Ignition.—Any chemical combination which can be caused to explode and fire the charge, as in a cap or cartridge, for instance.
Kentucky Rifle.—A form of rifle, once very popular with Western hunters, and now used to some extent. It is muzzle loading, and the great length of the barrel was one great peculiarity.
Kick.—When a gun rebounds at firing the term is used “it kicks.”
Land Space.—The space in the bore of a rifle between the grooves.
Lever.—The bar or rod the working of which locks or unlocks the action of a breech-loader, enabling the operator to open or close the gun. As top-lever, side-lever, under-lever, etc.
Lock Plate.—The flat plate to the inside of which all the other parts of the gun-lock are secured.
Loop.—The projection under the barrel to which the fore end is fastened. See barrel loop. They are of two kinds, wire and bolt loop.
Long Fire.—When a noticeable space of time intervenes between the striking of the hammer and the explosion of the charge, hence the term, the gun has made “long-fire.”
Lower Rib.—The rib underneath and between the barrels of a shot gun.
Lump.—The iron piece soldered to the barrel of a breech-loader, which descends into the action and is there secured preparatory to firing.