With the subject of school shootings, it is important to be able to differentiate between different types of guns. Beginning with handguns, handguns are a class of firearm that, surprise, surprise, can be used with a single hand. While single handed use is not recommended, the distinction lies in it's ability to function effectively one handed. Moving on to shotguns, they are smooth-bore guns designed to fire shot, which are small, spherical projectiles. Shotguns can come in numerous varieties, like semi automatic and selective fire versions. Shotguns are often put under regulation under a certain barrel length, especially if missing a stock, as they are much easier to conceal. These types are referred to by the ATF as a "weapon made from a shotgun". Rifles are designed to be fired from the shoulder and to fire single projectiles. Assault rifles are rifles which have selective fire capabilities, use an intermediate cartridge smaller than other rifles but larger than a handgun's, has an effective range of over 300 meters, and has a detachable magazine. Deviation from this will change the weapon's classification. Using a full powered rifle cartridge would change its designation to a battle rifle. Not having selective fire capabilities would make it a semi-automatic (or self-loading) rifle. Submachine guns are lightweight firearms chambered for handgun cartridges that are able to fire fully automatic. Overall, firearm classification is difficult, with numerous unhelpful definitions that exist between separate militaries, agencies, and gun owners, so here is a simplified explanation.
CHAPTER 2. WHAT ARE “FIREARMS” UNDER THE NFA? . 2003
“Firearms.” ATF , ATF
“Firearm Types Defined.” Military Weapons, Military Factory
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