expansive force of gases from burning gunpowder or other released by trigger brought by a piece of iron pyrite form of combustion or any similar instrument or implement into contact with a rotating steel which sparks and ignited gunpowder For purposes of this Act, the barrel, frame or receiver is considered ▪ (Wheel will ikot and there’s spark/ignition and also mura a firearm (Sec. 3, RA 10591) syag aquebus) ▪ Notes: Max penalty of 10591 is Reclusion Temporal 12 years 1 day up to 20 years 1575 ▪ Term shot is used to classify a bullet of a shotgun ▪ Cartridge paper combining both powder and ball ▪ slug is a term used for a bullet that is recovered from a develop. This greatly speeded of carrying loose powder crime scene (ex. those are evidence slug) (same as ▪ Note: Cartridge was invented by a French Gunsmith, evidence fired bullet but in legal shet kay slug sya) Casimir Lefauchex known as Pin Fire Cartridge on 1836) Technical Definition It is an instrument used for propulsion of projectiles by means of Flintlock expansive force of gases from by the burning gunpowder (FBI ▪ it resembles the snaphaunce was L-shaped, the Manual Definition) bottom limb of the L was used to cover for the priming pan to protect the powder from the moisture until the Any weapon by whatever name is known which is designed to upper limb was struck by the flint of the hammer expel to a projectile by the action of explosives (Firearm Federal Act) 18th Century 1800 How Firearms Started? ▪ Oliver F. Winchester introduced the earliest rifles 12th Century (repeating rifles and pump action type) and a known 1248 pistol makers (shot pa bullet ani – manomano) Roger Bacon, English monk credited the invention of gunpowder 1807 ▪ Percussion system introduced by Alexander John Note: Forsyth (Father of Percussion Ignition System) - 10th up to 11th Century, unang nakita ang gunpowder sa Ancient China (used as firework) ▪ A certain compound detonated by a blast would be used to ignite the charge in a firearm. (sa percussion ignition 13th Century kay meron nang cartridge, tong ginalagay na yellow sa taas, ka6y sauna kay touchhole pa???) 1313 Gunpowder as propellant invented by Alchemist Berthold 1836 Schwartz used gunpowder in propelling missile ▪ Samuel Colt invented the 1st practical revolver known ▪ Note: Propellant - nilalagay sa baril where it initiates an as the Colt Patterson Revolver explosion; old term of gunpowder 1845 1350 Small arms are invented and gunpowder used only for cannons ▪ Louis Nicolas Auguste Flobert developed rim fire cartridge and bullet breech cap Small Arms has 2 classes: 1. Handguns (pistols, revolvers) - self loading pistols 2. Shoulder guns (rifles, carbines, sub machine guns, rim fire cartridge Centerfire light machine guns) Note: - If a revolver has a long barrel, it is called a 357 Magnum - if small lang ang barrel kay ordinary lang sya or slub nose ▪ A Russian invented the AK47 - Mikhael Kalashnikov 14th Century Firelock was developed 1858 A smooth bore tube of iron closed at breech end except for an opening called a touchhole and set into a rounded piece of ▪ Center fire cartridge was invented by Samuel Jean firewood. Pauly ▪ The Morse Cartridge marked the beginning of the rapid The tube was loaded with shot and powder then fired by an development of the center fire cartridge inserting heated wired into a touchhole ▪ Note: ang pag compare sa mga bullets sa PNP kay ang IBS or Integrated Bullet System Hart M. Nazareno | BFSCI 3A FIREARMS IDENTIFICATION 1st Semester | Midterms FIREARMS ▪ Impact on accuracy and range - When fired, the helical grooves cause the bullet to spin so that it is more stable, improving both range and accuracy. IDENTIFICATION Examples of Rifled-Bore Firearms General Types of Firearms a. M16 Rifle - The M16 rifle is a lightweight, air-cooled, gas- Firearms, is a device so designed that may propel a projectile with operated, magazine-fed assault rifle that was originally abundant force, can be classified according to their characteristics developed for the U.S. military. It features a rifled-bore like barrel construction, caliber of the projectile propelled barrel, which has spiral grooves that enhance the stability and accuracy of the said firearm. Barrel of a firearm is one of the most important parts which facilitate the movement of the projectile. It also provides a space for the b. Pistol - A small firearm designed for one-hand use. expansion of gases. Pistols are designed for one-handed operation and come in various types, including semi-automatic According to Barrel construction and revolver styles, making them suitable for personal Smooth-Bore Firearms defense, sport shooting, and law enforcement. The rifled There are two types of firearms under this category: bore allows for improved performance and precision compared to smoothbore firearms. 1. Smooth-Bore Firearms - Smooth-bore firearm is the one in which, the Bore, or inside of the barrel, is perfectly smooth c. AK-47 – Soviet assault rifle, possibly the most widely from Breech end to the Muzzle end. used shoulder weapon in the world. It effectively fires 7.62x39mm cartridges with improved precision, making Smooth-bore firearms have a smooth barrel but these are it one of the most widely used and recognized firearms less accurate and used for short range firing but can fire tank in the world. shell with much greater force due to less friction. Applications in the Philippines Characteristics of smooth-bore barrels Law enforcement applications: ▪ Purpose - Smooth-bore Firearm – The coefficient - Rifled-bore firearms are crucial for law enforcement in of friction in a smoothbore is less than that of the the Philippines, serving multiple purposes that enhance rifle bore tank barrel. As force of friction is equal operational effectiveness. o They are used in precision to coefficient of friction times the normal force; it shooting by sniper units during hostage situations or means that a large propellant charge can be counter-terrorism efforts, allowing for accurate long- used on the shot with less risk of causing any kind range engagement. of damage to the barrel or shot. - During anti-drug operations, these firearms provide ▪ For illustration, if the barrel of a shotgun is cut officers with the necessary firepower to confront armed up cross- sectionally, it will be a perfect ring. threats. SWAT and tactical teams rely on them for high- ▪ Impact on accuracy and range - Smooth-bore stakes missions, while patrol officers carry them for firearms have a smooth barrel but these are less readiness in high-crime areas. accurate and used for short range firing but can - Additionally, rifled-bore firearms play a key role in fire tank shell with much greater force due to less training programs, helping officers develop essential friction. shooting skills. Examples of Smooth-Bore Firearms Shotguns (Three Types) Hunting and sporting uses: A. Breech loading shotguns – The Breech loading ▪ In the Philippines, rifled-bore firearms are widely used for smooth bore firearms are in vogue at present and their various hunting and sporting activities due to their good examples are: accuracy and adaptability. - Single Barrel Breech Loading (SBBL) ▪ They are favored for hunting larger animals like wild shotgun which has a single barrel making it boar, ensuring effective and humane shots, while also capable to house only one cartridge at a time being used for smaller animals like rabbits and rodents to its chamber present at the Breech end. to manage populations. - Double Barrel Breech Loading (DBBL) ▪ The sport of target shooting is