Hunting enthusiasts and law enforcement officers typically own firearms. Though there are several types, brands, and models for different needs, most handguns fire in similar ways. If you’ve ever been curious about how they work, learn more about their function in the guide below.

What’s the Mechanism of a Gun?

Pulling the trigger causes the spring to hammer a metal pin into the rear of the cartridge, which ignites a small explosion. As the explosive powder burns, it releases gas that increases pressure in the cartridge. The pressure pushes the bullet out of the barrel at a rate of approximately 1,000 feet per second.

Though the bullet exits the gun, the cartridge remains in the cylinder, clip, or magazine. If the firearm doesn’t automatically eject it, you must manually remove it to fire again.

How Do Bullets Travel?

The interior of the barrel has grooves that cause bullets to spin when you fire. This makes the bullets less likely to deviate from the desired path, improving aim. However, the trajectory is never completely straight. If you’re far from the target, bullets eventually tend to move in a downward curve as gravity pulls them toward the ground. On the other hand, short-distance firing typically leads to a straighter path. 

Bullets are small, but the high speed at which they travel gives them power. The energy of the momentum transfers onto the target once it’s hit, causing damage. 

When you’re in the market for high-quality firearms, browse the selection at Northern Security Supply in Anchorage, AK. They carry a huge inventory of guns, ammunition, and accessories from top brands. They’ve been the region’s premier one-stop shop for police gear for over 35 years. Their ammunition has different projectile weights, velocities, recoil features, and hollow points. Call (907) 561-5602 to ask about the police and tactical gear they have in stock, or visit their website to learn more about their products.