What does rimfire mean?
Rimfire describes a cartridge in which the sensitive priming compound is spread around the rim of the cartridge case, where a firing pin can strike it. The term may describe the cartridge itself, the ammunition generally, or a firearm designed to use such cartridges. When such a cartridge is fired, the primer ignites the propellant charge contained in the case, just as it does in other cartridges, but through a distinctly peripheral arrangement. Rimfire ammunition is commonly encountered in connection with small-caliber firearms and older sporting rifles, although the term itself does not specify a particular caliber. The word is also occasionally used figuratively for sparks, light, or activity that travels around an edge. Outside those technical and uncommon figurative contexts, rimfire is primarily encountered in discussions of ammunition, cartridge construction, firearms history, and the distinction between rimfire and centerfire designs.
A cartridge whose primer is located around the rim of the case, or ammunition fired from such cartridges.
"The gun was designed for lightweight rimfire cartridges."
The term can refer to an individual cartridge or collectively to this type of ammunition.
Of or relating to a cartridge whose primer is around its rim, or to a firearm designed to fire such cartridges.
"The museum displays several early rimfire rifles."
This is established technical terminology in firearms and ammunition.
Used in the plural when referring to multiple cartridges of this type.
"Collectors sorted the rimfires by caliber and manufacturer."
Its name tells you exactly where the spark begins: around the rim of the cartridge.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does rimfire come from?
Rimfire is an English compound formed from rim and fire. It developed during the nineteenth century as a descriptive name for ammunition in which the primer was placed around the cartridge case's rim. The formation is transparent rather than a descent from a single inherited root, so it has no distinct etymological cognates in the usual sense.
How rimfire is actually used
In its standard firearms sense, rimfire is technical terminology and is not a synonym for any firearm generally. The figurative sense is uncommon and literary.
Easily confused with rimfire
A rimfire cartridge has its primer around the cartridge case's rim, whereas a centerfire cartridge has its primer in the center of the base.