What types of guns are there?

What Types of Guns are There?

When it comes to firearms, there is a wide range of categories and subcategories, which can be overwhelming for anyone new to the world of guns. In this article, we will break down the different types of guns into manageable sections, helping you understand the various types and their characteristics.

Long Guns

Long guns are any firearm that is designed to be held and fired while standing or sitting upright. They are typically characterized by their length, with barrels ranging from 10-24 inches or more.

• Rifles: Rifles are bolt-action, repeating, or semi-automatic firearms with barrels longer than 16 inches. They are designed to fire a single projectile accurately over a long distance and are often used for hunting, target shooting, and tactical purposes.

  • Bolt-Action Rifles: Single-shot firearms with a bolt-action mechanism to load and eject the round.
  • Repeating Rifles: Fire multiple rounds without reloading between shots.
  • Semi-Automatic Rifles: Fire single rounds with each trigger pull, automatically ejecting and chambering the next round.

• Shotguns: Shotguns are smooth-bore firearms with a barrel length of 20-28 inches. They are designed to fire shotgun shells, which contain multiple projectiles.
• Muskets: Muskets are early firearm designs with a single, fixed barrel and no rapid-fire capabilities.

Handguns

Handguns are firearms designed to be carried and fired with one hand. They are characterized by their compact size and barrels typically ranging from 3-14 inches.

• Pistols: Pistols are revolver or semiautomatic handguns with a barrel length of 3-12 inches. They are designed to fire a single projectile.

  • Revolver Pistols: Self-contained firearms with multiple chambers and a revolving mechanism to load and fire multiple rounds.
  • Semiautomatic Pistols: Fire single rounds with each trigger pull, automatically ejecting and chambering the next round.

• Derringer: Derringers are small, single-shot handguns with a distinctive design.

Assault Rifles and Carbines

Assault rifles and carbines are intermediate weapons, designed to bridge the gap between rifles and submachine guns. They often feature selective-fire capabilities, allowing users to switch between semi-automatic and fully automatic modes.

• Assault Rifles: Assault rifles have a barrel length of 16-24 inches, are designed for modular components, and often feature selective-fire capabilities.

  • M16: A classic, selective-fire, gas-operated, M4-style assault rifle developed by the US military.
  • AK47: A selective-fire, gas-operated, AK-style assault rifle developed by the Soviet Union.

• Carbines: Carbines have a barrel length of less than 16 inches and are designed for portability and intimidation.
• Submachine Guns (SMGs): Submachine guns are compact firearms designed to fire multiple rounds rapidly, with barrels usually under 10 inches in length.

Machine Guns

Machine guns are heavy, fully automatic, firearms designed to fire high volumes of ammunition continuously, with barrels typically longer than 16 inches.

• General Purpose Machine Guns: General-purpose machine guns are designed for firepower and effectiveness, often featuring bipods or tripods.
• Heavy Machine Guns: Heavy machine guns have a high rate of fire and are used for suppression, support, and heavy firepower.

Other Types of Guns

• Airsoft: Airsoft guns are pellet-firing, low-caliber firearms designed for sport and recreational use.
• BB Guns: BB guns are low-powered firearms that fire small metallic projectiles.
• Black Powder: Black powder guns are muzzle-loading, black powder-fueled firearms designed for re-enactment, hunting, and target shooting.

Table: Guns by Category

Remember, the types of guns listed above are not an exhaustive list, and gun manufacturers continually innovate and adapt to changing market demands and regulations. When purchasing a firearm, it’s crucial to research and understand local laws, regulations, and safety guidelines to ensure a responsible and enjoyable ownership experience.