Answer #1

For a fact, the two general classifications of firearms are handguns and long guns which are further divided into different kinds and/or different types.

A handgun is a kind of firearm that is intended to be carried and used by the hand. A long gun is a kind of firearm that needs to be mounted on or against the shoulders in order to be properly fired. The word “pistol” is often applied in exchange for the word handgun. A rifle, in contrast, is a type of long gun.

There are three different kinds or pistols or handguns that include revolver, single-shot pistol, and the semi-automatic pistol. A rifle may be divided into different types that include an air gun, Spencer rifle, automatic and semi-automatic rifle, anti-tank rifle, Carbine, and a musket to name a few.

Handguns are distinct from rifles (and other long guns) mainly because they are smaller in size and lighter in weight therefore it is easier to carry. They are designed to be fired with the use of either one or two hands. It can also be used ambidextrously. A pistol uses less-powerful bullets as compared to a rifle. And, it lacks buttstock that is common among long guns. A pistol is considered as a self-defense weapon which can only be used under 46m or 50 yards.

Rifles, on the other hand, are relatively much bigger, heavier, more powerful, and effective. But, it needs both hands to be fired. It has a rifled barrel which is capable of firing single bullets. A rifle is commonly used in shooting sports, warfare, and hunting because of its high accuracy rate even in long ranges. In comparison, the velocity of a rifle’s bullet can actually reach for more than 3,000 feet per second which is twice the speed of a bullet that is fired using a handgun.

Answered By: khristine [216 ]