What’s the Difference Between a Firearm and a Gun?
What’s the Difference Between a Firearm and a Gun?
Firearms and guns are often used interchangeably, but there is actually a significant difference between the two. A firearm is any device that is designed to discharge a projectile using an explosive charge, while a gun is a specific type of firearm that is typically handheld and has a rifled barrel.
This distinction is important because it has implications for both the law and the way that firearms are regulated. In the United States, for example, the Gun Control Act of 1968 defines a firearm as “any weapon (including a starter gun) which will or is designed to expel a projectile by the action of an explosive.” This definition includes both guns and other types of firearms, such as rifles, shotguns, and pistols.
However, the National Firearms Act of 1934 defines a gun as “a weapon which is designed, made, or intended to fire a projectile by means of an explosive.” This definition excludes other types of firearms, such as muzzleloaders and air guns.
The distinction between firearms and guns can also be important for understanding the different types of regulations that apply to these devices. For example, in many states, it is illegal to own a gun without a license, while there are no such requirements for owning other types of firearms.
In this article, we will take a closer look at the difference between firearms and guns, and we will discuss the implications of this distinction for the law and for gun control.
| Firearm | Gun | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| A firearm is a weapon that is designed to propel a projectile using an explosive charge. | A gun is a type of firearm that is designed to be fired from the shoulder. | Firearms can be either rifles, shotguns, or handguns. Guns are a type of rifle. |
| Firearms are typically used for hunting, target shooting, and self-defense. | Guns are often used for hunting, target shooting, and self-defense, but they can also be used for military purposes. | Firearms are legal to own in most countries, but there are some restrictions on who can own them and how they can be used. Guns are more strictly regulated in most countries, and there are often more restrictions on who can own them and how they can be used. |
What is a firearm?
A firearm is a weapon that uses an explosive charge to propel a projectile. The projectile is typically a bullet, but it can also be a shot, a slug, or a flechette. Firearm can be either a handheld weapon or a mounted weapon. Handheld firearms are typically designed to be fired from one hand, while mounted firearms are typically designed to be fired from a fixed position.
Firearms are classified according to their action, which is the mechanism that loads and fires the weapon. The most common types of actions are:
- Bolt-action: The bolt-action firearm is the simplest type of firearm. It is loaded by manually inserting a cartridge into the chamber and then cocking the action.
- Lever-action: The lever-action firearm is a type of repeating firearm that is loaded by manually cocking the action and then pulling the trigger.
- Pump-action: The pump-action firearm is a type of repeating firearm that is loaded by manually pumping the action.
- Semi-automatic: The semi-automatic firearm is a type of repeating firearm that automatically loads a cartridge into the chamber after each shot is fired.
- Fully automatic: The fully automatic firearm is a type of repeating firearm that automatically loads a cartridge into the chamber and fires it as long as the trigger is held down.
Firearms are also classified according to their caliber, which is the diameter of the bullet. The most common calibers for handguns are 9mm, .40 S&W, and .45 ACP. The most common calibers for rifles are .223 Remington, .308 Winchester, and .30-06 Springfield.
Firearms are used for a variety of purposes, including hunting, self-defense, and law enforcement. They are also used in military applications.
What is a gun?
A gun is a type of firearm that is designed to be fired from one hand. Guns are typically smaller and lighter than rifles and shotguns, and they are often used for self-defense or personal protection.
Guns are classified according to their action, which is the mechanism that loads and fires the weapon. The most common types of actions for guns are:
- Single-action: The single-action gun is loaded by manually inserting a cartridge into the chamber and then cocking the hammer. The trigger must be manually cocked before each shot is fired.
- Double-action: The double-action gun is loaded by manually inserting a cartridge into the chamber and then pulling the trigger. The trigger both cocks the hammer and fires the gun.
Guns are also classified according to their caliber, which is the diameter of the bullet. The most common calibers for handguns are 9mm, .40 S&W, and .45 ACP.
Guns are used for a variety of purposes, including hunting, self-defense, and law enforcement. They are also used in military applications.
Firearms and guns are both types of weapons that use an explosive charge to propel a projectile. However, there are some key differences between the two. Firearms are typically larger and heavier than guns, and they are often used for hunting or target shooting. Guns are typically smaller and lighter than rifles and shotguns, and they are often used for self-defense or personal protection.
