Firearms

Firearms are portable weapons that fire projectiles powered by rapidly expanding high-pressure gas produced by chemical reactions within a confined space. These weapons are also known as guns. Firearms are used in various contexts, including hunting, sport shooting, and military and law enforcement applications. They can also be used in criminal activities and are a significant factor in many forms of violence.

History

The history of firearms began in the 9th century, with the invention of gunpowder in China. The technology gradually spread through the Middle East, reaching Europe by the 14th century. Early firearms were often cumbersome and unreliable, but they revolutionized warfare and hunting.

Types of Firearms

Firearms can be classified into several types based on their size, function, and the type of ammunition they use. The main types include:

• Handguns: These are small firearms designed to be held and fired with one hand. They include revolvers and pistols.
• Rifles: These are long firearms designed to be fired from the shoulder, with a barrel that has a helical pattern of grooves (rifling) cut into the bore walls.
• Shotguns: These are a type of firearm that is usually designed to be fired from the shoulder, which uses the energy of a fixed shell to fire a number of small spherical pellets called shot, or a solid projectile called a slug.
• Machine guns: These are fully automatic firearms, most often separated into two classes: light and heavy.

Safety and Regulation

Firearm safety and regulation are important issues worldwide. In many countries, the possession and use of firearms are heavily regulated by law. Safety measures include safe storage, handling, and use of firearms to prevent accidents and misuse.

See Also

• Gun Control
• Second Amendment
• Firearm Safety
• Hunting
• Sport Shooting

References

Firearms Resources
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