rifling
noun
ri·fling
ˈrī-f(ə-)liŋ 
1
: the act or process of making spiral grooves
2
: a system of spiral grooves in the surface of the bore of a gun causing a projectile when fired to rotate about its longer axis
Examples of rifling in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
This also engages the rifling for accuracy-inducing spin.
—
T. Logan Metesh, Field & Stream, 4 Oct. 2023
Apply the search filter to narrow down your virtual rifling.
—Annie O’Sullivan, Good Housekeeping, 11 July 2023
Extending the forcing cone gives the slug a better transition into the rifling, Klotz says.
—Tony Hansen, Outdoor Life, 22 June 2023
The layers of softer metal grab the spiral-cut rifling inside the barrel of a howitzer when it is fired, imparting spin that keeps the shell stable in flight to its target.
—Rebecca Lieberman, New York Times, 2 Feb. 2023
The Creedmoor gets its longrange performance reputation from a combination of 140- to 143-grain, high B.C. bullets and fast twist rifling, usually 1:8 or even 1:7.5.
—Ron Spomer, Outdoor Life, 10 Sep. 2020
The baseline model has a 16-inch barrel with six-groove rifling and a 1:9 rate of twist.
—Mike Dickerson, Field & Stream, 19 Aug. 2020
The Compass has a three-lug bolt, a three-position safety, a user adjustable trigger, and 5R rifling is standard.
—Richard Mann, Outdoor Life, 17 Sep. 2019
The rifling at the muzzle of my match rifle shows hardly any wear at all.
—David E. Petzal, Field & Stream, 20 Feb. 2020
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
T. Logan Metesh, Field & Stream, 4 Oct. 2023
Apply the search filter to narrow down your virtual rifling.
—Annie O’Sullivan, Good Housekeeping, 11 July 2023
Extending the forcing cone gives the slug a better transition into the rifling, Klotz says.
—Tony Hansen, Outdoor Life, 22 June 2023
The layers of softer metal grab the spiral-cut rifling inside the barrel of a howitzer when it is fired, imparting spin that keeps the shell stable in flight to its target.
—Rebecca Lieberman, New York Times, 2 Feb. 2023
The Creedmoor gets its longrange performance reputation from a combination of 140- to 143-grain, high B.C. bullets and fast twist rifling, usually 1:8 or even 1:7.5.
—Ron Spomer, Outdoor Life, 10 Sep. 2020
The baseline model has a 16-inch barrel with six-groove rifling and a 1:9 rate of twist.
—Mike Dickerson, Field & Stream, 19 Aug. 2020
The Compass has a three-lug bolt, a three-position safety, a user adjustable trigger, and 5R rifling is standard.
—Richard Mann, Outdoor Life, 17 Sep. 2019
The rifling at the muzzle of my match rifle shows hardly any wear at all.
—David E. Petzal, Field & Stream, 20 Feb. 2020
Articles Related to rifling
Dictionary Entries Near rifling
Cite this Entry
“Rifling.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/rifling. Accessed 1 Feb. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share