What’s the Difference Between a Firearm and a Gun?
Firearms and guns are often used interchangeably, but there is actually a difference between the two terms. A firearm is a weapon that is designed to fire a projectile using an explosive charge, while a gun is a type of firearm that is portable and can be fired from the shoulder.
What are the similarities and differences between firearms and guns?
Firearms and guns share many similarities. Both are designed to fire a projectile using an explosive charge, and both can be used for hunting, self-defense, and target shooting. However, there are also some key differences between the two terms.
- Firearms are typically larger and more powerful than guns. A firearm may have a barrel that is longer than 16 inches, while a gun typically has a barrel that is shorter than 16 inches. This difference in barrel length means that firearms can fire projectiles with more force than guns.
- Firearms are typically more complex than guns. A firearm may have a number of moving parts, such as a bolt, a firing pin, and a hammer, while a gun typically has fewer moving parts. This difference in complexity means that firearms are more difficult to manufacture and maintain than guns.
- Firearms are typically regulated more strictly than guns. In the United States, firearms are regulated by the National Firearms Act of 1934, which requires a license to purchase a firearm from a federally licensed dealer. Guns are not regulated as strictly as firearms, and they can be purchased without a license from a private seller.
How are firearms and guns regulated?
Firearms and guns are regulated by a variety of laws and regulations. In the United States, the most significant law regulating firearms is the National Firearms Act of 1934. This law requires a license to purchase a firearm from a federally licensed dealer, and it also imposes a variety of other restrictions on the sale and possession of firearms.
In addition to the National Firearms Act, there are a number of other federal laws that regulate firearms. These laws include the Gun Control Act of 1968, the Brady Handgun Violence Prevention Act of 1993, and the Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act of 1994.
Firearms are also regulated by state laws. These laws vary from state to state, but they typically include restrictions on the purchase, possession, and use of firearms.
Firearms and guns are two terms that are often used interchangeably, but there is actually a difference between the two. Firearms are typically larger and more powerful than guns, and they are also more complex and regulated.
It is important to understand the difference between firearms and guns, as this can help you to make informed decisions about your personal safety and the safety of your family.
What is the difference between a firearm and a gun?
A firearm is a weapon that is designed to fire a projectile using the force of an explosive. Guns are a type of firearm that are typically handheld and designed to be fired from the shoulder.
What are the different types of firearms?
There are many different types of firearms, but some of the most common include:
- Handguns: Handguns are small, lightweight firearms that are designed to be fired from one hand. They are typically used for self-defense or personal protection.
- Rifles: Rifles are long-barreled firearms that are designed to be fired from the shoulder. They are typically used for hunting, target shooting, or military purposes.
- Shotguns: Shotguns are firearms that are designed to fire a number of small pellets at once. They are typically used for hunting birds or small game.
**What are the laws regarding firearms in the United States?
The laws regarding firearms in the United States vary from state to state. However, some of the most common regulations include:
- Background checks: All firearm purchases must be subject to a background check in order to ensure that the buyer is not a prohibited person.
- Age restrictions: Individuals must be at least 18 years old to purchase a handgun and at least 21 years old to purchase a rifle or shotgun.
- Storage requirements: Firearms must be stored in a safe and secure location when not in use.
**What are the safety precautions that should be taken when handling firearms?
When handling firearms, it is important to take the following safety precautions:
- Never point a firearm at anything you do not intend to shoot.
- Keep the firearm unloaded until you are ready to shoot.
- Be aware of your surroundings and the people around you.
- Follow all applicable laws and regulations.
If you are interested in learning more about firearms, there are a number of resources available to you.
- The National Rifle Association (NRA) is a non-profit organization that promotes the safe and responsible use of firearms. The NRA offers a variety of resources, including educational courses, training programs, and publications.
- The National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF) is another non-profit organization that promotes the shooting sports. The NSSF offers a variety of resources, including educational courses, training programs, and publications.
- Your local gun store or range is also a great resource for learning more about firearms. The staff at your local gun store or range can answer your questions and help you find the right firearm for your needs.
a firearm is a weapon that is designed to propel a projectile using an explosive charge, while a gun is a specific type of firearm that is designed to be fired from the shoulder. There are many different types of firearms and guns, each with its own unique characteristics and uses. It is important to be familiar with the different types of firearms and guns in order to make informed decisions about their use.