firing mechanism
Weapon's discharge system
A firing mechanism is the part of a gun or other weapon that ignites the propellant to discharge a projectile—typically the trigger, hammer, and firing pin working together.
The term extends to any device that initiates an explosion or launch: The bomb squad disabled the firing mechanism.
Figuratively, anything that triggers a chain of events: His resignation was the firing mechanism for the scandal.
- solenoidCurrent-carrying wire helix
- actuatorDevice producing controlled motion
- triggerWhat initiates action
- pull the triggerInitiate the irreversible action
- hair triggerUltra-responsive firing mechanism
double action · bolt action · detonator · sear · hammer · combustion chamber · ignition system · chain reaction · reflex arc · domino effect · tipping point · primer · breech · piston · detent · spark plug · valve · chamber
- catapult partscounterweight, sling, arm swing, fulcrum, lever arm
- gun partsbarrel, barrels, trigger, triggers, bolt
- rifle partsbolt, stock, trigger, barrel, chamber
- naval weaponstorpedo, naval guns, cannon, naval mines, gun turret
- fire controltargeting computer, tracking system, range finder, rangefinder, target acquisition
- Mine Warfaremine, naval mines, sea mines, magnetic mines, minefield
firing mechanismsafety mechanism
Feature preventing unintended operation
safety catch · safety lock · trigger lock · gun lock · locking mechanism
fire, firing, fired, fires, firearm, firearms, fireable, misfire, misfires