rifle etymology

Etymology

The word "rifle" comes from the German word "riffeln", meaning "to groove". This refers to the spiral grooves cut into the bore of the barrel, which give the bullet spin and improve accuracy.

Meaning

A rifle is a long-barreled firearm with a spirally grooved bore designed to fire a single projectile with high accuracy over long distances.

Origin

The first rifles were developed in the early 16th century in Germany. These early rifles were known as "wheel-lock rifles" and used a rotating steel wheel to strike a flint and create a spark to ignite gunpowder.

Rifles became increasingly popular throughout the 17th and 18th centuries, as they offered significant advantages in accuracy and range over smoothbore muskets. This led to the widespread adoption of rifles by armies and hunters around the world.

Over time, rifles have undergone numerous technological advancements, including the development of percussion caps, metallic cartridges, and smokeless powder. These advancements have greatly improved the performance and reliability of rifles, making them the preferred firearm for hunting, target shooting, and military use.

rifle relate terms

  • rifle

    Etymology The word rifle comes from the German word riffeln meaning to groove Thi

  • rifle

    Etymology The word rifle comes from the German word riffeln meaning to groove Thi

  • raffle

    Etymology The word raffle is derived from the Middle Dutch word raffelen meaning t

  • shotgun

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  • plunder

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  • carbine

    Etymology Origin French carabine Medieval Latin carabus a light boat Late Latin

  • Mauser

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  • port

    Etymology The word port comes from the Latin word portus meaning harbor or haven

  • search

    Etymology Origin Greek Etymology Etymos true real logia study of Mean

  • chaser

    Etymology Early 17th century in the sense one who hunts something relentlessly

  • Winchester

    Etymology and Meaning The name Winchester is of Anglo Saxon origin and has the followi