Tapering (firearms)

In firearms,Tapering refers to components that narrow down, similar to that of a conical fashion hence the name taper.^[1][2][3][4]

Barrels

Tapered barrel of a cannon.

In barrels, this centralises mass to the operator. Not only to reduce weight from the muzzle but also to increase accuracy/acquisition and stabilise the balance handling of the weapon. Also the fact that chamber pressures are higher at the rear of the barrel.

Rifling

Tapered bore.

Main article: Squeeze bore

In rifling, a Tapered bore/Conical bore is where the caliber narrows off to increase velocity of the round.

Cartridges

Tapered rifle cartridge.

In cartridges, this usually helps in chambering/unloading the weapon. This differs than shouldering/bottlenecking^[5] as this only refers to the case head of the cartridge that holds the projectile, whereas tapering usually refers to the angled sides of the cartridge.

See also

• Squeeze bore
• Built-up gun
• Fluting (firearms)

References

1. "British Cannon Design 1600 - 1800".
2. Tony DiGiulian. "Definitions and Information about Naval Guns". NavWeaps. Retrieved 2022-08-20.
3. "Naval Gun Barrel Construction".
4. https://martellotowers.co.uk/cannon
5. Cartridges and Firearm Identification By Robert E. Walker. CRC Press Taylor & Francis Group. ISBN 978-1-4665-0206-2 Ammunition Cartridges Page 47

• The Sportsman's Hand Book Containing Rules, Tables of Weights and Measures, Concise Instructions on Selecting, Caring for and Handling Guns and Fishing Tackle ... and Many Other Hints and Instructions Useful to Beginners By Horace Park · 1885. Page 25
• Amateur Gunsmithing By Townsend Whelen · 1924. Page 62
• English Patents of Inventions, Specifications 1866, 2137 - 2186 1867. Page 12
• The American Rifle A Treatise, a Text Book, and a Book of Practical Instruction in the Use of the Rifle By Townsend Whelen · 1918. Page 134
• Gun Research Declassified Visit to Mauser-Werke 2022. Page 52
• The Ultimate in Rifle Accuracy By Glenn Newick · 1990
• Gunsmithing at Home: Lock, Stock & Barrel - Page 79, John E. Traister · 1996
• Gunsmithing Modern Firearms: A Gun Guy's Guide to Making Good Guns Even Better, Bryce M. Towsley · 2019
• Gunsmithing - Page 176, Roy F. Dunlap · 1963
• The Complete Guide to Gunsmithing Gun Care and Repair, Charles Edward Chapel 1962. Publisher: Skyhorse Publishing; Revised edition (14 May 2015), Paperback: 512 pages, ISBN 1632202697
• A Look at the Rigidity of Benchrest Barrels
• Why are gun barrels tapered?
• How to taper a rifle barrel
• Calculating Barrel Pressure and Projectile Velocity in Gun Systems | Close Focus Research - Ballistic Testing Services
• Precision Rifle barrel talk, chamber, neck, throat, etc