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Posted: 6/20/2004 2:02:28 PM EDT
There have been a number of requests for the meaning of various acronyms and abbreviations lately.  For the benefit of novices as well as those who are more experienced but just don't know a particular acronym, I have alphabetized a list of some common acronyms.  

Contributions and corrections are welcome.

For a broader list of DOD acronyms, abbreviations and terms, see this.

For acronyms and abbreviations in general, see this or this.

Here is the list of acronyms and abbreviations specific to AR-15s and ar15.com:

@ - When prefixed to a member's name, means that the following comment is directed "at" or to that member.
. - Used to add a post without typing anything, means "+1 to my post count, I have no new comment" or the same thing as BTT.  Also sometimes left behind as a placeholder when someone deletes the content from a post.
+1 - When used with a quote, means the same thing as "Ditto". When used in the EE feedback forum, means a good experience with either a buyer or seller.  When just posted with no reference, it means "+1 to my post count, I have no new comment" or the same thing as BTT...
-1 - When used in the EE feedback forum, means a bad experience with either a buyer or seller.

A1 - Of or referring to a characteristic of the M16A1 (for example, an A1 rear sight)
A2 - Of or referring to a characteristic of the M16A2 (for example, an A2 flash hider)
A3 - Of or referring to a characteristic of the M16A3, or (in civilian parlance) a flat-top receiver.  Note that the M16A3 is essentially just a full-auto M16A2, but civilian manufacturers began using the term A3 for flat-top receivers before the military adopted the M16A3 and M16A4, so there is divergence between military and civilian usage of the term "A3".  Without a definitive military context, it is most likely that "A3" refers to a flat-top, civilian upper receiver.  Note also that some civilian manufacturers call their flat-tops A3, others A4.
A4 - Of or referring to a characteristic of the M16A4 (for example, a flat-top A4 upper receiver)
ABC - Armalite, Bushmaster and Colt (considered by many to be the top three manufacturers of AR-15s)
ABCR - Armalite, Bushmaster, Colt and Rock River Arms (a variant of ABC used by those who also consider Rock River Arms to be a top-tier manufacturer)
ACOG - Advanced Combat Optical Gunsight (see Trijicon's website)
AD - Accidental Discharge (a non-negligent unintentional discharge of a weapon that could not have been reasonably forseen and prevented - e.g. a caused by an unexpected mechanical failure)
ADCO - Not an acronym, just a name (retailer of AR-15s and accessories, provider of AR-15 gunsmithing services - website)
AF - Air Force
AFAIK - As Far As I Know
AGNTSA - Aww Geez Not This Stuff Again (substitute more colorful noun for "Stuff" as desired)
AJNTSA - Aww Jeez Not This Stuff Again (substitute more colorful noun for "Stuff" as desired)
AOW - Any Other Weapon (any weapon capable of discharging a shot that is not otherwise categorized under the NFA)
ARD - Anti-Reflection Device (a device placed on the objective of an optic to reduce reflections and glare)
ARF - AR15.COM (this site)
ARFCOM - AR15.COM (this site)
ARFCOMMER - One who is a member of this site
A.R.M.S. - Atlantic Research Marketing Systems (manufacturer of rail mounts, systems and accessories - website)
ASA - American Spirit Arms (manufacturer of AR-15 rifles, rifle kits, parts and accessories - website)
ASAR - Abrams Small Arms Research (website)
ATN - American Technologies Network (manufacturer and distributer of weapon optics and night vision equipment - website)
AWB - Assault Weapons Ban
AWOB - Another Waste Of Bandwidth (derogatory comment made by someone who wishes to point out what they consider to be a pointless thread/post.  The hypocrisy of posting "AWOB" messages seems to escape those who post them.)

BAC - Bindon Aiming Concept (the idea behind Trijicon optics like the ACOG that are designed to combine the rapid acquisition of unmagnified sights with the accuracy of traditional magnified scopes.  Requires the use of both eyes in the manner of OEGs.  website)
BAR - Beyond All Repair
BAR - Browning Automatic Rifle
BBL - Barrel
BC - Ballistic Coefficient (a measure of a bullet's ability to slip through the air unhindered by drag - higher values indicate more streamlined bullets)
B/C/CH - Bolt, Carrier, Charging Handle (the assembly of parts that cycles rounds into the chamber)
BDC - Bullet Drop Compensator (a mechanism in a sight to compensate for a bullet's trajectory drop at long distances)
BDU - Battle Dress Uniform
BFD - Big Freakin' Deal (substitute for "Freakin'" as desired)
BFI - Bushmaster Firearms, Inc. (manufacturer of many AR-style rifles - website)
BG - Bad Guy (the only kind of person who should ever be at the other end of your AR-15)
BG - Battlegrip (enhanced handgrip made by TangoDown - website)
BH - Black Hills (manufacturer of a variety of new, remanufactured and special purpose ammunition - website)
BHO - Bolt Hold Open (a mechanism that holds the bolt open when the magazine is empty, allowing for faster reloads)
BIY - Build It Yourself
BL - Bayonet Lug
BM - Bushmaster (manufacturer of many AR-style rifles - website)
BOB - Bug Out Bag (a bag filled with the necessities you will need to survive in the event you are forced to flee your home on a moment's notice)
BOHICA - Bend Over Here It Comes Again
BOTD - Babe Of The Day (something usually reserved for the general discussion forum, but also posted as warning for any thread containing an image unsuitable for viewing at work)
BRASS - Breath-Relax-Aim-Slack-Squeeze (mnemonic for steps of accurate shooting - there are many variants of this including Breath-Relax-Aim-Sight-Squeeze and Breath-Relax-Aim-Squeeze)
BRD - Black Rifle Disease (a mysterious ailment in which the sufferer develops an insatiable desire for more and more AR-15s)
BT - Boat Tail (a bullet that tapers at the back like the tail of a boat rather than cuts off at a right angle - see the Ammo Oracle)
BTT - Back To Top (adding a post to a thread to bring the thread back to the top of the list of active threads)
BTW - By The Way
BUIS - Backup Iron Sight
BZO - Battle Sight Zero

