firearm
Powder-propelled weapon
A firearm is a weapon that uses explosive propellant to launch projectiles—pistols, rifles, shotguns, and similar devices.
The term appears frequently in legal and regulatory contexts: firearm registration, licensed to carry a firearm.
It's more formal than gun, which covers the same range of weapons in everyday speech.
Path of moving object
- velocityDirected rate of motion
- caliberBore diameter or quality
- riflingBarrel's helical grooves
- propellantSubstance creating thrust
cartridge · bullet · penetration · recoil · accuracy · range · powder · projectile
What initiates action
- barrelHooped cylindrical vessel
- magazineBound periodical with articles
- chamberEnclosed room or cavity
- stockGoods kept for sale
grip · action · caliber · breech · cylinder · frame · hammer · muzzle
Compact one-handed firearm
- shotgunLong gun firing shot
- rifleLong-barreled shoulder weapon
- carbineShort-barreled lightweight firearm
- handgunFirearm for single-hand use
semiautomatic · automatic · musket · flintlock · derringer · bolt-action · lever-action · pump-action
Sidearm carrying case
- officerAuthority figure in uniform
- patrolRegular surveillance route
- issuedReleased or distributed officially
- qualificationRequired skill or condition
draw · concealed · open-carry · detective · armed
Purpose or direction
- targetObject of pursuit
- marksmanshipAccuracy in shooting
- stanceStanding posture or viewpoint
- groupingArrangement by shared traits
bullseye · range · shooter · discharge · report · kickback · follow-through · squeeze
Ground combat troops
- soldierArmed forces member
- combatArmed hostile engagement
- tacticalStrategically planned
- arsenalStockpile of munitions
sniper · ordnance · deployment · carbine · armory · platoon · squad · battalion
Concealment through visual blending
- venisonFlesh of cervids
- stalkingStealthy, persistent pursuit
- trackingMonitoring location over time
- buckMale deer or dollar
doe · fowl · tagging · outfitter · backcountry · trophy · waterfowl · upland
Securing hazards from toddlers
- unloadedEmptied of cargo
- storageSpace for keeping goods
- clearingTreeless space in forest
- instructorOne who teaches skills
trajectory
Path of moving object
propellant · cartridge · bullet · penetration · recoil · accuracy · range · powder · projectile · grain
trigger
What initiates action
stock · grip · action · caliber · breech · cylinder · frame · hammer · muzzle · sights
pistol
Compact one-handed firearm
- shotgunLong gun firing shot
- rifleLong-barreled shoulder weapon
- carbineShort-barreled lightweight firearm
handgun · semiautomatic · automatic · musket · flintlock · derringer · bolt-action · lever-action · pump-action · double-barrel
holster
Sidearm carrying case
- officerAuthority figure in uniform
- patrolRegular surveillance route
- issuedReleased or distributed officially
qualification · draw · concealed · open-carry · detective · armed
aim
Purpose or direction
- targetObject of pursuit
- marksmanshipAccuracy in shooting
- stanceStanding posture or viewpoint
grouping · bullseye · range · shooter · discharge · report · kickback · follow-through · squeeze · zeroing
infantry
Ground combat troops
arsenal · sniper · ordnance · deployment · carbine · armory · platoon · squad · battalion · engagement
camouflage
Concealment through visual blending
buck · doe · fowl · tagging · outfitter · backcountry · trophy · waterfowl · upland · safari
childproofing
Securing hazards from toddlers
- action filmschase scene, car chase, explosion, stunt, shootout
- aviation threatshijacking, skyjacking, bomb threat, terrorism, explosive
- firearmsrifle, pistol, handgun, shotgun, carbine
- weaponsknife, gun, sword, swords, rifle
- ranged weaponsbow and arrow, crossbow, longbow, rifle, pistol
- self-defenseself-defense, martial arts, self-protection, karate, pepper spray
firearmolive branch
Symbol of reconciliation
plowshare · white flag · shield · peace symbol · medical kit
firearmdisarmament
Reducing or eliminating weapons
unarmed · antifirearm · gun control · gun-free · nonviolence
- firearms regulationLaws restricting weapon ownership
- firearm safetySafe weapon handling practices