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rimfire

American  
[rim-fahyuhr] / ˈrɪmˌfaɪər /

adjective

  1. (of a cartridge) having the primer in a rim encircling the base.

  2. (of a firearm) designed for the use of such cartridges.


Etymology

Origin of rimfire

An Americanism dating back to 1865–70; rim + fire

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

See Examples For:

Centerfire ammunition is taxed at $0.05 per cartridge, and rimfire ammunition is taxed at $0.01 per cartridge.

From Fox News Nov. 5, 2021

Mr. Perry has a high-powered hunting rifle at home, but he keeps a smaller .22 rimfire rifle in the cabin, “in case I want to shoot a rabbit or squirrel,” he explained.

From New York Times Jun. 25, 2015

Marlin 917 The first Marlin rimfire to be offered in the popular .17 HMR, the 917 is fed by a seven-round magazine.

From Time Magazine Archive

The beginning handgunner has no use for anything other than a .22 rimfire.

From Time Magazine Archive

Its lineal descendant, the R-55, is chambered for the .17 Mach 2 rimfire cartridge and exhibits the same high standards as its parent.

From Time Magazine Archive

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