Gems of My Crown ~ Butt vs. Barrel

I truly wish I could say this mix-up was rare, but I’ve seen it enough times to know it needs to be addressed.

When referring to a firearm, the butt and the barrel are two completely different parts of the weapon. Using the wrong one can turn a serious scene into pure confusion.

Butt

The butt of a gun is the back end of the firearm—the portion typically pressed against the shoulder when firing rifles or shotguns, or the base of the grip on certain handguns.

It is also the part most commonly used when a character strikes someone with the weapon.

Example:
He hit him across the face with the butt of the gun.

Another example:
She raised the rifle and tucked the butt firmly against her shoulder.

Barrel

The barrel is the long metal tube of the firearm through which the bullet travels when fired. It is the front portion of the weapon, the part that is aimed at a target.

Example:
He stared down the barrel of the gun.

Another example:
Smoke drifted from the barrel after the final shot.

The Difference

Let me make this plain:

If your character is getting pistol-whipped, they were likely struck with the butt of the gun.
If your character is staring at the dangerous end, they’re looking down the barrel.

Because unless your character got hit by someone swinging the gun backwards like a confused ninja… it was not the barrel.

These terms refer to completely different parts of a firearm and should not be used interchangeably.