C3 - Class 3 (a class of restricted weapons as defined by the NFA, including machineguns, supressors, short-barrelled rifles, short-barrelled shotguns, etc.)
CAR - Carbine
C.A.R. - Colt Automatic Rifle
CC - Concealed Carry
CCH - Cut Carry Handle (a carry handle cut down to form a BUIS)
CCL - Concealed Carry License
CCP - Concealed Carry Permit
CCW - Concealed Carry Weapon
CH - Carry Handle
CH - Charging Handle
CIII - Class 3 (a class of restricted weapons as defined by the NFA, including machineguns, supressors, short-barrelled rifles, short-barrelled shotguns, etc.)
CLE - Compass Lake Engineering (manufacturer of competition service rifles and space guns - website)
CLIN - Contract Line Item Number
CLP - Cleaner, Lubricant, Protectant (all-purpose gun maintenance product - example one, example two, example three)
CMP -  Civilian Marksmanship Program (website)
CMMG - Not an acronym, just a name (retailer of AR-15s, parts and accessories - website)
CMT - Continental Machine and Tool (contract manufacturer of AR15 uppers and lowers)
COC - Code Of Conduct (the rules governing your use of this site)
COLL - Collapsible (as in a collapsible stock)
CONUS - Continental United States (the lower 48 states and the District of Columbia, not including Alaska or Hawaii)
CQB - Close Quarters Battle
CQ/T (also CQT) - Close Quarters / Tactical (a 1-3x optic made by Leupold and designed for close quarters battle with some mid-range capability as well)
C&R - Curios and Relics (firearms that are officially recognized as collectible due to some unique quality such as age.  The ATF maintains a list of qualified C&R firearms that C&R license holders can purchase via interstate commerce without the services of an FFL dealer.  More information)
CYA - Cover Your A$$

DC - Dust Cover
DCM - Director of Civilian Marksmanship (replaced by the CMP)
DD - Daniel Defense (manufacturer of free floating railed handguards, slings and accessories - website)
DD - Destructive Device (an explosive, incendiary, or poison gas device as defined by the NFA)
DEWAT - De-activated War Trophy (a machine gun whose barrel has been plugged and welded to the receiver and whose chamber has been welded shut, rendering it unserviceable but still subject to the regulations of the NFA)
DIAS - Drop-In Auto Sear (a device used to convert a semi-automatic gun to full-auto.  By itself considered to be a machine gun under the NFA, and unregistered ones are illegal to even possess with, let alone install in, the guns they convert)
DILLIGAF - Do I Look Like I Give A F**k
DOD - Department Of Defense
DPMS -  Defense Procurement Manufacturing Services (builder of AR-15 rifles and supplier of parts and accessories - website)
DRMO - Defense Reutilization Marketing Office (an office of the DRMS - website)
DRMS - Defense Reutilization Marketing Service (a government agency that disposes of excess property received from the military services - website)
DSA - D.S. Arms (specializes in FAL rifles, but also sells AR-15 parts and accessories - website)
DU - Democratic Underground (a site for the exchange of what are considered liberal ideas - not friendly to your Second Amendment rights)

EA - Essential Arms (manufacturer of AR-15 lowers, stocks and parts - website)
EBR - Evil Black Rifle (a twist on the gun-grabbers' propaganda, embraced by supporters of the RKBA to both endearingly and sarcastically refer to military-style rifles such as the AR-15)
EE - Equipment Exchange (a board on this site for buying, selling and trading equipment)
ETA - Edited To Add (an explanation of what was added or changed when a member edited his or her post)
ETA - Estimated Time of Arrival (in conventional usage, but see also "Edited To Add" above)

FA - Forward Assist
FA - Full Auto
FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions
FAR - Featherweight Assault Rifle
FCG -  Fire Control Group (the hammer, trigger, disconect, springs and selector)
FF - Free Float/Floated/Floating
FFL - Federal Firearms License/Licensee (a license that permits one to sell & transfer guns in interstate commerce, or the holder of that license)
FH - Flash Hider
FIRSH - Free Floating Integral Rail System Handguard (see Olympic Arm's website)
FMJ - Full Metal Jacket (a bullet that is fully encased in a metal jacket - see the Ammo Oracle)
FMJBT - Full Metal Jacket Boat Tail (a FMJ BT bullet - see the Ammo Oracle)
FNG - Freakin' New Guy (substitute for "Freakin" as desired)
FNMI - FN Manufacturing, Inc. (Division of Fabrique Nationale located in South Carolina that makes M16s, M240s and M249s for the military - website)
FOIA - Freedom Of Information Act
FP - Firing Pin
FS - Flash Suppressor
FSB - Front Sight Base
FSP - Front Sight Post
FST - Front Sight Tower
FTE - Fail To Eject/Extract (please substitute the more precise FTEj or FTEx as appropriate to make clear your intention)
FTEj - Fail To Eject
FTEx - Fail To Extract
FTF - Face To Face (an in state trade or sale done in person - interstate commerce of firearms is illegal without an FFL)
FTF - Fail To Feed (if used without an unambiguous context, this acronym may be confused with "Fail To Fire" as listed below)
FTF - Fail To Fire (if used without an unambiguous context, this acronym may be confused with "Fail To Feed" as listed above)
FUBAR - Fouled Up Beyond All Recognition (substitute more colorful adjective for "Fouled" as desired)
FWIW - For What It's Worth

