What Are the Different Types of Guns and Firearms That Exist Today?

There are a number of different types and classifications of guns and firearms today. Some people like to go hunting while others like to take target practice and then there are those who collect guns as a hobby. Each individual will choose the right gun or firearm for their own specific purpose. There is also a great deal of interest in antique firearms today.

Here is a brief description of some of the different types of guns that exist today:

• Handguns

• Handguns are a great defensive tool, but not a very good hunting weapon. Each person will have a different opinion as to which handguns are best for people that is what makes this subject so interesting. What I can tell you is that consideration should be given to caliber, size, overall weight, feel and cost when choosing the best handgun for you. Handguns have been around for thousands of years and have been used in countless military and law enforcement operations for the destruction of enemy combatants. These pieces are usually messy weapons, so people usually use them at close range.

• Pistol Caliber Carbines

• For sport or home defense, there’s a pistol caliber carbine (PCC) for you. The PCC is often thought of as a “truck gun”, kept close while working or playing to protect your loved ones. However, some choose to use them as range guns, as they’re convenient and shoot very inexpensive ammunition. 

• Bolt Action Rifles

• Bolt action rifles are recessed with a bolt behind the firing round that manually slides back and forth for safety measures against shooters accidentally reloading. Today, there are approximately 20 manufacturers in the world that produce bolt action rifles, consisting of more than 3,000 models and 24 variations. Bolt actions are reliable and accurate at moderate ranges.

• Shotguns

• Shotguns are made up of several parts that work together, so it’s important to understand how all the parts work together. Before you can shoot a clay target, you need to load your shotgun correctly. Once the gun is loaded, you need to lock it, usually, the gun will have some mechanism or button that locks the lever which opens and closes the barrel. Though it takes time to master reloading shotguns, once you’ve done it a few times, your fingers will develop muscle memory so you do not have to think about it anymore (Frederiksen).

• Short Barrel Rifles

• The Ruger American Rifle Short Barrel Rifle combines tradition and rugged dependability with modern ingenuity and technology. This short barrel rifle features a hammer-forged blued, cold hammer-forged 4140 chrome-moly steel barrel, that has been given a black nitride finish for superior strength and durability. The pistol grip stock that is ergonomically shaped to provide quick, easy handling is shotgun stock style with a brown laminated finish. This short barrel rifle also features an adjustable trigger pull and comes complete with a set of scope rings.