Flash.—In the days of the old flint-lock a gun was said to “flash” when the priming ignited in the pan but failed to fire the charge.
Flux.—A substance or mixture used to facilitate the melting of metals or minerals, as glass, borax, and the like.
Fore Piece.—That portion of the stock lying under the barrel, forward of the lock, called also fore-end and fore-arm.
Fore Sight.—The sight located nearest the muzzle end of the barrel.
Forge.—A furnace with its accompaniments where iron or other metals are wrought by heating and hammering. When a piece of metal is hammered into some required shape, the operation is termed “to forge it.”
Fowling Piece.—A smooth bored gun, used for hunting small game, shooting shot or small pellets.
Freeing.—Slightly enlarging the bore of a gun at the muzzle.
Frizzen.—In the old flint-lock the steel plate that covers the pan and stood up in front of the flint, against which the flint struck to produce fire to ignite the priming.
Grip.—A name usually applied to the round part of a gun stock just back of the locks. It is also applied to the handle of a pistol.
Guard.—The piece of metal which curves around the triggers and protects them.