Page 41 - FAT 105 4.17 MOODLE

Types of Firearms • Handgun – The term “handgun” is a

generic term for any firearm meant to be
discharged with only one hand, with no
Now that you have a basic understanding of how other support. Handguns can be classi-
most firearms operate, you can begin to differ- fied by barrel length and other features,
entiate the various types. There are three basic specifically the lack of certain features.
types of firearms, with a few sub categories based There are two types of handguns: pistols
on features and options. The three main types of and revolvers. The two types are defined
firearms are handguns, rifles, and shotguns. by their characteristics defined below.
Currently, almost all firearms, with the excep- The term “Pistol ” means a weapon originally
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tion of breech and muzzleloading black powder designed, made, and intended to fire a pro-
guns, are regulated by the Bureau of Alcohol, jectile (bullet) from one or more barrels when
Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (BATFE). held in one hand, and having:
Although there is no national registration for
• a chamber(s) as an integral part(s) of, or
firearms, the ATF provides definitions and cri-
permanently aligned with, the bore(s);
teria that are used to classify firearm types for
regulation by individual states. The ATF does • and a short stock designed to be gripped by one
regulate the minimum age for purchasing and hand at an angle to and extending below the
possessing certain firearm types. The National line of the bore(s).
Firearms Act (NFA) Branch of the ATF plac- 1 18 U.S.C., § 921(A)(29) and 27 CFR § 478.11
es further regulation and restriction on special
types of firearms that are not easily attainable by
the civilian market.

Figure 10: Various handguns, rifles, shotguns, and NFA items.

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