self-cockingn.
/ˌsɛlfˈkɒkɪŋ/, U.S. /ˌsɛlfˈkɑkɪŋ/ The automatic raising of the hammer of a firearm by the action of pulling the trigger. Cf. self-cocking adj.
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1858 U.S. Patent 19,068 2/1 Thereby the self-cocking of the gun is achieved simultaneously with its loading.
1942 Aeronautics Apr. 47/2 (caption) Self-cocking of the gun is controlled by plungers R1, R2 and R3.
1981 E. C. Ezell Handguns of World iii. 165/1 It might be desirable to arrange for self-cocking or noncocking by creating components that could be added or removed from the weapon.
This entry has been updated (OED Third Edition, January 2018; most recently modified version published online March 2022).
self-cockingadj.
/ˌsɛlfˈkɒkɪŋ/, U.S. /ˌsɛlfˈkɑkɪŋ/ Of a firearm: cocked by pulling the trigger, not by raising the hammer manually; double-action. Of a firearm’s action: producing this effect.In quot. 1862 figurative.
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society > armed hostility > military equipment > weapon > device for discharging missiles > firearm > small-arm > [adjective] > attributes
buttless1828
self-cocking1837
belt size1858
stockless1886
sawed-off1898
multibarrel1899
multi-barrelled1907
sawn-off1915
1837 N.Y. Spectator 4 Dec. Ethan Allen, Grafton, Mass., for a one handed self cocking pistol not liable to accidental discharge.
1862 J. R. Lowell Biglow Papers in Atlantic Monthly May 644 The self-cockin', back-action style o' J. D.
1900 Kynoch Jrnl. Apr.–May 91/2 The self-cocking action is superior to the ordinary trigger-action if accuracy of aim be the desideratum.
1902 W. D. Hulbert Forest Neighbors 161 Four shots, as fast as the self-cocking revolver could pour the lead into his body.
2004 Field Sept. 76/2 Self-cocking actions take the fun out of hammergun shooting and we wanted originality.
This entry has been updated (OED Third Edition, January 2018; most recently modified version published online March 2022).
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n.1858adj.1837