pinfire

[ pin-fahyuhr ]

adjective

1. of or relating to a cartridge fitted with a pin that, when struck by the hammer of the firearm, causes the cartridge to explode.
2. of or relating to a firearm that uses such a cartridge.

Word History and Origins

Origin of pinfire¹

First recorded in 1850–55; pin + fire

Example Sentences

That same summer, Roosevelt also received his first gun, a double-barrel, breech-loading pinfire shotgun.

From Literature

At eight years old, Kermit learned to shoot using the same pinfire shotgun that had been his father’s.

From Literature

Does the opal contain recognizable patterns such as harlequin, peacock tail or pinfire?

From New York Times

On our arrival, the only weapons the guard possessed were ancient pinfire rifles, firing a huge lump of lead.

From Project Gutenberg

In the first place, the ammunition expert who was called at the inquest to give evidence about the bullet extracted from the body testified that in weight and in length it corresponded with the seven millimetre bullet made for a pinfire revolver.

From Project Gutenberg