Gun Terms Every Gun Owner Should Know - TheFireArmGuy

Published on January 10, 2017
Duration: 4:03

This video provides essential firearm terminology for gun owners, differentiating between pistols and revolvers, explaining caliber compatibility (e.g., .357 Magnum vs. .38 Special), and correcting common misnomers like 'handle' for grip, 'silencer' for suppressor, 'assault rifle' for sporting rifles, and 'clip' for magazine. The instructor emphasizes the importance of using accurate language to combat misinformation and promote understanding within the firearms community.

Quick Summary

Learn essential firearm terminology: A pistol has one chamber and one barrel, while a revolver has multiple chambers in a rotating cylinder. .357 Magnum revolvers can fire .38 Special, but not vice-versa. The correct term for the holding part is 'grip,' not 'handle,' and 'suppressor' is accurate, not 'silencer.' A 30-round device is a 'magazine,' not a 'clip.'

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction to Firearm Terminology
  2. 00:07Pistol vs. Revolver Explained
  3. 00:31.357 Magnum and .38 Special Compatibility
  4. 01:06Grip vs. Handle
  5. 01:30Suppressor vs. Silencer
  6. 01:59Rifle vs. Assault Rifle
  7. 02:55Magazine vs. Clip Explained
  8. 03:25Combating Violent Language in Firearm Terms
  9. 03:39Importance of Correct Terminology
  10. 03:54Call to Action: Subscribe and Share

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a pistol and a revolver?

A pistol is a handgun with a single chamber and a single barrel. A revolver, however, features multiple chambers within a cylinder that rotates, and it has one barrel. The key distinction lies in the ammunition storage and feeding mechanism.

Can a .357 Magnum revolver shoot .38 Special ammunition?

Yes, a revolver chambered in .357 Magnum is designed to safely fire both .357 Magnum and .38 Special ammunition. However, a revolver chambered only for .38 Special should not be fired with .357 Magnum rounds due to pressure differences.

Is the correct term for a firearm's grip 'handle'?

No, the correct term is 'grip.' While some may colloquially refer to it as a handle, in proper firearm terminology, the part you hold onto is called the grip, and any coverings are referred to as grip panels.

What is the difference between a suppressor and a silencer?

A suppressor is the technically accurate term for a device that attaches to a firearm's barrel to reduce noise and muzzle flash. 'Silencer' is a common, but inaccurate, term often used in media; suppressors do not completely silence a firearm.

Is a 30-round firearm magazine called a 'clip'?

No, a 30-round device that holds and feeds ammunition into a firearm is called a 'magazine.' A clip is a separate device used to load magazines or some older firearms. The term 'clip' is often misused for magazines.

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