Where did the term Magnum come from?
#1
Thread Starter
Join Date: Apr 2003
Location:
Posts: 46
Where did the term Magnum come from?
I was watching a program on T.V. about magnum rifles and pistols and they discussed a theory about where the name Magnum came from. I was wondering if any one on the board has any other ideas.
#2
Nontypical Buck
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: Bossier City LA United States
Posts: 2,425
RE: Where did the term Magnum come from?
Magnum is Latin for large or great. The term magnum was often used to designate large bottles of wine or spirits long before firearms came into being. Since magnum cartridges are usually larger or greater than normal cartridges the term was used for them. I don' t think there is any true industry standard as to what constitutes a magnum.
#4
Nontypical Buck
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: Western Nebraska
Posts: 3,393
RE: Where did the term Magnum come from?
In the firearms industry the term " Magnum" means absolutely nothing.....let me give you a few examples.: the 17 HMR, the 22WRF The .222 Rem Mag, the .224 Wby Mag, The .32 H&R mag, the .410 3" mag, The .256 Win Mag,
I think it' s a marketing thing more than a descriptive thing.
I think it' s a marketing thing more than a descriptive thing.
#5
Nontypical Buck
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: Gypsum KS USA
Posts: 1,289
RE: Where did the term Magnum come from?
Fer what it' s worth, I agree with vapodog, the term is mostly used today by marketers just to make sales, basically it' s a fast for caliber round (in average loadings, not heavy loads), nowadays, that' s assuming something like 3000+fps for rifles, and 1200-1400+fps in pistol cart' s...but it' s mostly a marketing thing.
again, the " magnum" is an old winery term...nuff said on that though...why do they call them the V-8magnums? it' s big, and the name sells.
again, the " magnum" is an old winery term...nuff said on that though...why do they call them the V-8magnums? it' s big, and the name sells.
#7
Nontypical Buck
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: , Wy USA
Posts: 2,415
RE: Where did the term Magnum come from?
Wanted to get a 357.maximum barrel for my t/c (still looking) guess that sounds better then a 357.magnum,magnum.
Had a 10 mm ( they make 10 mags to right?) 10mm wouldequal & be like a 40.cal s&W mag?
A lot of old revolver cartriges are based on Bp & so the cases are big (38.44. etc) they could be magnums? compared to say 9mm cases.
they have those 357.sigs etc now too...i cant keep up, esp buying im lol
Had a 10 mm ( they make 10 mags to right?) 10mm wouldequal & be like a 40.cal s&W mag?
A lot of old revolver cartriges are based on Bp & so the cases are big (38.44. etc) they could be magnums? compared to say 9mm cases.
they have those 357.sigs etc now too...i cant keep up, esp buying im lol
#8
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: Grand Bay, AL
Posts: 181
RE: Where did the term Magnum come from?
The term magnum became associated with firearms when Davey Wesson was inventing a cartridge and was wondering what to call it. After having a few tussels trying to name the cartridge he finally stated to a collegue, " I have always liked the magnum bottles of champagne the French have so let' s call it that." And thus was born the .357 " Magnum" which was the largest handgun caliber of its time way back in the 1800' s. The only reason I know this to be true and the only reason I would post it and possibly edure any blowback is because I caught it on the History Channel' s " Tales of the Gun" . Cool huh!