In Battery/Out of Battery: Term Definition

The #1 community for Gun Owners of the Northeast

Member Benefits:

  • No ad networks!
  • Discuss all aspects of firearm ownership
  • Discuss anti-gun legislation
  • Buy, sell, and trade in the classified section
  • Chat with Local gun shops, ranges, trainers & other businesses
  • Discover free outdoor shooting areas
  • View up to date on firearm-related events
  • Share photos & video with other members
  • ...and so much more!

    • Register Log in
    TTMD

    TTMD

    Ultimate Member
    Nov 10, 2012
    1,245
    I'm interested in finding out about two things:
    1) The etymology of these terms. Where they came from, original meanings & uses.
    2) Modern usage & meaning.

    I believe these to be firearm-related terms of art with specific meanings & implications, both historical & modern, so I'd like to find out about that detail, but I also think that some people may simply mean "the gun is ready to fire" or "the gun is not ready to fire", or in the case of a gun firing out of battery, it may be easier said that there was a malfunction.

    Regardless, I'm interesting in hearing different thoughts & interpretations.

    Thanks!
     
    SCARCQB

    SCARCQB

    Get Opp my rawn, Plick!
    Jun 25, 2008
    13,614
    Undisclosed location
    In Battery simply means that the cartridge is fully chambered and the bolt completely closed or locked when the firearm is discharged. Aka ready to fire. It is the normal staTe or condition of the action upon firing.

    Out of Battery means that a gun fires before the cartridge is fully seated in the chamber and / or fires before the action is completely closed or locked. Similar to a slamfire. Or it means simply, not ready to fire.

    Both terms are used to describe the state of the firearm and its mechanical action( ready to fire or not) and a type of malfunction.( compounded as in fired out of battery )
     
    SCARCQB

    SCARCQB

    Get Opp my rawn, Plick!
    Jun 25, 2008
    13,614
    Undisclosed location
    The terms also has its origins from " artillery". battery is a group of canons, in battery means an artillery piece is in a condition that it is ready to fire. Out of battery means that an artillery piece is not ready to fire and is off the line.
     
    SuperMag

    SuperMag

    Citizen--not "Subject"
    Nov 30, 2011
    391
    Maryland
    From old French "baterie," meaning beating or pounding (assault and battery!). When mortar and cannon artillery was developed, the term was applied to the equipment used to bombard revetments. That was then just a short hop to using the term "baterie" to the collection of guns used for such purposes. "en baterie" (in battery) meant a mortar or cannon was loaded, aimed, and ready to fire.

    This same term was carried to small arms--whether muzzle-loaded or cartridge type.

    As a result of the term being used to describe a number of guns, "battery" also took on the meaning "collection of..." This is where the term for portable electricity comes from: a battery of cells was simply shortened to the term "battery."
     
    TTMD

    TTMD

    Ultimate Member
    Nov 10, 2012
    1,245
    SuperMag said:
    ....As a result of the term being used to describe a number of guns, "battery" also took on the meaning "collection of..." This is where the term for portable electricity comes from: a battery of cells was simply shortened to the term "battery."
    Click to expand...

    :thumbsup: Nice little bonus, thanks!
     
    Pinecone

    Pinecone

    Ultimate Member
    MDS Supporter
    Feb 4, 2013
    28,175
    SuperMag said:
    This is where the term for portable electricity comes from: a battery of cells was simply shortened to the term "battery."
    Click to expand...

    Don't run into many people that know and understand the difference between battery and cell. :thumbsup:

    And why it is a D, C, AA, or AAA Cell but an 9 volt Battery.

    Now how about light versus lamp? :innocent0
     
    John from MD

    John from MD

    American Patriot
    MDS Supporter
    May 12, 2005
    22,904
    Socialist State of Maryland
    The terms "out of battery" came from artillery cannon. When a cannon is "in battery", it is loaded and the recoil mechanism is set for firing. This could be a ships muzzle loading cannon rolled out the gun port or a 105 Howitzer where the barrel is forward, breach is locked and the recoil mechanism is at rest. "Out of battery" would be if the M.L. cannon has rolled back and has not be loaded and reset or if the howitzer recoil mechanism has not reset.

    This has been carried down to other firearms generally when referring to an event where the gases from the firearm exit from the breach end of the barrel due to the action not being completely closed. "It appears to have fired out of battery" is the phrase usually used in these instances.

    If you own a .40 cal Glock with a stock barrel and you shoot reloads, you will probably hear that exact phrase after your ears stop ringing. :lol2::lol2::lol2: Guess how I know. :innocent0


    PS, I am not a Glock hater, I have owned them all. :D

    John
     
    You must log in or register to reply here.

    Users who are viewing this thread

    Total: 2 (members: 0, guests: 2)
    Joe Bob Outfitters ad

    Latest posts

    Forum statistics

    Threads
    275,374
    Messages
    7,279,223
    Members
    33,442
    Latest member
    PotomacRiver

    Latest threads

    Top Bottom