GCA - Gun Control Act of 1968 (The law that, among other things, established the FFL license system, set a minimum age to purchase guns, and banned the import of "non-sporting" guns, eventually including military-stiyle guns)
GG&G - Guns, Gear and Gadgets (manufacturer of optical mounting systems and tactical weapon accessories - website)
GP - Group Purchase
GSE - Gunsmoke Enterprises (builder of AR-15 rifles and supplier of parts and accessories - website)
GTS - Global Tactical Supply (retailer of AR-15 parts and accessories - website)

HBAR Heavy Barrel
HG - Handguard
HP - Hollow Point (a bullet with a hollow cavity at the tip)
HSLD - High Speed, Low Drag (of or relating to special forces and other highly skilled operators)
HTH - Hope That Helps

IAD - Immediate Action Drill (a sequence of actions performed in response to a situation requiring immediate and instinctive resolution - in this context a weapon malfunction)
IBTJBT - In Before The Jack Booted Thugs
IBTL - In Before The Lock (posting in a thread that has gone bad and is likely soon to be locked)
IBZ - Improved Battlesight Zero (All purpose zero invented by Lt. Colonel Chuck Santose.  Set at 50 yards, it gives a very flat trajectory out to 250 meters.  Instructions here.)
ID - Inside Diameter
ID - Involuntary Discharge (an unintentional discharge of a weapon resulting from a physical reaction beyond the shooter's instant control - e.g. a muscle spasm)
IIRC - If I Recall Correctly
IM - Instant Message (a private communication between forum members, accessed via the button at the top of the page)
IMHO - In My Humble Opinion
IMNSHO - In My Not So Humble Opinion
IMO - In My Opinion
IPSC - International Practical Shooting Confederation (organizes and sponsors shooting competitions emphasizing a combination of accuracy, power, and speed - website)
IRL - In Real Life

JANFU - Joint Army/Navy F**k Up (for a mess so big that one force alone couldn't have made it by itself)
JBT - Jack-Booted Thug (derived from the name of the military boot made infamous by the goose-stepping Nazis, now applied in a derogatory manner to mean any repressive, overly authoritarian person)
JHP - Jacketed Hollow Point (a bullet that is jacketed in metal, but with a hollow cavity at the tip - see the Ammo Oracle)
J/K - Just Kidding
JMO - Just My Opinion
JP - John Paul {Enterprises/Rifles} (manufacturer of rifle parts and accessories, particularly known for their trigger parts - website)
JSP - Jacketed Soft Point (a bullet that is jacketed in metal, but with exposed lead at the tip - see the Ammo Oracle)

KAC - Knights Armament Company (manufacturer of rail adapter systems, sights and accessories - website)
KB - KaBoom (explosive failure of a firearm - caused by problems such as out-of-battery firing, bore obstructions, etc.)
KBC - Keyboard Commando (a person who buys and opines on expensive tactical gear but who has no actual combat or law enforcement training or experience)
KISS - Keep It Simple, Stupid (an admonition to avoid complexity with its attendant expense and unreliability, also used as an adjective to describe something that adheres to the KISS philosophy)
KKF - Kurt's Kustom Firearms (custom gunsmithing services and special parts - website)
KMC - Knights Manufacturing Company (manufacturer of rail adapter systems, sights and accessories - website)

LC - Lake City (a federally owned, contractor operated plant in Missouri where small arms ammunition is made for the U.S. military)
LCW - Lauer Custom Weaponry (gun refinishing and camouflaging services - website)
LE - Law Enforcement
LEGP - Limited Edition Group Purchase
LEO - Law Enforcement Officer
LEO - Law Enforcement Only (an item that can legally be used only by law enforcement agencies and their personnel)
LL - Lightning Link (a device for converting a semi-automatic gun to full-auto.  By itself considered to be a machine gun under the NFA, and unregistered ones are illegal to even possess with, let alone install in, the guns they convert)
LMAO - Laughing My A$$ Off
LMK - Let Me Know
LMT - Lewis Machine and Tool (manufacturer of AR-15 uppers and accessories - website)
LOL - Laugh Out Loud
LPK - Lower Parts Kit
LRC - Living Room Commando (a person who buys and opines on expensive tactical gear but who has no actual combat or law enforcement training or experience)
LULA - Loader/Unloader Accessory (for fast loading and unloading of magazines - website)
LW - Lightweight

