Crossword Genius

Firearm common around Lima (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

rifle

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'firearm' is the definition.
(I know that rifle is a type of firearm)

'common around lima' is the wordplay.
'common' becomes 'rife' (I can't justify this - if you can you should believe this answer much more).
'around' means one lot of letters goes inside another.
'lima' becomes 'L' (phonetic alphabet: alpha, bravo, charlie etc.).
'rife' going around 'l' is 'RIFLE'.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for rifle that I've seen before include "Rummage" , "Search and rob - with long gun?" , "One that has stock" , "shoot?" , "Sack; firearm" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times and The Daily Express.
Want a hint initially instead of a full solution? Install my app