gaining popularity, with shotgun which has two barrels and is capable rifled-bore rifles utilized in competitions that emphasize to stock not more than two cartridges at a time. precision at different ranges. B. Muzzle loading shotguns – They are obsolete ▪ Additionally, these firearms are featured in practical nowadays because of its primordial mechanism in which shooting events that the Gun powder was rammed into the barrel through the ▪ simulate real-world scenarios, combining speed and muzzle end and then single ball ammo placed above the accuracy. Recreational shooting at ranges is also charge. Prone to accidents, less range and lethality. common, allowing enthusiasts to practice their skills and C. Magazine loading shotguns – there are some engage in friendly competitions. drawbacks in the shotguns; one of them is the loading capacity of a shotgun. Usually, the numbers According to Caliber of Propelled Projectile of cartridges available in the gun are not more than the The caliber refers to xxx. The propelled projectile is the xxx. There maximum number of the barrel. For repeated firing are two types of firearms under this category: shotguns surely lacks quality. (nay magazine gina paslak) Artillery refers to large-caliber guns used in warfare. Applications in the Philippines Law enforcement application – a breaching round or slug-shot is Definition and Characteristics of Artillery a shotgun shell specially made for door breaching. Breaching ▪ Includes propel projectiles one inch and more in rounds are designed to destroy door deadbolts, locks, and hinges diameter. without risking lives by ricocheting or by flying on at lethal speed ▪ Examples: cannons, mortars, bazookas, howitzers, through the door, as traditional buckshot can. field guns. ▪ These weapons are designed to launch munitions far Hunting and sporting uses – the opening of virgin forests to beyond the range and power of infantry firearms agriculture brought about an increased demand for shotguns and rifles for the protection of crops from wild animals. Likewise, the Historical Uses of Cannons establishment of new industries and business ventures increased the need for side arms for use of cashiers, paymasters, managers ▪ Cannons were initially used in sieges to breach castle and business executives. These increased demand for guns walls and fortifications replacing earlier siege weapons prompted the expansion of the Firearms Section. like trebuchets ▪ Cannons transformed naval battles by allowing ships to Rifled-Bore Firearms engage enemies from a distance ▪ They were extensively used in both World War I and 2. Rifled-Bore Firearms - Rifled-bore firearms are those World War II along with the Napoleonic Wars for both having shallow spiral grooves cut inside the barrel to impart anti-infantry and anti-tank roles a spin to the projectile, thus stabilizing it in flight. A rifled barrel imparts much greater accuracy to a projectile, as Current Uses compared with a smooth- bore barrel. ▪ They are still used as naval guns and tank guns while Characteristics of rifled-bore barrels some are used for anti aircraft purposes, using rapid- ▪ Purpose - Spiraled grooves (rifling) are machined on the fire capabilities to target aircraft inner surface of a barrel to spin-stabilize the ball or bullet. Hart M. Nazareno | BFSCI 3A FIREARMS IDENTIFICATION 1st Semester | Midterms PH Historical uses Specific Examples of Small Arms ▪ Pre-Colonial and Spanish Colonial Periods: Cannons Handguns were used by native Filipinos even before Spanish - Any firearm small enough to be held in one hand when colonization. Notably, Panday Pira, a Kapampangan fired. blacksmith, was the first Filipino cannon maker, - May be used for target shooting, hunting small game, or creating cannons for Rajah Sulayman and later for the personal self defense. Spanish forces ▪ Cannons played a significant role in defending against Rifles invaders and in various conflicts during the Spanish ▪ A firearm with a rifled bore. colonial period ▪ Imparts much greater accuracy to a projectile, as ▪ Cannons were used extensively by both Japanese and compared with a smooth bore barrel. American forces during the battles in the Philippines ▪ The name rifle, most often applied to a weapon fired from the shoulder, may also denote a crew-served weapon Current PH Military Application such as a rifled cannon or recoilless rifle. - Date back to ▪ Modern Artillery: The Philippine Army currently uses at least the 15th century. advanced artillery systems, including self-propelled ▪ Some of the earliest rifles had straight rather than spiral howitzers like the ATMOS 155mm, which provide grooves, it is thought that the initial purpose may have powerful and mobile fire support. been to receive the powder residue, or fouling. - These systems are crucial for both defensive and offensive operations Regulation under Philippine Law Relevant laws and regulations Historical Uses of Mortars ▪ RA 10591, Art. III, Sec. 10. Firearms That May Be ▪ Mortars were used in sieges to lob explosive shells Registered. – Only small arms may be registered by over walls and fortifications (much like cannons, but licensed citizens or licensed juridical entities with a steeper trajectory) for ownership, possession and concealed carry. (xxx) ▪ They became a staple in trench warfare, providing ▪ RA 10591, Art. V, Sec. 28. Unlawful Acquisition, or indirect fire support to target enemy positions hidden Possession of Firearms and Ammunition. – The from direct line of sight unlawful acquisition, possession of firearms and ammunition shall be penalized as follows: Current Uses - (a) The penalty of prision mayor in its medium ▪ Modern mortars are portable and used by infantry units period shall be imposed upon any person who for close fire support, capable of firing high- shall unlawfully acquire or possess a small explosive shells at short ranges arm; (b) The penalty of reclusion temporal to ▪ Self-propelled mortars mounted on vehicles provide reclusion perpetua shall be imposed if three mobile fire support, enhancing battlefield flexibility (3) or more small arms or Class-A light weapons are unlawfully acquired or PH Historical uses possessed by any person. (xxx) ▪ Mortars were used by both Filipino guerrillas and Japanese forces for indirect fire support during the Licensing and ownership requirements conflict ▪ RA 10591, Art. II, Sec. 4. Standards and Requisites for Issuance of and Obtaining a License to Own and Current PH Military Application: Possess Firearms. – In order to qualify and acquire a license to own and possess a firearm or firearms and ▪ The Philippine Army has acquired advanced mortar ammunition, the applicant must be a Filipino citizen, at systems, such as the M125A2 Armored Mortar least twenty-one (21) years old and has gainful work, Carriers equipped with 120mm mounted mortars which occupation or business or has filed an Income provide mobile and precise indirect fire support Tax Return (ITR) for the preceding year as proof of income, profession, business or occupation. Historical Uses of Bazookas ▪ In addition, the applicant shall submit the following ▪ In World War II, the bazooka was developed as an anti- certification issued by appropriate authorities attesting tank weapon, allowing infantry to engage armored the following: vehicles effectively - (a) The applicant has not been convicted of ▪ It was also used against bunkers and fortified positions any crime involving moral turpitude; ▪ Improved versions of the bazooka, like the M20 Super - (b) The applicant has passed the psychiatric Bazooka, were