M16 - The original full-auto military version of the AR-15 rifle (includes triangular cross-section handguards, early style rear sight that is not adjustable for range, and a 1:12 twist barrel: photos)
M16A1 - Later variant of the M16 that added a forward assist to jam the bolt home when the normal action cycling doesn't: photos)
M16A2 - Later variant of the M16A1 that switched to a range-adjustable rear sight, a 1:7 twist barrel, round cross-section handguards and substituted a three-round burst firing mode for the full-auto mode: photos)
M16A3 - Later variant of the M16A2 that substitutes full-auto firing for the three-round burst mode of the M16A2.  Initially adopted by the Navy SEALS: photos)
M16A4 - Later variant of the M16A2 that added a flat-top upper receiver with removable carry handle but maintained the three-round burst firing mode: photos)
M193 - 55 grain FMJBT military cartridge, usable in 1:14 to 1:7 twist barrels (see the Ammo Oracle)
M4 - A 14.5" barrel carbine version of the M16A2.  Earlier models have an integral A2 carry handle, later ones have a flat-top upper (photos)
M4A1 - A variant of the M4 that includes full-auto fire and a flat-top upper with removable carry handle (photos)
M4GERY - A rifle designed to mimic the appearance and function of a true M4, but that isn't an official military M4 (pronounced "em forgery")
M855 - 62 grain FMJBT military cartridge, usable in 1:10 to 1:7 twist barrels  (see the Ammo Oracle)
MARPAT - MARine PATtern (a digital camouflage pattern.  Examples here, controversy here and here.)
MIAD - MIssion ADaptable (a modular grip manufactured by Magpul - website)
MOA - Minute Of Angle (a measure of angular displacement equal to 1/60 of one degree, usually used when discussing group sizes - 1 MOA is roughly 1" at 100 yds)
MOUT - Military Operations on Urbanized Terrain
- proof mark that indicates Magnetic particle inspection and Proof load firing has been performed on a barrel
MP -  Magnetic Particle [inspection/testing] (Magnetic particle inspection is a non-destructive steel inspection method used to ensure that a barrel, for example, is free from metallurgical defects such as cracks.  MP is also used as an easily typed representation of the proof mark explained above.)
MGI - Mack Gwinn Industries (manufacturer of quick change barrel system and other components for the AR-15 - website)
MRE - More Real Estate (a rail adapter system that extends past the FSB, made by KAC)
MRF - Modular Rail Forend (a rail adapter system made by Troy Industries)
MRP - Monolithic Rail Platform (an integrated AR-15 upper receiver and rail adapter system, made by LMT)
MR/T (also MRT) - Mid Range / Tactical (a line of optics made by Leupold and designed for mid-range capability)
MSTN - Mid-South Tactical Network (retailer of AR-15 related gear and accessories - website)
MWS - Modular Weapon System

NBD - No Big Deal
ND - Negligent Discharge (an unintentional discharge of a weapon that reasonably should have been forseen and prevented)
NFA - National Firearms Act (of 1934 - the law governing machine guns, sawed off shotguns, short barreled weapons, suppressors, etc.)
NFW - No Frickin' Way (substitute for "Frickin'" as desired)
NIB - New In Box (a gun that is still in the original box, unfired after it left the factory)
NIW - New In Wrapper (mostly in reference to magazines, which come from the factory wrapped in protective paper or plastic)
NM - National Match (a competition sponsored by the CMP)
NM - Never Mind
NOD - Night Observation Device
NOOB - Newbie (one who is new to a topic and doesn't have much knowledge of it)
NOS - New Old Stock (generally used in connection with an item that can no longer be manufactured new, but that can be sold from existing stock:  an item that is chronologically old, but that has been sitting in storage and was never sold at retail or used before)
NRA - National Rifle Association (website)
NSN - National Stock Number (a unique number assigned to each item in the Federal Supply Cataloging System, including parts and accessories for military weapons such as the M16)
NTCH - Nose To Charging Handle (a cheek weld [placement of the side of one's face against the stock] where the tip of the nose touches the charging handle, thus giving a consistent position and sight picture)
NVD - Night Vision Device

OAI - Olympic Arms, Inc. (manufacturer of various AR-style rifles - website)
OAL - Overall Length
OD - Olive Drab (that green color the army is so fond of)
OD - Outside Diameter
OEG - Occluded Eye Gunsight (a sight that projects a dot to the eye but through which you can't actually see the target - hence the term "occluded".  It works via binocular vision whereby one eye views the target directly, the other eye views the dot in the sight, and your brain merges the two images together)
OFS - Out Freakin' Standing (substitute for "Freakin'" as desired)
OTM - Open Tip Match (a type of hollow point bullet designed for long range accuracy)
OTJT - On The Job Training
OPS - Operations (see also OPS-INC just below)
OPS-INC - O. P. Seberger Incorporated (manufacturer of muzzle breaks and silencers for the U.S. military - website)
OTAL - Offset Tactical Aiming Laser (a laser sight mounted alongside the barrel/handguards/carry handle)

P2P - Person to Person (used in chat, may also be used to refer to face to face sales)
PAFS - Permanently Attached Flash Suppressor (generally permanantly attached in order to bring a barrel's overall length to 16" and thus avoid the legal restrictions on SBRs)
PD - Police Department
PDW - Personal Defense Weapon (a generally compact weapon designed primarily for defensive rather than offensive operations, for example the FN P90)
PEBCAK - Problem Exists Between Chair And Keyboard (indirect way of saying "user error")
PEBKAC - Problem Exists Between Keyboard And Chair (indirect way of saying "user error")
PIA - Pain In (the) Ass
PIE (as in "I like") - Origins aside (there's a clean and dirty version), it's another version of "I have no meaningful comment on this subject", ala +1.
PITA - Pain In The Ass
PM - Preventative Maintenance
PM - Private Message (see IM)
PMO - Postal Money Order
POA - Point Of Aim
POF - Pakistan/Patriot Ordnance Factory (manufacturer/importer of parts for AR-15 and other rifles - website)
POI - Point Of Impact
POS - Pile Of Sh*t
PRI - Precision Reflex Incorporated (website)
PRK - People's Republic of Kalifornia (a name for California that alludes to the state's rather draconian, some would say Communist-like, anti-gun laws)
PSD - Personal Security Detail/Detachment (a group of security specialists who travel with and provide personal protection for a high-ranking or valuable person)
PWA - Pac West Arms

Q3131A - M193 ammunition packaged for sale to civilians (may fail to meet some aspect of military standard - see the Ammo Oracle)
QCB - Quick Change Barrel
QD - Quick Detach

