What does a gunsmith often use as slang for the measurement term 'thousandths'?

What does a gunsmith often use as slang for the measurement term 'thousandths'?

• A. Milli
• B. Deci
• C. Hundo
• D. Thou

Answer: (D)

In gunsmithing, measurements are often given in thousandths of an inch, and the slang used for that unit is thou. So when someone says a clearance is a few thou, they mean a few thousandths of an inch (0.001 inch each). This usage fits the imperial inch system typical in firearm work, and you’ll see tolerances described as 0.002", 0.003", etc., spoken as two thou, three thou, and so on. Milli would imply metric thousandths (a thousandth of a meter), which isn’t the context here, and deci or hundo correspond to tenths or hundredths, not thousandths. Hence thou is the best fit for the slang in this setting.

In gunsmithing, measurements are often given in thousandths of an inch, and the slang used for that unit is thou. So when someone says a clearance is a few thou, they mean a few thousandths of an inch (0.001 inch each). This usage fits the imperial inch system typical in firearm work, and you’ll see tolerances described as 0.002", 0.003", etc., spoken as two thou, three thou, and so on. Milli would imply metric thousandths (a thousandth of a meter), which isn’t the context here, and deci or hundo correspond to tenths or hundredths, not thousandths. Hence thou is the best fit for the slang in this setting.