used extensively in the Korean War test administered by a PNP accredited psychologist or psychiatrist; Current Uses - (c) The applicant has passed the drug test ▪ Despite being replaced by more advanced rocket- conducted by an accredited and authorized propelled grenade (RPG) launchers, they are still drug testing laboratory or clinic; used in some military forces for anti-armor and anti - (d) The applicant has passed a gun safety personnel roles seminar which is administered by the PNP or ▪ They are often used in military training exercises while a registered and authorized gun club; some are stored in museums as historical artifacts - (e) The applicant has filed in writing the application to possess a registered firearm PH Historical uses which shall state the personal circumstances ▪ Bazookas were introduced to the Philippines by of the applicant; American forces during World War II. They were used - (f) The applicant must present a police effectively against Japanese tanks clearance from the city or municipality police ▪ Bazookas continued to be used in various conflicts and office; and by guerrilla fighters during the post-war period - (g) The applicant has not been convicted or is currently an accused in a pending criminal Current PH Military Application: case before any court of law for a crime that ▪ PH Army still uses modern versions of it for anti-armor is punishable with a penalty of more than two & anti-personnel roles (2) years. For the purposes of this Act, an acquittal or permanent Small Arms dismissal of a criminal case before the courts of law shall qualify the accused thereof to qualify and acquire a Definition and Characteristics of Small Arms license. ▪ Small arms can propel projectiles less than one inch in diameter. The applicant shall pay the reasonable licensing fees as ▪ General examples include machine guns, shoulder may be provided in the implementing rules and arms and hand arms. regulations of this Act. ▪ RA 10591, Art. I, Sec. 3. Definition of Terms. – As used in this Act: (dd) An applicant who intends to possess a firearm owned by - Small arms refer to firearms intended to be or a juridical entity shall submit his/her duty detail order to primarily designed for individual use or that the FEO of the PNP. which is generally considered to mean a weapon intended to be fired from the hand According to Mechanical Construction or shoulder, which are not capable of fully automatic bursts of discharge. xxx The mechanical construction in firearms refers to the design and assembly of the various components that allow a firearm to function. Hart M. Nazareno | BFSCI 3A FIREARMS IDENTIFICATION 1st Semester | Midterms The construction can vary significantly depending on the type of Full-Automatic firearm. ▪ Fires continuously as long as the trigger is held down. ▪ For example: - A single-shot firearm differs from repeating Semi-Automatic firearm because of their internal mechanisms ▪ Fires one round per trigger pull, automatically to load the next rounds where the former chambering the next round. Common in civilian firearms involves manual loading and the latter for self-defense and sport shooting. multiple rounds. Closed Bolt Construction The construction may also involve: ▪ In closed bolt firearms, the bolt is in the forward position ▪ differing firearm actions when ready to fire, providing better accuracy and safety ▪ firing mechanism as the bolt is closed when the firearm is ready to fire. ▪ stock ▪ trigger Examples of Repeating Arms ▪ other considerations like safety mechanisms and Semi-Automatic Rifles: Recently allowed for civilian ownership sights. under specific regulations under the IRR of RA 10591. Commonly used for self-defense and sport shooting are M4 Carbine, AR-15 The following are the types of firearms that are classified based on and AK-47. the mechanical construction of the firearm: Bolt Action Type Single-shot Firearms Bolt Action type firearms are provided with a box magazine Single-shot firearms refer to guns that fire only one shot and under the bolt, but some have tubular magazines. every loading has to be reloaded for each shot. - The breech needs to be opened to remove the empty Bolt-action, a method of operating a firearm, involves manipulating cartridge case and to insert a new one for the next firing. the bolt through a bolt handle. A bolt-action rifle or shotgun - Must be reloaded each time it’s fired. operates like opening and closing a door bolt. The stock supports - Often simpler in design and can be more reliable due to both the barrel and action as one unit. This makes it one of the lack of moving parts. the most accurate, reliable and dependable rifle actions. - Less expensive due to the simpler design. Mechanisms and Operation Mechanisms and Operation of Single-shot Firearms ▪ The breech is block is shaped like an ordinary door bolt The loading process involves manually placing a round of with a handle sticking out to one side of the firearms. ammunition directly into the chamber of the firearm, followed by ▪ When the bolt is locked up to the breech of the barrel and the closing action to secure the cartridge in place. when it is turned up, it unlocks the bolt and then drawn to the rear, extracting the fired cartridge case and finally Single-shot firearms work by using a simple manual system to load bringing it against the ejector which throws it out of the and fire one bullet at a time. gun. ▪ Reloading is done by manipulation of the bolt The basic operation can be simplified as follows: 1) The firearm is loaded with a single round of ammunition. Automatic Loading Type 2) The hammer is cocked. Automatic loading firearms are a type of rifle that uses a self- 3) The trigger is pulled, which releases the hammer and reloading mechanism to allow continuous fire without having fires the round. to manually load every bullet provided there are still rounds in the 4) The spent cartridge case is ejected from the firearm. chamber. 5) The firearm is reloaded with a new round of ammunition. Mechanisms and Operation Examples of Single-shot Firearms After the first shot is fired, automatic loading or chamber takes Single-shot shotgun place as long as the trigger of the gun is squeezed by the shooter. ▪ Distinguishing characteristics: 1. The trigger is pulled and activates the hammer - Lack of magazine 2. The hammer hits the firing pin which in turn stimulates - No place to store ammunition, hence they are the primer in the cartridge needed to be reloaded after every shot 3. Gunpowder inside the cartridge ignites and the gad - Fewer moving parts than more sophisticated pressure from burnt powder builds up inside the types of shotguns like the semi-automatic or cartridge and explodes, pushing the bullet out through pump-action shotguns the barrel at high speed. - Longer barrels than other types of shotguns 4. As the bullet moves along the barrel, it passes the gas - The first single-shot shotgun appeared in the tube where some of the gas that was pushing the late 1800s and was widely used throughout projectile out of the barrel is expelled into. the 20th century for hunting and 5. This leaked gas has enough force to jerk the bolt carrier sport shooting. backwards which enables the empty cartridge to be - Harrington & Richardson (H&R) produced expelled and makes room for the next round. their first single-shot in 1901 and later made a 6. Then the action spring inside the stock pushes the bolt series of small-bore.410 single-shots. carrier back to the original place, sliding the next cartridge into the chamber. At this point, the rifle is ready