Definition

Noun: - The part of a firearm that holds the cartridge ready for firing: A gun chamber is the enclosed space at the breech end of a gun's barrel where a single cartridge is inserted and positioned to be fired. When the weapon's action is closed, the chamber seals the cartridge in place. Pulling the trigger causes the firing pin to strike the cartridge's primer, igniting the propellant and firing the bullet.

Usage

The term "gun chamber" specifically refers to the physical compartment for the ammunition. It is a key component in the firing cycle of most firearms. - Before shooting, always ensure the gun chamber is empty by visually inspecting it. - The spent cartridge case is ejected from the gun chamber after each shot.

Advanced Usage

• "to chamber a round": This verb phrase means to insert a cartridge into the gun chamber, making the firearm ready to fire.
  • He chambered a round and took a defensive position.

Variants and Related Words

• Chamber (noun): While "chamber" has many general meanings (e.g., a room, a legislative body), in firearms context it is synonymous with "gun chamber."
  • The bullet is seated in the chamber.
• Chambering (noun/gerund): The act of loading a cartridge into the chamber or the specific cartridge size a firearm is designed for.
  • This rifle has a .308 Winchester chambering.

Synonyms

• Breech chamber: A more technical term emphasizing the rear part of the barrel.
• Cartridge chamber: A descriptive synonym highlighting its function of holding the cartridge.

Related Phrases

• Clear the chamber: To remove any cartridge from the gun chamber to make the firearm safe.
  • The first safety step is to clear the chamber.
• In the chamber: Describing the state of having a cartridge loaded and ready to fire.
  • With a round in the chamber, the weapon is considered "hot."

Noun

1. chamber that is the part of a gun that receives the charge