HUNTINGsmart! USA Knowledge Base

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Module 01 - HUNTING BASICS

STARTING FROM SCRATCH: DEFINITIONS

Stock:

The stock (or grip) is the wooden or synthetic handle of the firearm.

Barrel:

The barrel is the metal tube that the bullet or shot travels down when the trigger has been pulled.

Bore:

The bore is the inside part of the barrel.

Muzzle:

The muzzle is the opening at the end of the barrel. This is where the projectile (bullet, slug or shot) emerges once the trigger has been pulled.

Action:

The moving parts of a firearm that allow it to be loaded, fired and unloaded.

Receiver:

The metal housing for the parts that make up the action.

Safety:

A mechanical device that prevents a firearm from accidentally firing.

Sight:

The aiming device located on top of the barrel (there are usually two pieces, one at the front and one at the rear, that align when looked through properly).

Trigger:

When squeezed, the trigger releases the part of the action that fires the cartridge.

Trigger guard:

A loop surrounding the trigger area to prevent accidental firing.