gun-barrel

plural gun-barrels

1. alternativeAlternative form of gun barrel.

   If, on the other hand, we perceive the smoking gun-barrel as proof of something then we are precisely trying to rule out alternatives.

   2002, M.C. Lemon, The Discipline of History and the History of Thought

   2 more examples

   The honey-combing of gun-barrels is caused by the residue, left by the exploded powder, setting up a galvanic action between the iron and steel composing Damascus and laminated steel barrels, or between the different grades of iron forming twist barrels.

   1883, Alfred Marshall Mayer, Sport with Gun and Rod in American Woods and Waters, page 795

   A petition from the master gun-barrel makers of Birmingham and district to his Majesty's Secretary of State for War praying that steps be taken to amend the present practice of proof-marking foreign-made barrels with the same proof-mark or marks as those stamped upon barrels made in the United Kingdom, and to adopt a mark or marks which would be indicative of foreign make, and which would be easily discernable by sportsmen and other purchasers and colonial and foreign Customs officers.

   1903 November, “Barrel Makers' Petition to the War Office”, in Arms & Explosives, page 164