A delay in the functioning of a propelling charge explosive train at the time of firing. In most cases the delay, though unpredictable, ranges from a split second to several minutes.

When the firing pin hits a primer and it does not immediately ignite, but ignites a few seconds later. If there is a click (not a bang) when you pull the trigger, wait a few seconds with the muzzle pointed down range before you eject the cartridge, in case it is a hangfire.

Ignition in a cartridge which is delayed beyond the normal time after the firing pin has struck the primer.

Slang term for a delayed firing, which is any detectable delay in the ignition of a cartridge after pulling the trigger. Can be a chemical delay caused by the cartridge or a mechanical delay caused by a defect in the firearm. Chemical delays are recognized as being less that 0.3 second. The use of modern lead styphnate priming has virtually eliminated the chemical delay. Chemical delays were more common with the now-obsolete potassium chlorate priming compounds.