Engineering:Tapering (firearms)

From HandWiki
Short description: Firearm components that narrow down

In firearms,Tapering refers to components that narrow down, similar to that of a conical fashion hence the name taper.[1][2][3][4]

Barrels

Tapered barrel of a cannon.

In barrels, this centralises mass to the operator. Not only to reduce weight from the muzzle but also to increase accuracy/acquisition and stabilise the balance handling of the weapon. Also the fact that chamber pressures are higher at the rear of the barrel.

Rifling

Tapered bore.

In rifling, a Tapered bore/Conical bore is where the caliber narrows off to increase velocity of the round.

Cartridges

Tapered rifle cartridge.

In cartridges, this usually helps in chambering/unloading the weapon. This differs than shouldering/bottlenecking[5] as this only refers to the case head of the cartridge that holds the projectile, whereas tapering usually refers to the angled sides of the cartridge.

See also

References

  1. "British Cannon Design 1600 - 1800". https://www.arc.id.au/Cannon.html. 
  2. Tony DiGiulian. "Definitions and Information about Naval Guns". NavWeaps. http://www.navweaps.com/Weapons/Gun_Data.php. Retrieved 2022-08-20. 
  3. "Naval Gun Barrel Construction". https://www.eugeneleeslover.com/USNAVY/GUN-BARL-CONSTRUCTION-1.html. 
  4. https://martellotowers.co.uk/cannon
  5. Cartridges and Firearm Identification By Robert E. Walker. CRC Press Taylor & Francis Group. ISBN 978-1-4665-0206-2 Ammunition Cartridges Page 47