Single-shot Rifle to fire again. - Typically consists of a barrel, trigger, and breech mechanism. Slide Action Type (Trombone) - No magazine or complex feeding system, which reduces The pump-action firearm is fast and smooth. It allows the shooter the number of moving parts – making it less prone to to re-cock the firearm without taking his or her eye off the mechanical failure. target. The pump action also is referred to as “slide action” or - Great for long-range hunting “trombone action.” Repeating Arms Loading takes place by back-and-forth manipulation of the under Repeating arms fire multiple shots per loading by the forearm of the gun. Under the barrel there is a tubular automatically chambering the next round after each shot. magazine for the extra cartridge. Mechanisms include bolt-action, lever-action, pump-action, and automatic systems like gas operation, blowback, and recoil Mechanisms and Operation operation. To open the action, slide the forestock to the rear, which extracts Mechanisms and Operation the cartridge or shotshell from the chamber and ejects it. Sliding the forestock toward the muzzle closes the action and readies Mechanisms and Operation another cartridge or shell for loading. A pump-action firearm will Automatic open only after it’s fired or if a release lever is pressed and the ▪ Operation: Automatic firearms continuously fire rounds forestock is pulled to the rear. as long as the trigger is held down. They use mechanisms such as gas operation, blowback, To make sure it's unloaded, open the action, and check both the or recoil to cycle the action and chamber the next chamber and the magazine for cartridges or shotshells. round. ▪ Advantages: High rate of fire, useful in military Lever Type (Break-type) applications for suppressive fire. Military science The trigger guard of this firearm is hinged at the front end, defines it as fire that degrades the performance of which is connected with a breech mechanism. After firing, the an enemy force below the level needed to fulfill its finger level is moved downward so as to cause the trigger guard mission. Hart M. Nazareno | BFSCI 3A FIREARMS IDENTIFICATION 1st Semester | Midterms to pivot on it hinge, and its forward extension is to move back. - The bolt then returns forward under spring Loading and ejection of the cartridge case take place by the lever pressure, chambering a new round. action of the firearm. - Examples include some shotguns, particularly those based on the Browning Auto-5 design. The lever-action firearm has a metal handle located behind the trigger guard area. This handle usually forms the trigger guard as Blowback Operated well. Loading takes place by lever action on firearm. 4. Blowback Operation Characterized by a heavy bolt. It has no locking or unlocking Mechanisms and Operation mechanism, inertia or bolt and recoil spring holds the breech To open the action, push the lever downward and forward, which closed. It categorized as: extracts the cartridge case from the chamber and ejects it. If a i. Delayed Blowback - the breechblock is not locked, but magazine holds extra cartridges, another is immediately ready to some mechanical delay is incorporated to ensure that be loaded into the chamber. the breechblock cannot back with sufficient rapidity. - Delayed blowback is an advanced variation of the It’s often difficult to tell whether a lever-action firearm is loaded. To blowback mechanism where the bolt is delayed unload, push the lever downward and forward repeatedly until no from moving rearward immediately after the gun is more cartridges are ejected. To make sure it's unloaded, open the fired. This delay allows the chamber pressure to action, and check both the chamber and the magazine for drop before the bolt opens, making it possible to use cartridges. higher- powered cartridges in a blowback system without requiring an excessively heavy bolt or slide. Most models also have an exposed hammer, which can be - ex. SMG dangerous. ii. Simple Blowback - allows a totally unlocked breech and relies simply on the mass of the blowback and the Examples of Lever Action Type: strength of the return spring to prevent the cartridge case - Winchester Model 1873 from coming back during peak pressure. - Simple blowback is a firearm operating According to Operation mechanism where the action of the firearm is Manually Operated cycled purely by the force of the gas pressure 1. Manually Operated from the fired cartridge. In simple blowback, the the most basic type of gun. The cycle of operation is accomplished bolt or slide is not locked to the breech when the but you have to manually cock the gun, by moving a lever or slide, gun is fired. Instead, it relies on the mass of the to load, fire, and eject the spent shell. This is different from other bolt and the tension of the recoil spring to hold types, where the gun does some of the work automatically. the breech closed for the fraction of a second it takes for the bullet to leave the barrel and the Example: Springfield Armory is a renowned firearms gas pressure to decrease to safe levels. manufacturer that offers a variety of models, many of which are - ex. Sniping Rifle manually operated. Their manually operated models offer a unique and satisfying shooting experience for those who appreciate the According to Function traditional feel of manually cycling the action. Automatic a. Automatic – Fire continuously as long as the trigger is Gas Operated pulled 2. Gas Operated - Examples: M60 & Ultimax These are the firearms that have a gas cylinder and piston. They - Automatic weapons, which are often described used to trap gas to push the bolt assembly backwards to as machine guns, differ; in that squeezing the achieve a complete cycle of operation. trigger once fires cartridges repeatedly until the shooter releases it. Unlike traditional guns where you have to manually cock the hammer or slide before each shot, gas- operated firearms do this Semi-Automatic automatically. When you fire, the gun uses the force of the b. Semi-Automatic – one pull of a trigger would produce explosion to cycle the action, which includes reloading, extracting one round of explosion. The trigger must be released first the spent case, and cocking the hammer. before one can fire another round. The cycle of operation is done manually. This is done by a mechanism that uses the expanding gases to - Semi-automatic weapons are typically pistols, move a piston or rod, which in turn operates the bolt carrier group. rifles and shotguns, including the AK-47 and The bolt carrier group is a key component that holds the bolt, AR-15 rifles, the UZI submachine guns, and extractor, ejector, and the hammer or striker. As the bolt carrier MAC-10 machine pistols. group moves rearward, the hammer or striker is cocked, preparing - In simplest terms, "semi-automatic" refers to the firearm for the next shot. any firearm designed to fire one bullet with one trigger squeeze, then automatically reload the Example: The M16 is a classic example of a gas- operated rifle. In chamber with a cartridge from a magazine and the M16, a portion of the gases from the explosion are diverted into be ready to fire again. a gas tube, which is connected to a piston. This piston pushes - The term applies to a whole range of modern back, operating the bolt carrier group and cycling the action. firearms, from hunting and target rifles all the way up to so-called black rifles that look like Recoil Operated what a soldier would carry. 