|
What is
a firearm?
A firearm is a device,
often designed to be
used as a weapon, which
projects single or
multiple projectiles at
high velocity through a
controlled explosion.
The firing of a firearm
is achieved by the gases
produced through rapid,
confined burning of a
propellant. The
process of rapid burning
is technically known as
deflagration. In older
firearms, the propellant
was typically black
powder, but modern
firearms use smokeless
powder, called cordite,
or other propellants.
Most modern firearms
(with the notable
exception of smoothbore
shotguns) have rifled
barrels to impart spin
to the projectile for
improved flight
stability. |
