Definitions

from The Century Dictionary.

  • Noting a cartridge which has a detonating substance placed in some part of the rim of its base: distinguished from center-fire.
  • Pertaining to or adapted for the use of a rim-fire cartridge: as, a rim-fire gun (a gun in which rim-fire cartridges are used).

from the GNU version of the Collaborative International Dictionary of English.

  • adjective Having the percussion fulminate in a rim surrounding the base, distinguished from center-fire; -- said of cartridges; also, using rim-fire cartridges. Such cartridges are now little used.

Etymologies

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Examples

  • I still think that pretty little Browning semi-auto would sell in other rim-fire chamberings.

    The Browning Wish List Roundup 2008

  • Well, ask him for me if he knows of an adapter that would make it possible to use twenty-two rim-fire cartridges in a thirty-eight revolver.

    CRUEL AND UNUSUAL PATRICIA CORNWELL 1993

  • Well, ask him for me if he knows of an adapter that would make it possible to use twenty-two rim-fire cartridges in a thirty-eight revolver.

    CRUEL AND UNUSUAL PATRICIA CORNWELL 1993

  • Well, ask him for me if he knows of an adapter that would make it possible to use twenty-two rim-fire cartridges in a thirty-eight revolver.

    CRUEL AND UNUSUAL PATRICIA CORNWELL 1993

  • Well, ask him for me if he knows of an adapter that would make it possible to use twenty-two rim-fire cartridges in a thirty-eight revolver.

    CRUEL AND UNUSUAL PATRICIA CORNWELL 1993

  • That way, because # .22 caliber long rifle cartridge is rim-fire ignited, the plunger, when released by the trigger, would both fire the piece and act as a breechblock.

    Will Liddy, G. Gordon 1980

  • [Footnote 10: snake, bad steer.] [Footnote 11: Dolly welter, rope tied all around the saddle.] [Footnote 12: rim-fire saddle, without flank girth.]

    Cowboy Songs and Other Frontier Ballads Various

  • One of the things I found amazing a while back, is that one of the people I admire most (in many areas) said that if he had to have just one rifle, it would be a .22 rim-fire.

    Waldo's Virginia Political Blogroll 2008

  • He was the greatest talker that this country ever saw Until his good old rim-fire went a-driftin 'down the draw. "

    A Man Four-Square William MacLeod Raine 1912

  • Section 53A of chapter 131 of the General Laws, as amended by chapter 234 of the acts of 1950, is hereby further amended by striking out, in lines 22 to 24, inclusive, the words "; provided, that no firearm other than a revolver or pistol not larger than thirty-eight calibre is used or possessed" and inserting in place tliereof the words: —, pro - vided that no firearm other than a rifle designed to discharge a twenty - two calibre rim-fire cartridge or a revolver or pistol not larger than thirty-eight calibre is used or possessed.

    Acts and resolves passed by the General Court 1663

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