3. Recoil Operated - On the other hand, Automatic weapons, which the barrel and bolt move rearward with the momentum generated are often described as machine guns, differ; in as the result of an opposite reaction from the forward movement that squeezing the trigger once fires cartridges of a bullet mass moving down the bore at a high velocity. It is repeatedly until the shooter releases it. divided into: i. Short Recoil - the breechblock remains locked to the Single barrel only while the pressure is high. c. Single – one trigger pulls for a single round. the cycle of - In short recoil operation, the barrel and bolt are operation is done manually. locked together and recoil a short distance before - In firearms terminology, "single" means each unlocking and separating. trigger pull fires one round, and the shooter - The barrel stops moving after a few millimeters, must manually operate the firearm to chamber while the bolt continues rearward due to the next round. Here’s a breakdown: momentum, extracting and ejecting the spent case. - Single-Shot Firearm: Fires one round per - The bolt then returns forward under spring trigger pull; requires manual reloading or pressure, picking up a new round from the cycling for each new round. magazine and chambering it. - Single-Action Firearm: Fires one round per - Examples include semi-automatic pistols like the trigger pull; the hammer must be manually M1911 and most modern 9mm and larger pistols. cocked before each shot. This category includes some revolvers and pistols. ii. Long Recoil - the bolt and barrel recoil at a greater distance than the length of the unfired cartridge. In both cases, “single” emphasizes the necessity for - In long recoil operation, the barrel and bolt remain manual operation or reloading, in contrast to semi- locked together during recoil, compressing the automatic or automatic firearms. recoil springs. - After recoiling a distance greater than the length of Selective the unfired cartridge, the bolt unlocks and continues d. Selective – this fires either on automatic or semi- rearward, extracting and ejecting the case. automatic by using the selector level. - ex. M16 Hart M. Nazareno | BFSCI 3A FIREARMS IDENTIFICATION 1st Semester | Midterms The M16 Rifle is a widely used military rifle with a selector switch - A semi-automatic rifle that was standard issue for the U.S. that allows for semi-automatic and fully automatic firing modes. military during World War II and the Korean War. Well- known for its use of an en-bloc clip. According to Use Hand Weapon Magazine Fed Also known as handheld firearms, are designed to be used and 3. Magazine Fed fired with one or both hands. They are typically portable, compact, Weapons that have magazine housing well where the magazine is and are often used for personal defense, law enforcement, or inserted. military purposes. - Ex. M16 & M14 Hand weapons are designed for portability and concealment, M16 and M14 making them easily carried and hidden for personal defense and - Both the M16 and M14 are magazine- fed rifles used by quick access in various situations. Their compact size is ideal for the U.S. military, but they have key differences in design, concealed carry and use in confined spaces. Typically utilized in functionality, and usage. close-quarters combat, these weapons allow for rapid aiming and firing, making them suitable for self-defense scenarios where the distance to the target is short. Unusual or Miscellaneous Type Those are types of firearms that are unique in mechanism and Additionally, hand weapons can be drawn and fired swiftly, construction. providing effective response capabilities in urgent situations. This quick draw capability is particularly beneficial for self-defense and Harpoon Guns law enforcement applications where immediate action is crucial. Harpoon Guns is a specialized weapon designed to launch a harpoon, which is a long, spear-like projectile used primarily in ex. Pistol hunting large marine animals, such as whales. Historically, harpoon guns have been used in whaling, where the harpoon is Shoulder Weapon fired from the gun to pierce and secure the animal. Is a firearm specifically designed to be fired from the shoulder, providing better stability, accuracy, and control due to the additional A long barbed spear in hunting large fish. support. The design typically includes a long barrel and a stock that rests against the shooter's shoulder. This allows for more precise Flare Guns aiming and effective firing at greater distances compared to hand Flare Guns is a handheld firearm that shoots flares, which are weapons. bright, burning projectiles used primarily for signaling purposes. Example: Rifles & Shotguns Flare guns are commonly used in emergency situations, used in Shoulder weapons offer increased accuracy due to their shoulder cases such as for sending signals and enabling to see enemies in mount, which provides better control and stability, particularly the dark. enhancing shooting precision over longer distances. They are designed to fire larger calibers, which results in greater power Specific Types of Firearms compared to hand weapons. Machine Gun It is any weapon which shoots or is designed to shoot, automatically Additionally, the longer barrels of shoulder weapons enable them or semi- automatically, more then one shot, without manual to engage targets at distances that handguns cannot reach, making reloading, by a single pull of trigger. them suitable for a wider range of combat scenarios and applications. It is the principal source of fire power, not only for ground troops but for aircrafts as well. Crew-Served Weapons Are firearms or artillery pieces designed to be operated by multiple M60 personnel working together. They are typically larger and more - It is a belt-fed machine gun that fires the 7.62×51mm powerful than individual weapons and are used to provide heavy NATO cartridge (similar to.308 Winchester). fire support, suppress enemy positions, and enhance battlefield - Operated by three individuals; Gunner, Assistant Gunner, effectiveness. and Armor Bearer. Example: Mortar Rifle Crew-served weapons are designed to deliver sustained, high- It means any weapon designed or intended to be operated from the volume fire, providing essential heavy firepower in combat shoulder and uses the energy of the explosive in a fixed metallic situations to support infantry or engage enemy fortifications. They cartridge to fire only a single projectile through a rifled bore for typically offer extended range and greater accuracy compared to every single pull of the trigger. individual firearms, making them effective for engaging targets at longer distances and delivering broad-area fire support. This is designed for targets at a longer distance. These weapons enhance support capabilities by neutralizing Typically, a rifle's classification is determined by the kind of action enemy positions, protecting advancing units, and covering flanks it uses and the calibre or size of ammunition it can fire. during maneuvers. Operating crew-served weapons requires coordination among multiple personnel, enabling the effective M16 rifle, assault rifle developed as the AR-15 by American management of complex controls, ammunition handling, and engineer Eugene Stoner of ArmaLite Inc. in the late 1950s.The M16 tactical deployment. rifle was praised for its excellent accuracy, light weight, and the volume of fire it could provide. Their strategic deployment allows them to be used in various configurations, such as mounted on vehicles or in fixed positions, The M16 operates on gas and was originally equipped with both adapting to both mobile and stationary roles based on tactical fully automatic and semiautomatic fire control (autoloading). needs. Musket Additionally, crew-served weapons are often employed for heavy suppression, helping to disrupt enemy movements and provide a Description: protective barrier for friendly forces by delivering continuous fire to - A historical military shoulder firearm. keep enemy forces pinned down and reduce their effectiveness. - Designed to fire a single round lead ball. According to the Manner of Fed Key Features: Muzzle Fed - Long forestock. - Muzzle-loading mechanism. 