What Are the Four Types of Firearms?
There are four main types. Handguns and Rifles, Machine pistols and Shotguns are the main types of firearms. Listed below are the differences between each category. For more information, please visit our firearms section! This article will show you some of the most common types of firearms. These types are described in the safety tips section. This article is for those who are new to firearms.
Handguns
Handguns can be divided into two basic categories: pistols and revolvers. Each category has many subcategories as well as action types. For example, a pistol may have a 4.49-inch barrel or a three-inch barrel, while a revolver may have a seven-inch barrel or a twenty-round magazine. Handguns also come in a variety of configurations.

A single-shot firearm fires one round. This means that each shot must be manually recocked. These firearms require that the operator manually unload the cartridge case. Repeating firearms, on the other hand, can load multiple cartridges as they are re-cocked. These include most bolt-action rifles and pump-action shotguns.
Machine pistols
There are four main types of machine guns: recoil-actuated, piston-operated, gas-operated, and bolt-action. Recoil-activated machines guns, also known by the heavy machine guns, are activated using an electric discharge or powerful gas to open the action. This weapon is used in modern warfare by both sides and is lightweight and easy to transport. Machine guns also have large cocking levers that are necessary to feed the first round.
These weapons produce loud, sporadic sound effects. However, they do not produce consistent fire like machine guns. FN-SF rifles are distinguished by many features. One of these features is the ability fire at a higher rate. Full-auto firearms are also known by FN-SF rifles. They are often the only semi-automatic weapon used by soldiers. Machine pistols are much more reliable than semiautomatic guns.
Rifles
There are four types of firearms: semiautomatic, automatic and sniper. Each type has its own advantages and disadvantages. Sniper rifles are often used for military purposes and use high-powered cartridges. Bolt-action and automatic sniper rifles remain the most popular. These rifles are stronger than semi-automatic rifles. They are also more reliable under adverse conditions.
Muzzle-loading was the first firearms, and it had its advantages and disadvantages. Muzzle-loaders require that the gun be pointed straight up in order to reload. It is also difficult to use when hunting, because the projectile must be forced into the gun’s breech. Technology improved and effective methods were found to seal the barrel. Single-shot, breech loaders eventually replaced muzzle-loaders. Repeater-type weapons eventually replaced them.
Shotguns
Shotguns can fire multiple projectiles at once and are short-range weapons. Shotguns are different from other firearms because they split the power of a single discharge into multiple smaller pieces. These fragments are useful for short-range defense and energy loss as they travel. There are many types of shotguns, including break-action, lever-action, pump action, and semi-automatic.
According to their gauge, shotguns can be classified. There are four types of gauges. The weight of a solid lead ball that fits inside a shotgun’s bore determines which one is. One pound equals one-sixth. A shotgun can hold many types of lead balls. Generally, the heavier the shotgun is, the smaller the gauge.