What is the purpose of rifling in firearms?

Rifling in firearms refers to the helical grooves cut or formed inside the barrel of a gun. The primary purpose of these grooves is to impart a spin to the bullet as it is fired. When a bullet is spun, it achieves gyroscopic stability during flight, which significantly enhances accuracy and range. This stabilization is essential for ensuring that the bullet does not tumble and maintains a consistent trajectory toward its target.

The other options relate to different functionalities of firearms but do not accurately describe the role of rifling. Increasing ammunition capacity involves the design and size of magazine systems rather than the barrel. Reducing noise is typically addressed through suppressors or muzzle brakes, and enhancing magazine performance is focused on factors like feeding mechanisms and design rather than the rifling in the barrel. Therefore, understanding that rifling's core function is to stabilize the bullet's flight clarifies why this is the correct answer.