1. Muzzle Fed - Smooth-bore barrel (without choke). Ammunition is fed through the muzzle. - Typically fires a single round lead ball. Ex. Mortar - Muzzle-fed Mortar Additional Notes: - This design allows soldiers to quickly drop a shell into the - Arranged to hold a bayonet at the muzzle end for barrel, and once it hits the bottom, the propellant is combat. ignited, firing the shell at a high angle to land on a target. Carbines Clip Fed Description: 2. Clip Fed - A lightweight, short-barreled rifle designed for Ammunition is loaded with the use of a clip that holds several maneuverability and portability. It typically has a barrel rounds of ammunition. length between 16 to 22 inches, shorter than a standard Ex. M1 Garand rifle but longer than a pistol barrel. - Clip-fed M1 Garand Hart M. Nazareno | BFSCI 3A FIREARMS IDENTIFICATION 1st Semester | Midterms Key Features: Swing out the cylinder - A revolver with a swing-out cylinder - Short Barrel Length mechanism is one with a cylinder that is mounted on a pivot that - Lightweight swings out of and down from the frame. The rod on the front of the - Effective Range cylinder unlocks the mechanism and allows it to swing out. It can - Compact Design then be pushed in to operate the extractor and eject the contents - Versatility of the chambers. Loading bullets can then be done one at a time or - Ease of Handling simultaneously using a speedloader. After loading, the cylinder is pushed back to the body of the revolver and locked in place. Operation: - It can be either semi-automatic (one shot per trigger pull) Top break frame - A top-break mechanism on a revolver is hinged or fully automatic (continuous firing while the trigger is near the front-bottom of the cylinder. The user can open the held down). revolver and load new cartridges in quickly and easily. In many top- break revolvers, the action of breaking open also pushes an Purpose and Use: extractor lever upward, which ejects all the cartridges or empty - Used by military, law enforcement, and civilians. cases or moves them far enough out of the cylinder that they can - Offers greater range and accuracy than pistols while be pulled out easily. being easier to handle in confined spaces. - Combines rifle range with maneuverability close to that Shotgun of a handgun. Overview: - A firearm designed to fire multiple pellets (shots) in one Types and Historical Uses: go. It can be either semi-automatic (one shot per trigger pull) or fully automatic (continuous firing while the trigger is held down). Key Features: - Breech Loading: Loaded from the back, not the front. M1 Carbine: - Gauge: The smaller the gauge number, the larger the - Developed during World War II. barrel diameter. - Fires a.30 caliber round. - Double Barrels: Some shotguns are built with two - Issued to paratroopers, engineers, and barrels. - support troops. Types of Shotgun M1A1 Carbine: Break Action Shotguns - Variant of the M1 with a folding stock. Break action is a type of firearm action in which the barrel(s) are - Designed for paratroopers for easier airborne transport. hinged much like a door and rotate perpendicularly to the bore axis to expose the breech. M2 Carbine: - Automatic version of the M1. Pump-Action Shotguns - Capable of both semi-automatic and fully automatic fire. A pump-action has a forearm that slides up and down the magazine - Used during World War II and the Korean War. tube to eject the fired shell and load a fresh one. Pumps have tubular magazines below the barrel that hold up to four shells, or M3 Carbine: more if the gun has a magazine extension. - Further development of the M2. - Equipped with infrared night vision sights for low-light Semi-Auto Shotguns conditions. Semiauto shotguns fire with each pull of the trigger. The gun - First used in the Korean War. accomplishes all the functions of ejecting spent shells and feeding new ones from the magazine either by means of the gun’s recoil or M14 Rifle: by harnessing expanding gases bled from the barrel to drive the - Evolution of the M1 Garand. action. An action spring, found in the stock of most semiautos, - Uses a larger 7.62×51mm NATO cartridge. pushes the bolt back into battery, picking up a fresh shell lifted from - Served as the standard-issue rifle for the U.S. military the magazine by the carrier on its way forward. from 1959 to the early 1970s. Mortar Pistol - It is a smooth bore, muzzle loading, high angle of fire A short barrel hand arm designed to fire a single projectile through weapon. a rifled bore for every trigger press. - The barrel is assembled into a single unit. Designed to combine optimum penetration with stopping power Categories of Firearms (RA 10591) and improved accuracy. Small Arms 1. Small Arms - designed for individual use and it is intended to M1911A1 be fired from the hand or shoulder, which are not capable of ▪ Designed by John Moses Browning fully automatic bursts of discharge. ▪ Best-known of his designs to use the short recoil principle in its basic design. Examples of Small Arms: ▪ It was widely used in World War I, World War II, the a. Handgun - intended to be fired from the hand Korean War, and the Vietnam War. - Pistol - hand-operated firearm having a chamber permanently aligned with the bore which may be Revolver self-loading. A hand arm equipped with a rotating cylinder, serving as the - Revolver - hand-operated firearm with a revolving magazine, successively places a cartridge into position for firing. cylinder containing chambers for individual cartridges Common revolvers carry five to eight rounds of ammunition in a b. Rifle - shoulder firearm that can discharge a bullet cylinder and some of them are single action and double action. through a rifled barrel by different actions of loading, which may be classified as lever, bolt, or self-loading. There are four classifications of a revolvers, namely; c. Shotgun - intended to fire a number of ball shots or a single projectile through a smooth bore by the action or 1. Single action energy from burning gunpowder. 