Glossary Of Terms

If you are new to shooting, the terminology tossed about is confusing to say the least. We've put together a list below to help you navigate through the maze!

Revolver: According to dictionary.com, the definition of a revolver is:
a handgun having a revolving chambered cylinder for holding a number of cartridges, which may be discharged in succession without reloading
Included below is a picture of a revolver, showing the basic anatomy of it.

Semi-Automatic: Refering to dictionary.com again, a semi-auto is as follows:

(of a firearm) automatically ejecting the cartridge case of a fired shot and loading the next cartridge from the magazine but requiring a squeeze of the trigger to fire each individual shot.

Rifle: A shoulder firearm with spiral grooves cut in the inner surface of the gun barrel to give the bullet a rotatory motion and thus a more precise trajectory.

 

Shotgun: A smoothbore gun for firing small shots to hunt birds and small quadrupeds, though often used with buckshot to hunt larger animals.

 
Carbine: A light, gas-operated semiautomatic rifle, a short rifle used in the cavalry.

 

Magazine: A metal receptacle for a number of cartridges, inserted into certain types of automatic weapons and when empty removed and replaced by a full receptacle in order to continue firing.

 

JHP/ Defensive Ammunition: JHP: Jacketed Hollow Point. This ammunition is typically used in defensive situations, as the round will impact the target differently with less chance of over-penetration. The round is designed to open or mushroom on contact, thus inflicting more damage to the target.

Ball/ Range Ammunition: Typically used for practice, range or ball ammunition does not have a hollow point. It tends to be a solid lead projectile, covered with a copper jacket.

FFL: A Federal Firearms License (FFL) is a license that enables an individual or a company to engage in a business pertaining to the manufacture of firearms and ammunition or the interstate and intrastate sale of firearms. Holding an FFL to engage in certain such activities has been a legal requirement within the United States of America since the enactment of the Gun Control Act of 1968.
For example, in order for Patrick's to sell firearms and perform some gunsmith duties, we are required by the federal government to hold this license.


Form 4473: The Form 4473 is what customers will fill out when they purchase a firearm from an FFL dealer. This information is used to obtain a background check, and is stored by the FFL for a number of years.

GWCL: The GWCL is the GEORGIA WEAPONS CARRY LICENSE. In order to lawfully carry a firearm in legal public areas, you must have a valid, current GWCL on your person.

RSO: An RSO is a RANGE SAFETY OFFICER. You will see them observing the firing line to make sure all shooters are maintaining safety standards. They will step up and request you to cease fire at any time they see safety violations, and will help you correct the situation.

CCP/ CWP: Concealed Carry Permit, or the Concealed Weapons Permit.

Holster: A holster is the device used to carry your firearm on your person. There are many styles, materials, and options available.