A container for cartridges or shotshells with a spring and follower to feed cartridges into the
chamber
of the firearm. It may be detachable or an integral part of the
firearm.
Magazine Floorplate
The bottom of a fixed magazine.
Magazine
Follower
A spring-actuated device to push cartridges in a
magazine to the feeding position.
Magazine Plug
A part inserted into a magazine to reduce its capacity. It is also the part in the end of a
tubular magazine that closes the end and retains the spring.
Magazine Release
A device that retains or releases a detachable magazine in a firearm.
Magazine
Safety
A safety device found on some
semi-automatic handguns that prevents firing unless the magazine is inserted into the firearm.
Magazine Throat
A metallic insert found in some plastic magazines that aligns the next cartridge to be fed into the chamber.
Magazine Well
The opening in a firearm that receives the detachable magazine.
Magnum
Cartridge
Centerfire, rimfire and shotshell ammunition that is larger, more powerful or produces higher velocities than standard calibers.
Mainspring
A strong spring, a.k.a an energy storage device, that operates the striker or hammer of a firearm.
Mainspring Guide
Usually a rod-like device that keeps the mainspring from kinking.
Mainspring
Housing
A channel in which the mainspring rides.
Martini Action
A hammerless single shot rifle action operated by a lever where the
breechblock's movement is contained within the receiver and pivots at the rear.
Match
A long cord of hemp, flax or cotton saturated with saltpeter that burns slowly without a flame. Used to ignite the early
matchlock firearms.
Matchlock
A firearm action of the type used by the first European
explorers and Conquistadors that relies on an S-shaped (serpentine) piece of
metal to hold the smoldering match. Once activated the burning end of the match,
held by the upper end of the serpentine, drops to the priming powder in the pan
and ignites the powder charge in the barrel though the touch hole.
Metallic
Sights
A non-telescopic firearm sight. Also called iron sights.
Mini Ball
A conical shaped lead bullet with a hollow base that spreads
once fired to form a tight fit between the lead of the bullet skirt and the
rifle's grooves. The most popular military bullet configuration throughout the
Civil War.
A smoothbore military shoulder
gun with a long
barrel
and forend stock extending nearly to the muzzle.
Muskets were in common use during the 17th, 18th,
and 19th centuries.
Musketoon
A musket shortened for cavalry use.
Muzzle
The "business end" of the firearm's barrel from which the
bullet or shot emerges.