2. Double action 3. Swing out the cylinder Class-A Light Weapons 4. Top break frame 2. Class-A Light Weapons - It refers to self-loading pistols, Single action – For Single Action setups, the trigger performs a rifles and carbines, submachine guns, not exceeding caliber single function. Pulling the trigger, causes the hammer to drop. 7.62MM which have fully automatic mode. This means that the hammer must be manually cocked in order for Examples of Class-A Light Weapons: the firearm to discharge a round. - Self-loading Pistols (Mauser) - reloads the chamber with a new round automatically each time the weapon is Double action - Double-action revolvers allow the hammer to be fired cocked and released with a single pull of the trigger. - Assault Rifle (M16) - a versatile, rapid-fire weapon capable of semi-automatic and fully automatic fire Most double-action revolvers have the capability to function in - Submachine Guns (MP5) - hand-held, lightweight either the double- or single-action mode. However, some models machine gun are designed to fire in the double-action mode only; the hammer - Light Machine Gun (Bren Light Machine Gun) - light- cannot be manually cocked and the trigger must be pulled. weight machine gun designed to be operated by a single infantryman, with or without an assistant Hart M. Nazareno | BFSCI 3A FIREARMS IDENTIFICATION 1st Semester | Midterms Class-B Light Weapons - Floor Plate: The removable plate at the base of the 3. Class-B Light Weapons - It refers to weapons designed for magazine that can be taken off to access and replace the use by two (2) or more persons serving as a crew, or rifles and internal spring and follower. machine guns exceeding caliber 7.62MM. 3. Frame/Receiver/Stock Group: this part of the firearm is the Examples of Class-B Light Weapons: house of internal parts and the mechanism of firearms. - Heavy Machine Gun (M2 Browning) - large caliber, belt-fed firearms that mounted in a tripod - Housing for Internal Components: The receiver - Handheld Underbarrel Grenade Launchers (M203) - contains and supports the internal mechanisms of the grenade launchers that can be attached to a rifle firearm, including the trigger assembly, firing pin, and - Mounted Grenade Launchers (MK19) - A weapon that bolt carrier group. fires a specially designed, large-caliber projectile, often - Trigger Mechanism: The receiver houses the trigger, with an explosives, smoke, or gas warhead. Larger which, when pulled, activates the firing mechanism. It systems often used in fixed positions includes components such as the sear, disconnector, - Portable Anti-Aircraft Guns (ZU-23-2) - surface-to-air and hammer or striker. missiles that can be fired by an individual or a small team of people against aircraft - Bolt and Bolt Carrier: In semi-automatic and automatic - Portable Anti-Tank Guns (AT4) - Portable anti-tank firearms, the receiver houses the bolt and bolt carrier systems initially appeared in the form of heavy rifles – so assembly, which cycles to chamber a round, fire it, and called anti-tank rifles eject the spent casing. - Recoilless Rifles [Carl Gustaf (8.4mm)] - lightweight - Firing Pin: This component strikes the primer of the artillery system or man-portable launcher that is cartridge to ignite the propellant and fire the bullet. In designed to eject some form of counter mass some designs, it is integral to the bolt or bolt carrier. - Portable Launchers of Anti-Tank Missile Systems - Safety Mechanisms: The receiver may include safety [Javelin (FGM-148)] - portable shoulder-launched levers or switches to prevent accidental discharge by projectile systems firing heavy shell type projectiles blocking the trigger or firing pin. - Portable Launchers of Anti-Aircraft Missile Systems - Magazine Well: The receiver provides the space where [Igla (9K38)] - surface-to-air missiles. They are guided the magazine is inserted and secured. It aligns the weapons and are a threat to low-flying aircraft, especially magazine with the chamber to feed rounds into the firing helicopters chamber. - Mortars of a Caliber Less Than 100mm (M224 mortar) - short-barreled, portable artillery pieces that fires - Ejection Port: The receiver has an opening through which spent casings are ejected after firing. explosive projectiles at low velocities, short ranges, and high, arcing trajectories. - Rails or Mounts: Some receivers are equipped with rails or mounting points for optics, sights, or other Main Parts of Firearms accessories. 1. Barrel Assembly: these parts of the firearm that affect the - Recoil System Attachments: In some firearms, the path of the bullet. receiver is where the recoil spring and buffer system are mounted to manage the recoil and cycling of the action. - Barrel: The primary component that guides the projectile Parts of Firearms as Defined in RA 10591 (bullet) from the chamber to the muzzle. It is rifled (has spiral grooves) in most modern firearms to impart a Republic Act No. 10591 (An Act Providing for a stabilizing spin on the projectile. Comprehensive Law on Firearms and Ammunition and Providing Penalties for Violations Thereof) - Muzzle: The end of the barrel where the projectile exits. It often features a muzzle brake, flash suppressor, or Sec. 3. Definition of Terms compensator to reduce recoil and muzzle flash. (w) Major part or components of a firearm refers to the barrel, - Chamber: The rear part of the barrel where the cartridge slide, frame, receiver, cylinder or the bolt assembly. The term also is seated before firing. It holds the cartridge in alignment includes any part or kit designed and intended for use in converting with the bore. a semi-automatic burst to a full automatic firearm. - Rifling: The spiral grooves inside the barrel that cause the projectile to spin, enhancing accuracy and stability in These are the essential parts of a firearm that are critical for its flight. function. The major parts include: - Crown: The very end of the barrel’s muzzle, which must ▪ Barrel: The part through which the bullet travels when be precisely finished to ensure accuracy. Any damage or fired. imperfections here can affect bullet trajectory. ▪ Slide: The part that moves back and forth to load and - Gas Port (in some designs): In gas-operated firearms, eject cartridges. a gas port may be present to direct some of the ▪ Frame or receiver: The main body of the firearm that propellant gases to cycle the action. houses other parts. ▪ Cylinder (for revolvers): The rotating part that holds - Barrel Liner (in some designs): A removable insert that ammunition. can be replaced to extend the life of the barrel or to ▪ Bolt assembly: The mechanism that seals the cartridge change caliber. into the barrel. - Breech (or Breech Face): The part of the barrel that ▪ This definition also includes any parts or kits designed to interfaces with the bolt or action to seal the chamber and convert a semi-automatic firearm (which fires one bullet contain the pressures generated when the firearm is per trigger pull) into a fully automatic firearm (which can fired. fire multiple bullets with a single trigger pull). - Barrel Nut: In some firearms, particularly rifles, the barrel nut secures the barrel to the receiver and may be (x) Minor parts of a firearm refers to the parts of the firearm other used to adjust headspace. than the major parts which are necessary to effect and complete the action of expelling a projectile by way of combustion, except 2. Cylinder Assembly/Slide Assembly/Magazine Assembly: those classified as accessories. these include the chamber of a firearm where the cartridge is ▪ These are the parts necessary for the firearm to function located ready for firing. but are not considered major parts. Minor parts help in the process of firing a bullet but are not as critical as the - Magazine Body: The main component that holds and major parts. Examples include springs, pins, or firing feeds ammunition into the firearm. It may be a pins. These parts are crucial but do not include detachable box or an integral part of the firearm. accessories. - Follower: A spring-loaded component inside the magazine that pushes the ammunition upwards towards (a) Accessories refer to parts of a firearm which may enhance or the feed lips. increase the operational efficiency or accuracy of a firearm but will not constitute any of the major or minor internal parts thereof such - Spring: The internal spring that pushes the follower and as, hut not limited to, laser scope, telescopic sight and sound ammunition up through the magazine. suppressor or silencer. - Feed Lips: The part of the magazine that