RA - Robinson Armament (manufacturer of the M96 series of piston operated .223 rifles - website)
RAS - Rail Adapter System
RBP - RB Precision (retailer of AR-15s and accessories - website)
RDIAS - Registered Drop-In Auto Sear (a DIAS legally registered under the NFA.  By itself considered to be a machine gun under the NFA)
RECCE - Reconnaissance (in this context a 16" free floating match barrel upper, ACOG optic, originally used by SEALS)
RINO - Republican In Name Only
RIS - Rail Interface System
RKBA - Right to Keep and Bear Arms
RKI - Reasonably Knowledgeable Individual
RLL - Registered Lightning Link (a LL legally registered under the NFA.  By itself considered to be a machine gun under the NFA)
ROF - Rate Of Fire
ROTFLMAO - Rolling On The Floor Laughing My A$$ Off
RR - Registered Receiver (a receiver, typically for a machine gun, registered under the NFA)
RRA - Rock River Arms (manufacturer of AR-15 rifles - website)
RTFM - Read The Freakin' Manual (substitute for "Freakin'" as desired)

SAAMI - Sporting Arms and Ammunition Manufacturers' Institute (an association of manufacturers of sporting firearms, ammunition, and components.  Often used to distinguish between the sporting .223 chamber [the SAAMI chamber] and the military 5.56 mm chamber )
SAM-R - Squad Advanced Marksman - Rifle (20" match barrel upper with Leupold scope, used by Marines)
SAR - Small Arms Review (website)
SAW - Specialized Armament Warehouse (Colt distributor that caters to military and law enforcement sales - website)
SAW - Squad Automatic Weapon
SBR - Short-Barreled Rifle (a rifle whose barrel is less than 16" long as defined by the NFA)
SCAR - Special Operations Forces Combat Assault Rifle (additional information here and here)
SD - Shell Deflector
SEAK - Special Edition AK (a custom AK-74 rifle sold as part of a group buy run by AR15.com - see SEAK group buy thread)
SEBR - Special Edition Black Rifle (a custom AR-15 rifle sold as part of a group buy run by AR15.com)
SF - Special Forces
SF - Surefire (manufacturer of flashlights and weapon lights - website)
SGN - Shotgun News (a venerable gun sales publication made up entirely of display and classified advertising, first published in 1946 - website)
SHSIBI - Should Have Stayed In Bed Instead
SHTF - Sh*t Hits The Fan (things going seriously wrong - generally used to describe an event that sets society off the rails for some period of time)
SIR - Selective Integrated Rail (see A.R.M.S. website)
SMG - Sub Machine Gun
SMK - Sierra Match King (a hollow tip bullet designed for long range accuracy, made by Sierra Bullets - website)
SNAFU - Situation Normal: All Fouled Up (substitute more colorful adjective for "Fouled" as desired)
SOB - Son Of a Bitch
SOCOM - Special Operations Command
SOPMOD - Special Operations Peculiar Modification
SOT - Special Occupational Taxpayer (a person whose occupation [e.g. manufacturer/importer/dealer of NFA weapons] exempts him from paying NFA transfer taxes)
SP - Soft Point (a bullet whose lead tip is exposed rather than jacketed in a harder metal)
SPC - Special Purpose Cartridge (as in the new 6.8 mm SPC)
SPF - Sold Pending Funds (an item for sale has been claimed and is off the market, but the seller has not yet received the buyer's funds so the transaction has not yet finalized)
SPORTS - Mnemonic for AR-15 immediate action drill:  Slap the bottom of the magazine. Pull the charging handle. Observe the open chamber area. Release the charging handle. Tap the forward assist. Shoot.
SPR - Special Purpose Rifle (18" free floating match barrel upper)
SS - Stainless Steel
STFU - Shut The F**k Up
SUM - Stainless Ultra Match (Olympic Arms' name for their stainless steel barrel made with broach-cut rifling for accuracy - website)
SWMBO - She Who Must Be Obeyed

T - Top (as in the numbered stations on the top rail of an A4 upper)
TA - Tactical Armadillo (promotional bottle-opener/mascot of LaRue Tactical - website)
TAG - Not an acronym.  Used to bookmark (or "tag") a topic for viewing later using the "My Active Topics" button. (Team members only)
TARFU - Things Are Really Fouled Up (substitute more colorful adjective for "Fouled" as desired)
TANSTAAFL - There Ain't No Such Thing As A Free Lunch (popularized, but not invented, by Robert Heinlein in his 1966 novel The Moon is a Harsh Mistress)
TCH - Tactical Carry Handle (a specialized carry handle made by RRA and designed to mount Aimpoint red dot sights via Aimpoint's low ring - website)
TD - TangoDown (manufacturer of grips, both vertical and pistol - website)
T&E - Test and Evaluation
TEOTWAWKI - The End Of The World As We Know It
TM - Technical Manual
TPRRRS - Tap, Pull, Rack, Roll, Release, Shoot (an alternative to the traditional SPORTS IAD, described here)
TSOB - Tough SOB
TTT - Tack To Top

UD - Unintentional Discharge (a weapon discharge made without deliberate or conscious intent, including accidental, involuntary and negligent discharges)
USGI - United States Government Issue (often in reference to magazines - most regard USGI mags as the best)
USMC - United States Marine Corps

VFG - Vertical Fore/Forward/Front Grip
VLTOR - Ancient Roman spelling for the Latin word ULTOR, meaning "Avenger" (more directly, a modular stock system for the M16, M4 and AR series of rifles)

