"Caliber" is a term used to describe the internal diameter or bore of a firearm's barrel or the diameter of the projectile (bullet) it fires. It is typically expressed in either inches or millimeters, depending on the measurement system used.
In the United States, caliber is often expressed in inches. For example, a firearm with a bore diameter of 0.30 inches would be referred to as having a ".30 caliber" bore. Similarly, a firearm with a bore diameter of 0.45 inches would be described as having a ".45 caliber" bore.
In many other countries that use the metric system, caliber is expressed in millimeters. For instance, a firearm with a bore diameter of 9 millimeters is referred to as having a "9mm caliber" bore.
Caliber is an essential specification for firearms because it determines the size of ammunition that can be used with a particular gun. The ammunition for a firearm must match its caliber to function safely and accurately. Different firearms are designed to use specific calibers of ammunition, and it's crucial for firearm owners to select and use the correct ammunition for their guns.
An "ell" is an antiquated unit of length that has been historically used in various countries, including England, Scotland, and Germany. The length of an ell could vary depending on the region and the specific purpose, but it was typically used to measure cloth or textiles. The term "ell" is derived from the Latin word "ulna," which means "forearm," as the length of an ell was often based on the length of a person's forearm.
Different regions had their own variations of the ell, but some common measurements include:
English Ell: In England, the English ell was approximately 45 inches or 1.143 meters.
Scottish Ell: In Scotland, the Scottish ell was longer, measuring around 37 inches or 0.94 meters.
French Ell: In France, the French ell, also known as the aune, was used and had its own variations, but it was typically around 1.188 meters.
Flemish Ell: In parts of Europe, including Belgium and the Netherlands, the Flemish ell was used, which was approximately 27 inches or 0.686 meters.