When it comes to firearms, the variety can be somewhat bewildering for the uninitiated. Different types of guns serve different purposes, from self-defense and hunting to sport shooting and military use. This guide aims to demystify this topic by providing a straightforward, easy-to-understand breakdown of the most common types of guns, their characteristics, and their uses.
Pistols
Pistols are a popular type of handgun that is designed to be fired using one hand. They come in various sizes and configurations, and they are commonly used for self-defense and sport shooting. Here are two common types of pistols:
- Semi-automatic pistols: These pistols are known for their ability to fire multiple rounds without manual reloading. They use a magazine to hold the ammunition and automatically load the next round into the chamber after each shot. Popular semi-automatic pistols include the Glock 19, Sig Sauer P320, and Smith & Wesson M&P.
- Revolvers: Revolvers are handguns that have a rotating cylinder with multiple chambers, each holding a single round. To fire, the shooter pulls the trigger, causing the cylinder to rotate and align a new chamber with the barrel. Revolvers are known for their reliability and simplicity. Examples of revolvers include the Smith & Wesson Model 686, Colt Python, and Ruger GP100.
For more information about the latest news, releases, and reviews of pistols, you can visit websites such as Guns.com, Firearms News, Handguns Magazine, and Shooting Illustrated.
Rifles
Rifles are long-barreled firearms that are designed to be fired from the shoulder. They are known for their accuracy, range, and power. Rifles come in various types and are used for a wide range of purposes, including hunting, sport shooting, and military applications. Here are a few common types of rifles:
- Bolt-action rifles: Bolt-action rifles are manually operated firearms where the shooter must manually cycle the bolt to load and unload each round. They are known for their accuracy and are commonly used for hunting and precision shooting. Popular bolt-action rifles include the Remington 700, Tikka T3, and Ruger Precision Rifle.
- Semi-automatic rifles: Semi-automatic rifles, also known as self-loading rifles, are capable of firing multiple rounds with each pull of the trigger. They use the energy from each fired round to automatically cycle the action, chambering a new round. These rifles are popular for various shooting activities, including target shooting and competitive shooting. Examples of semi-automatic rifles include the AR-15, AK-47, and Ruger 10/22.
- Lever-action rifles: Lever-action rifles feature a lever mechanism that cycles the action and loads the next round from a tubular magazine. They have a classic and nostalgic appeal and are often used for hunting and recreation. The Winchester Model 94 and Marlin 336 are well-known lever-action rifles.
For the latest news, reviews, and information about rifles, you can visit websites such as American Rifleman, Outdoor Life, Gun Digest, and Shooting Sports USA.
Shotguns
Shotguns are firearms that are designed to be fired from the shoulder and are typically used for hunting, sport shooting, and self-defense. They are distinguished by their smoothbore barrels and the ability to fire a shell containing multiple projectiles, known as a shot. Here are a few types of shotguns:
- Pump-action shotguns: Pump-action shotguns are manually operated firearms where the shooter must manually cycle the action by sliding the forend back and forth to load and eject shells. They are reliable, versatile, and commonly used for hunting and home defense. Popular pump-action shotguns include the Remington 870, Mossberg 500, and Winchester SXP.
- Break-action shotguns: Break-action shotguns have a hinged design that allows the barrel(s) to be opened for loading and unloading. They come in various configurations, including single-shot and double-barrel models. Break-action shotguns are known for their simplicity and are often used for hunting and clay target shooting. Examples include the Browning Citori, Beretta 686 Silver Pigeon, and Savage Stevens 301.
- Semi-automatic shotguns: Semi-automatic shotguns, also known as autoloading shotguns, use the energy from each fired round to automatically cycle the action, chambering a new shell. They offer quick follow-up shots and are popular for sport shooting and hunting. Well-known semi-automatic shotguns include the Benelli M2, Remington Versa Max, and Beretta A400.
For the latest news, reviews, and information about shotguns, you can visit websites such as Firearms News, Guns.com, and the National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF). These sources provide updates on new products, industry developments, and helpful tips for shotgun enthusiasts.