WECSOG - Wile E. Coyote School Of Gunsmithing (unconventional, unprofessional [although not necessarily poor quality], make-do with what you've got gunsmithing - usually done at home with few tools, often involving a file and/or hammer)
WOA - White Oak Armament (retailer of AR-15 parts - website)
WOP - White Oak Precision (builder of custom AR-15 and AR-10 uppers - website)
WSSM - Winchester Super Short Magnum
WTB - Want(ed) To Buy
WTF - What The F**k
WTK - Want(ed) To Know
WTS - Want(ed) To Sell
WTT - Want(ed) To Trade
WWB - Winchester White Box (In AR-15 context, Q3131A ammunition made in Israel to M193 specifications - relatively inexpensive but reliable general purpose ammo)

XM193 - M193 ammunition packaged for sale to civilians (may fail to meet some aspect of military standard - see the Ammo Oracle)

YHM - Yankee Hill Machine (manufacturer of rails, mounts, forearms, sights and other AR-15 accessories - website)
YMMV - Your Mileage May Vary

Z - Zero (marked on some A2-style rear sight elevation knobs to indicate the position at which the knob should be set when establishing a battlesight zero on a 25-meter range according to standard military doctrine)
ZM - Z-Man or Zitta-Man {Weapons} (manufacturer of the LR-300 op-rod gas system upper/rifle and LR-300/AR-15 accessories - website)
Link Posted: 6/20/2004 2:18:59 PM EDT
[#1]
This deserves a tack, methinks.
But...what does SIR stand for (as in the A.R.M.S rail system)?
something integrated rail?
Link Posted: 6/20/2004 3:32:08 PM EDT
[#2]
SIR - Selective Integrated Rail (see website)

Added, and thanks for the contribution.
Link Posted: 6/20/2004 4:02:12 PM EDT
[#3]
forgot

LL = LIghtning Link
FUBAR = Fucked up Beyond all recognition
Link Posted: 6/20/2004 4:04:49 PM EDT
[#4]
AOW = Any Other Weapon (NFA)

CCH = Cut Carry Handle

LL = Lightning Link (NFA)

NFA = National Firearms Act of 1934 (Pertains to machineguns, suppressors, SBR, AOW, etc)

POA = Point of Aim

SBR = Short Barrelled Rifle (NFA)

RR = Registered Receiver (NFA)

Link Posted: 6/20/2004 4:12:10 PM EDT
[#5]
LMAO- Laughing My A$$ Off
ROTFLMAO- Rolling On The Floor Laughing My A$$ Off
DU- Democratic Undergound (I refuse to link their web site
Link Posted: 6/20/2004 4:25:37 PM EDT
[#6]
Buffy tube = receiver extension.
Link Posted: 6/20/2004 4:30:00 PM EDT
[#7]
This list would be a great help.  It answered a few of my questions. TACK IT!!
Link Posted: 6/20/2004 5:54:21 PM EDT
[#8]
Thanks for the info zrxc77 !
Link Posted: 6/20/2004 6:07:13 PM EDT
[#9]
I see the term "FAR" used.  What does that mean???  And also "MOA"???  Great list!!!
Link Posted: 6/20/2004 6:24:10 PM EDT
[#10]
What about PIE?
Link Posted: 6/20/2004 6:25:09 PM EDT
[#11]

Quoted:
I see the term "FAR" used.  What does that mean???  And also "MOA"???  Great list!!!




Minute Of Angle
Link Posted: 6/20/2004 6:33:41 PM EDT
[#12]
TTT (TACK TO TOP)            
Link Posted: 6/20/2004 6:44:40 PM EDT
[#13]
+1 -> When used with  a quote, means the same thing as 'Ditto'. When just posted with no reference, it means '+1 to my post count, I have no comment', or the same thing as BTT...

'I Like Pie' (or pics of pies) -> Origins aside (there's a 'clean' & a 'dirty' version there), it's another version of 'I have no meaningful comment on this subject', ala +1.

ARF, ARFCOM -> short names for this site...

FFL -> Someone with a license to sell & transfer guns in interstate commerce.

GCA -> 1968 'Gun Control Act'. The law that established the 'FFL' license system, and the 'non sporting import' gun ban (which was extended to include military-stiyle guns in 1989).

C3 or CIII -> Class 3, a term used to referr to weapons that require a NFA transfer tax (Machineguns, Supressors, short rifles & shotguns, and 'AOWs').
Link Posted: 6/20/2004 7:38:18 PM EDT
[#14]
Lately I've started seeing "ETA" but can't figure it out. IIRC (if I remember correctly) it's been used to indicate a quote or reference. Probably something to make me say dohhhhhhhh.
Link Posted: 6/20/2004 8:13:45 PM EDT
[#15]

Quoted:
Lately I've started seeing "ETA" but can't figure it out. IIRC (if I remember correctly) it's been used to indicate a quote or reference. Probably something to make me say dohhhhhhhh.



The conventional definition is "Estimated Time of Arrival"
Link Posted: 6/20/2004 8:14:43 PM EDT
[#16]
I bet your ETA to finding the answer is less than 1 day.  

**EDIT** See, I was right.   I should be in the shipping business, your package would arrive before you ordered!
Link Posted: 6/20/2004 8:20:17 PM EDT
[#17]
Clarification:

FTEj = Failure To Eject
FTEx = Failure To Extract

Please differentiate between these two, as "help - my rifle has FTE problem" is insufficiently descriptive to the rest of us.
Link Posted: 6/20/2004 8:42:36 PM EDT
[#18]
Wow!  What a great response!  Thanks everyone for your contributions and corrections.  I think I added them all with a few exceptions:

@die-tryin:  Can you tell me more about LL?  This is the first I have heard of it.

