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AhaBulb: Stuff Everyone Should Know · ahabulb.com/hunt-rifling

What is the rifling inside a rifle barrel?

Spiral grooves that make the bullet spin.

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  1. Another name for the bolt
  2. The part where the cartridge sits
  3. Spiral grooves that make the bullet spin ✔

Why: Rifling is a set of spiral grooves cut into the bore. The spin keeps the bullet stable, a bit like a spiral on a thrown football. The raised parts between grooves are called lands.

Huh, didn't know that: Most shotguns are smooth bore, with no rifling at all.

The dad joke
Why did the football join the rifle team? It already knew how to spiral.
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References

Answer: Spiral grooves that make the bullet spin. Rifling is a set of spiral grooves cut into the bore. The spin keeps the bullet stable, a bit like a spiral on a thrown football. The raised parts between grooves are called lands.

  1. NJ Hunter Education Rifle/Muzzleloader Practice Exam nj.gov/dep/fgw/pdf/hunted/rifleexam.pdf
    b. the grooves in the bore of the barrel which make the bullet spin
    Checked 2026-10-08.
  2. Massachusetts Hunter Education Lesson 2A Firearms Basics www.mass.gov/doc/lesson-2a-firearms-basics-0/download
    Spiral grooves cut into the bore of a firearm barrel that make a bullet spin.
    Checked 2026-10-08.

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