guides the ▪ Accessories are additional parts that can be attached to cartridge into the chamber as the firearm cycles. a firearm to enhance its performance or accuracy, but - Base Plate: The bottom part of the magazine, which can they do not affect the basic functioning of the firearm. be removable for maintenance or reloading. Examples include: - Magazine Catch/Release: A mechanism or button that ▪ Laser scope: A device that projects a laser beam to help allows the magazine to be attached to or removed from aim more accurately. the firearm. ▪ Telescopic sight: An optical sight that magnifies the target, improving accuracy over long distances. Hart M. Nazareno | BFSCI 3A FIREARMS IDENTIFICATION 1st Semester | Midterms ▪ Sound suppressor or silencer: A device attached to The barrel is essential for guiding the bullet's trajectory and the firearm to reduce the noise of the shot. ensuring accuracy when fired. Its length and rifling influence the bullet's speed, stability, and overall performance. Nomenclature of Firearms and its Parts and Functions (Revolver) 6. Frame - is the component to which all other parts are Colt Anaconda.45 Revolver attached. Internal and external safety is a mechanical 1. Hammer - used to strike the percussion cap/primer, or a device designed to reduce the possibility of accidental separate firing pin, to ignite the propellant and fire the discharge. projectile. - Main Structure: The frame is the core body that - Cocking: Pulling back the hammer compresses the holds all parts together. mainspring, storing energy - Supports Firing Mechanism: It houses components - Firing: When the hammer is released, it strikes the like the trigger and hammer. firing pin or cartridge primer, igniting the round. - Varies in Material: Frames can be made of steel, - Resetting: After firing, the hammer will either return to aluminum, or polymer for durability and weight its rest position or remain cocked until manually reset. balance The hammer is a critical component in the firing sequence The frame provides the structural foundation of a gun, holding key and directly impacts the feel, speed, and precision of components like the trigger, hammer, and barrel in place. It ensures shooting. durability and balance, affecting both the gun's handling and longevity. 2. Cylinder - to bring unfired cartridges in line with the barrel to be fired. 7. Trigger guard - is located on the underside of the frame - Loading ammunition: The cylinder contains several and is designed to protect the trigger from accidental chambers, each holding one round of ammunition. The discharging the firearm. user loads cartridges into each chamber by opening - Location and Design: The trigger guard is a curved the cylinder. piece of metal located on the underside of the - Chamber alignment: The cylinder rotates with each firearm's frame, surrounding the trigger. shot to bring the next chamber, containing a new - Primary Purpose: To protect the trigger from being cartridge, into alignment with the barrel and the accidentally pulled or bumped, which could lead to an hammer of the firing pin. unintentional discharge of the firearm. - Firing Sequence: When the trigger is pulled, the - User Safety: Helps prevent the user's finger from cylinder rotates to position the next loaded chamber in entering the trigger area unintentionally, especially line with the firing mechanism. when wearing gloves or in adverse conditions. The cylinder is essential for chambering multiple rounds and - Deliberate Action: It also serves as a safety feature, ensuring proper alignment of the round with the barrel before firing. as it requires the user to deliberately place their finger The type of revolver dictates how the cylinder is rotated and inside the guard and apply pressure to the trigger in manipulated, with double-action revolvers offering more order to fire the weapon. convenience due to automatic rotation and a swing-out design for faster loading and unloading. 8. Trigger - is located on the underside of the frame and the hammer is on the rear of the frame. When the trigger is pulled it activates the hammer, the hammer strikes the firing 3. Front Sight - a crucial aiming tool that helps the shooter pin which strikes the cartridge and fires the handgun. align the firearm with the intended target. Functions of a Trigger - Aiming and accuracy: The primary function of the 1. Pulling the Trigger: The shooter applies pressure to the front sight is to assist in aiming by providing a visual trigger. reference point. The shooter aligns the front sight with 2. Releasing the Mechanism: The trigger releases a catch the rear sight and the target to ensure the barrel is or sear that holds the hammer or striker under tension. correctly oriented toward the target. 3. Discharging the Firearm: The released hammer or - Sight Alignment: Proper sight alignment involves striker moves forward, striking the firing pin, which then positioning the front sight in the middle of the rear ignites the primer of the cartridge, leading to the sight notch so that the top of the front sight is level discharge of the bullet with the top of the rear sight. This ensures the revolver is aimed accurately in both the horizontal and vertical 9. Grip panels - are attached to the lower portion of the frame. planes. The grip panels are usually wood, rubber, molded plastic or - Sight Picture: A correct sight picture involves animal bone and attached with screws. aligning the front sight with the rear sight and placing - Material Composition: Grip panels are removable it on the target. The target should appear just above pieces, typically made of wood, rubber, molded the front sight in the sight picture. This alignment is plastic, or even animal bone, that are attached to the crucial for hitting the target accurately. lower portion of the frame. - Focus Point: When aiming, the shooter's focus - Comfort and Control: They provide a comfortable should be on the front sight rather than the target. This and secure grip for the user's hand, allowing for better helps maintain precise alignment, as the human eye control and stability when holding and firing the can only focus sharply on one object at a time. The handgun. front sight must be crisp and clear in the shooter's 10. Muzzle - is the front end of the barrel where the bullet exits vision to achieve accuracy. the firearm after being fired. - Bullet Exit Point: It is the point from which the bullet 4. Thumblatch - a button used to release the cylinder of a emerges and travels towards the intended target. revolver. - Maintenance Importance: The muzzle's condition - Releases Cylinder: The thumb latch opens the and cleanliness are important for the firearm's cylinder on revolvers for loading/unloading. accuracy and performance, as any obstructions or - For Quick Access: It's designed for easy, one- debris in the barrel can affect the bullet's trajectory. handed use with the thumb. - Safety Considerations: It is crucial to always keep - Varies by Brand: Different brands have different the muzzle pointed in a safe direction and be aware latch mechanisms (push/pull). of your target and what lies beyond it when handling a firearm. The thumb latch is crucial for quickly releasing the cylinder in revolvers, allowing for fast reloading. Its easy accessibility ensures Nomenclature of Firearms and its Parts and Functions efficient handling and safety during firearm use. (Pistol) Colt.45 AUTO M1911A1 5. Barrel - is a metal tube through which the bullet passes on 1. Frame - is the component to which all other parts are its way to the target.