@Dano523:  For now I am concentrating on acronyms rather than making a general glossary, so although I thank you for your contribution, I didn't add it to the list

@Navy4Life:  I'm not familiar with FAR.  Do you have context for it?

@Bumblebee_Bob:  Like FishKepr and Kisara, I know ETA to mean Estimated Time of Arrival.  Is there an AR15-specific context in which you have seen this and in which you think it might mean something else?

Link Posted: 6/20/2004 8:44:04 PM EDT
[#19]

Quoted:
I bet your ETA to finding the answer is less than 1 day.  

**EDIT** See, I was right.   I should be in the shipping business, your package would arrive before you ordered!



And to think you used it in an example!  I saw it for the first time a few days ago as an Edited To Add.
Link Posted: 6/20/2004 8:51:00 PM EDT
[#20]

Quoted:

Quoted:
I bet your ETA to finding the answer is less than 1 day.  

**EDIT** See, I was right.   I should be in the shipping business, your package would arrive before you ordered!



And to think you used it in an example!  I saw it for the first time a few days ago as an Edited To Add.


Yes, you are right!  I have seen it used in this context here now that you mention it.  Added.
Link Posted: 6/20/2004 8:57:31 PM EDT
[#21]
DD is also commonly used to refer to a “Destructive Device” (NFA).
Link Posted: 6/20/2004 9:12:57 PM EDT
[#22]
Thanks Wombat.  Added.
Link Posted: 6/20/2004 9:22:21 PM EDT
[#23]
FST = Front site tower also CH also means Charging Handle.

Good job on the list it needs to be tacked.
Link Posted: 6/20/2004 9:31:35 PM EDT
[#24]
DILLIGAF=Do I Look Like I Give A Fuck

FUBAR=Fucked Up Beyond All Recognition

SNAFU=Situation Normal All Fucked Up

BOHICA=Bend Over Here It Comes Again

ETA=Edited to Add & Estimated Time of Arrival


HS1
Link Posted: 6/20/2004 9:59:06 PM EDT
[#25]
Link Posted: 6/21/2004 12:53:51 AM EDT
[#26]
LL - Lightning Link  This is a $10 or less item, now selling for $7,000+ that you put between the disconnector and the rear of the lower receiver, making a fully automatic rifle.  There is a site on the look/function, I won't link it.  These are an NFA item, same purpose as a DIAS, but do not require the M16 trigger group.  LL's do not allow select fire easily either (there is a intricate hack for semi auto).  With an LL installed, you are either running full auto or are not firing.  Not many stamped/transferable LL's around, same goes for DIAS and pretty much all other FA items, hence the spectacular jump in price.   In 1984, a LL 'kit' was about $150 + tax stamp ($200).

Pie - The TRUE origin of "I like pie" was last fall, when a new member was around, and EVERY topic he put up (about 10 a day), had a poll.  (name was milsurp if you fergot).  After about day 3, -Absolut- and Diemos put the "write in vote" of "I like pie", which is an offshoot of a cartoon website.   ILP Translates to one of the following, depending on context/thread:  "who cares", "IBTL", "+1", "I like pie" (when discussing favorite desserts or such...).  A "dirty version" was devised later to seem more entertaining than the real story.

After quick reveiw of post, perhaps list the "landmark years" of Gun Control.

1934 - NFA Act:  Tax stamp required for Full Auto, Supressed, SBRs, etc. etc.  (i.e. fun stuff )
1968 - GCA (Gun Control Act):  Welcome to serial numbers, FFLs, and the wonderful Form 4473 - "the yellow sheet"
1986 - Machine Gun Ban - No NEW MG's can be manufactured or imported.  Hence the rise in price of LL's, DIAS and M16's....
1989 - Import Law - Must have less than x parts from foreign manufacture (first attempt at AWB, in a round about way)
1994 - Klinton "Assault Weapons Ban" - Cosmetic castration of rifles that "look scary" or hold more than 10 rounds...  Hopefully this is gone soon and a joke in the future, but....

It is late, I think I buffooned a couple dates, especially with the import ban, I forgot # of parts and specific parts and year...  Close though.   I think this should be part of any "quick info sheet", to remind us that in 1960 we could order a hunting rifle from sears catalog and have it sent to your house.
Link Posted: 6/21/2004 4:22:31 AM EDT
[#27]
The "FAR" I believe was used in reference to an AR-15 that was purchased or assembled from Fulton Armory parts.
Link Posted: 6/21/2004 5:10:06 AM EDT
[#28]
BEMHO
Link Posted: 6/21/2004 6:53:15 AM EDT
[#29]
A couple more...

BM = Bushmaster
B/C/CH = bolt, bolt carrier, charging handle
LW = lightweight
PRI = Precision Reflex Inc. (pri-mounts.com)
SF = Surefire
Link Posted: 6/21/2004 1:40:13 PM EDT
[#30]

Quoted:

Quoted:
Lately I've started seeing "ETA" but can't figure it out. IIRC (if I remember correctly) it's been used to indicate a quote or reference. Probably something to make me say dohhhhhhhh.



The conventional definition is "Estimated Time of Arrival"



That I knew. But I have been seeing it used in a different manner not in line with that definition.

So I went looking for threads with it. Without knowing where I would find it. And then it occured to me what it is: Edited To Add.

See, I told you...dohhhhhhhhh.

Here's a [raspberry] to the boneheads who subvert a standard acronym.
Link Posted: 6/21/2004 1:51:16 PM EDT
[#31]
ABCs:  Major AR-15 manufacturer implied by Armalite, Bushmaster, Colt but would apply to DPMS, RRA, and Olympic Arms

FCG:  Fire Control Group:  Hammer, Trigger, Disconect, springs, selector

BOTD : Babe of the day. It is posted when ever prety girl's pictures are posted in a thread weather or not they are post one pic a day or not. It's an all purpose worning that the images in the thread might not be ok for the work environment. so someone doesn't get in trouble with their boss for looking at girly pics while on the job.

