Gun Terminology: Prawl

by
posted on June 7, 2010
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
201064104729-pixblog1209-008_ms.jpg

The word "prawl" means a bump, knob or projecting corner on the frame of a revolver. As best as I can determine, the term prawl originated during the 19th century. This is when repeating handguns first became common.

You occasionally see the word used in describing something like a S&W Russian or Number Three New Model.

The prawl had a useful function in firing the gun. Held in a positive grasp, a prawl-equipped revolver wouldn't move around when the gun is fired. It also tended to position the gun firmly in the shooters grasp when he reached for the hammer with the thumb of the shooting hand.

Peacemaker Colts, Remington Frontiers and S&W Schofields didn't have prawls in their design. Carried over to modern guns, you could say that a Model 29 .44 Magnum has a prawl of sorts.

The revolver on the left is a S&W Russian with a prawl on the top rear of the frame. The other one is the S&W American without a prawl.

Latest

Taurus 817 01
Taurus 817 01

The Taurus 817 Is Back

The Taurus 817 revolver hasn't been available since the early 2000s, but now, it's back and features several notable updates.

NRA To Hold World Shooting Championship In Indiana

Registration is now open for the eighth NRA World Shooting Championship, which is sponsored by Walther Arms and will be held at Camp Atterbury, Ind., from September 30 to October 4.

Gun Of The Week: Springfield Armory Prodigy Compact 3.5” AOS

For this episode, we’re on the range with a double-stack, M1911-style handgun that’s more compact and lightweight than we’re used to seeing. This is the Springfield Armory Prodigy Compact 3.5” AOS chambered for 9 mm Luger.

The Armed Citizen® Aug. 1, 2025

Read today's "The Armed Citizen" entry for real stories of law-abiding citizens, past and present, who used their firearms to save lives.

Budget Pistol Rigs With AIM Surplus

It's still possible to pull together a budget-friendly, name-brand pistol rig for $300 to $400, if you play your cards right.

Nextorch Celebrating 20th Anniversary—A Timely Preparedness Reminder

Nextorch North America is celebrating the company’s 20 years of providing lighting solutions for consumers, law enforcement professionals and military forces around the world.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.