Firearm Basics
Firearm: According to the federal government definition, a firearm is a rifle, shotgun, or handgun that uses gunpowder as a propellant. The act of combustion must be present for the device to be considered a firearm.
Handgun: A firearm (such as a revolver or pistol) designed to be held and fired with one hand.
Revolver: A repeating handgun with at least one barrel that uses a revolving cylinder containing multiple chambers to fire.
Semi-Automatic Pistol: A pistol with a single chamber that is capable of semi-automatic fire.
Hammer-Fired Pistol: A type of semi-automatic pistol that uses a hammer to strike the firing pin, which ignites the primer and fires the cartridge.
Striker-Fired Pistol: A type of semi-automatic handgun that uses a striker mechanism instead of a traditional hammer. The spring-loaded firing pin is called a striker, and when released, it strikes the primer and fires the cartridge.
Safety: An internal or external mechanism used to help prevent the accidental discharge of a firearm.
Magazine: The component of the firearm that stores and feeds ammunition.
Iron Sights: Alignment markers made of metal or plastic to create an aim point on the target.
Red Dot Sight: An optic that projects a small red or green dot or circle onto a target to create an aim point on the target.
Pew Pew: The sound a firearm makes.
Ammo Basics
Ammunition or Ammo: A complete projectile that includes a case, primer, powder, and a bullet.
Bullet: The head of the cartridge, or the part that is expelled through the barrel of the firearm.
Brass: The cartridge case of ammo or the part that ejects after firing.
Round: A term used to describe one single unit of ammunition.
Caliber: The number that indicates the internal diameter of a firearm's barrel or a cartridge's bullet. Typically expressed in millimeters or hundredths of an inch. For example, 9mm is a caliber.
Hollow Point or Defensive Rounds: Ammunition that is typically used for self-defense. It has a divot in the top of the round and when it comes in contact with soft material, such as flesh, it expands and mushrooms out.
Full Metal Jacket Rounds: Ammunition that is typically used for practicing at the range. Unlike hollow points, this round does not expand on contact.
Stopping Power: The phrase used to describe a certain type of ammo in terms of its ability to cause damage to a human or animal. For example, hollow point ammo is marketed as having significant stopping power.
Dry Fire: Discharging an unloaded firearm in order to practice.
Concealed Carry Basics
Concealed Carry: The act or practice of carrying a concealed firearm in public or the legal right to do so.
Open Carry: The act or practice of carrying a firearm openly in public or the legal right to do so.
Concealed Carry Permit or License: Granted from your state of residence or local jurisdiction, giving the legal permission to carry concealed. Often abbreviated as CCW, CCL, or CPL, depending on the state.
Constitutional Carry: Constitutional carry states do not require permits to carry for citizens as long as they can legally possess firearms. These states may still place conditions on carrying.
Permitless Carry: Permitless carry includes constitutional carry states as well as states where specific qualifications must be met, such as completing a safety course or being DUI-free for a certain time. Some permitless carry states are unrestricted, and others are not. For example, a state may allow open carry without a permit but still require one for concealed carry.
Everyday Carry or EDC: The roundup of tools/items you carry when you leave the house. For example, the firearm and holster you carry, a pocket knife, medical supplies, a flashlight, etc.
Chambering: Inserting a round into the chamber.
Racking The Slide: Pulling back on the slide and letting it go to feed a round into the chamber.
One In The Chamber: Carrying with a round in the firearm chamber, so it's ready to fire instead of carrying with an empty chamber and needing to rack a round before firing.
Drawing: Removing a firearm from the holster and presenting it into a firing position.
Printing: When the perceptible outline of at least some part of a firearm can be seen through the concealing garment.
Brandishing: The act of intentionally displaying a weapon to elicit a response from someone.
Flag or Flagging: Pointing the firearm at something you do not intend to destroy.
Holster Basics
Holster: A container, usually made of Kydex, leather, or nylon, that holds a firearm and typically attaches to a belt or other item of clothing.
Kydex: A lightweight, durable plastic material that can be molded into various shapes while maintaining rigidity and strength.
Inside The Waistband or IWB: Carrying concealed with your firearm and holster inside the waistband.
IWB Holster: A holster worn inside the waistband.
Appendix Inside the Waistband or AIWB: Carrying concealed with your firearm and holster inside the waistband and positioned on the front of your body (appendix) somewhere between your hips.
AIWB Holster: A holster worn inside the waistband and designed for the appendix carry position.
Outside The Waistband or OWB: Carrying with your firearm and holster outside the waistband. Often seen in open carry but can be concealed if there is a layer like a jacket concealing the firearm.
OWB Holster: A holster worn outside the waistband.
Holster Retention: Qualities or mechanisms that hold a firearm in place inside the holster.
Holster Clip: The part of the holster, typically made of plastic or metal, that attaches to your belt or item of clothing.
UltiClip: A metal clip with bracketed retention that can be used without a belt.
Fabriclip: A plastic clip with a locking feature that can be used without a belt.
Monoblock Clip: A metal dual clip that can be used with or without a belt.
Concealment Claw or Wing: An attachment on a holster designed to push the firearm's grip closer to the body, making it easier to conceal.
Beltless Holster: Any holster with a clip (typically metal) that’s intended to be used with or without a belt.
Concealed Carry Accessories
Gun Belt: A sturdy, reinforced belt that can hold the weight of your firearm and holster without warping or bowing.
Beltless Carry: Any method of concealed carry using an anchor other than a belt such as a bellyband or Enigma.
Bellyband: A fabric band worn on the hips, waist, or torso. Instead of clipping your holster to a belt, you can clip it onto a bellyband, opening up concealment options.
The Enigma: A concealed carry system that attaches to your body instead of clothing.
Off-Body Carry: Any method of concealed carry where the holster and firearm are in a bag instead of being anchored to the body.
Concealed Carry Bag: A purse, bag, fanny pack, or backpack that's designed specifically for concealed carry. Usually includes features like a built-in holster and a dedicated pocket for a firearm.