(BOTD Definition from Master_of_Orion)

M4:  Generic name used to describe a AR-15 carbine barrel that is Government profile under the grips with a grove cut into the barrel forward of the FSB to allow mounting of M203.

M4 Carbine:  AR-15 with an M4 barrel and a CAR stock.

M16A1 FCG:  Original M-16 Fire Control Group consisiting of Safe/Semi/Auto positions

M16A2 FCG:  M-16 Fire Control Group consisiting of Safe/Semi/Burst positions

M4 Enhanced FCG:  M-16 Fire Control Group consisiting of Safe/Semi/Burst/Auto positions
Link Posted: 6/21/2004 2:05:13 PM EDT
[#32]
DPMS - Defense Procurement Manufacturing Services, Inc
POS - Piece of Shit
Vulcan Arms - Hesse
Hesse - POS
M4gery - M4 carbine
M16a4gery - Newest M16 varient with KAC rail system

Molon Labe?
Link Posted: 6/21/2004 4:01:56 PM EDT
[#33]

Quoted:
DPMS - Defense Procurement Manufacturing Services, Inc
POS - Piece of Shit
Vulcan Arms - Hesse
Hesse - POS
M4gery - M4 carbine
M16a4gery - Newest M16 varient with KAC rail system

Molon Labe?



Molon Labe is Greek for "Come and get them (our weapons)" This was the answer King Leonidas (of Sparta) gave Xerxes, King of Persia when asked to lay down his arms. This was at the battle of Thermopylae in ~480B.C. when the Persians invaded Greece. The Spartans numbered 300 with a around another 100-200 Greeks to the Persians 10's of thousands. The Greeks fought to the last man.
Link Posted: 6/21/2004 5:29:28 PM EDT
[#34]
.
Link Posted: 6/21/2004 6:42:37 PM EDT
[#35]
I have heard of a Bushy with COLL. What is that?
Link Posted: 6/21/2004 8:10:39 PM EDT
[#36]

Quoted:
I have heard of a Bushy with COLL. What is that?


COLLapsible stock.

Lot's of great contributions everyone.  I don't have time to incorporate them tonight, but will do so later.

Thanks to all.
Link Posted: 6/21/2004 8:23:39 PM EDT
[#37]
Great Thread!!!

i have been reading threads over and over trying to figure out what some of these mean, this is a big help.

what is JBT?
Link Posted: 6/21/2004 8:26:23 PM EDT
[#38]
also. . .

PRK ??? something with Calfornia or Kalifornia??
Link Posted: 6/21/2004 8:34:08 PM EDT
[#39]

Quoted:
Great Thread!!!

i have been reading threads over and over trying to figure out what some of these mean, this is a big help.

what is JBT?



Just Bought This?
Link Posted: 6/21/2004 8:36:07 PM EDT
[#40]

Quoted:
also. . .

PRK ??? something with Calfornia or Kalifornia??



People's Republic of Kalifornia(think Communism) , referring to current firearm related legis. in the state that is less than satisfactory to it's inhabitants.
Link Posted: 6/21/2004 9:11:36 PM EDT
[#41]
Link Posted: 6/21/2004 9:46:44 PM EDT
[#42]
thought of a new one, learned it from a dealer?, i think;

LRC = Living Room Comando, someone who gets the best of everything, (Exacty M4 copy or better, tac pouches, slings, bdus, and way cool merrill shoes), and then runs around the house securing it room by room, all without firing a shot.  Of course we would not want to start shooting holes in our own bedrooms and hallways...whould we?

as a side note:
somehow this common, but not talked about behavior has a similiar psycological profile to
the KBC = Key Board Comando.

hippie.gifh.gifh
Link Posted: 6/22/2004 10:09:40 AM EDT
[#43]
and I think we need to add:

GB  for GET BOTH

It's certainly said enough around here to deserve its own acronym.  I know I practice it from time to time.  
Link Posted: 6/22/2004 5:44:14 PM EDT
[#44]
All right, I've been trying to figure out what BTW means for almost 2 years now. The rest were reletively easy but I can't figure this one out.
Link Posted: 6/22/2004 5:57:48 PM EDT
[#45]
BTW - Beat The Wife????
Just kidding I think it's By The Way as in "In Addition to"

And don't forget the great . for those that are too lasy to type and want their post count to go up.
Link Posted: 6/22/2004 6:20:32 PM EDT
[#46]
TARFU - Things are really "fowled" up

along with

FUBAR & SNAFU
Link Posted: 6/22/2004 7:29:45 PM EDT
[#47]

Quoted:
TARFU - Things are really "fowled" up

along with

FUBAR & SNAFU



And JANFU...Joint Army/Navy FU
Link Posted: 6/22/2004 8:07:27 PM EDT
[#48]

Quoted:
BTW - Beat The Wife????
Just kidding I think it's By The Way as in "In Addition to"

And don't forget the great . for those that are too lasy to type and want their post count to go up.




ARE YOU SERIOUS??

...well I feel sheepish.
Link Posted: 6/22/2004 11:47:39 PM EDT
[#49]
NTCH - Nose To Charging Handle

Courtesy of Lumpy and my lazy keyboard.

ETA:  ETA = Edited To Add
Link Posted: 6/23/2004 4:36:42 AM EDT
[#50]
I am joking about beating the wife.
I'm a widower for going on 7 years and would never hit a woman unless as a last resort.
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