Here’s a wild statistic: there are more privately owned guns than there are citizens in the United States. That’s because the writers of the Constitution knew that it’s every person’s right to protect and defend themselves using their own means. Guns are also amazing tools for hunting and sport, and some even make great decorations.
There are many different people with different needs, and that’s why manufacturers make many different types of guns. So if you’re interested in purchasing a firearm, this handy guide will tell you about all the available gun types and what they’re good for.
Semi-Automatic Rifles
These are the most common types of rifles you’ll find at stores and ranges. They come in a very wide variety of calibers and sizes. They make great deterrents and home defense armaments but are also popular for sports shooting and hunting.
Semi-Automatic means that every trigger pull will fire one bullet, and you’ll have to pull the trigger again to fire the next one. This isn’t the same as fully automatic where the shooter simply holds the trigger down and bullets spray from the front in rapid succession. Fully automatic rifles are highly regulated and it’s really difficult for a civilian to get one legally.
Handguns
There are two different types of handguns, pistols, and revolvers, and they’re the most popular type of guns available. They owe their popularity to their smaller size which makes them the ultimate personal defense weapons since they’re easily carried and concealed by anyone. The vast majority of handguns are also semi-automatic.
Pistols
Pistols and revolvers do have their differences, however. Pistols carry their ammunition in a magazine in the grip of the gun. This means that they can carry more bullets, but are a little less reliable because of the extra moving parts inside.
Revolvers
Revolvers carry between 5 and 7 bullets in a revolving cylinder. The only mechanism is between the trigger and the hammer, which makes them very reliable, but also a little less accurate at longer ranges.
Financing
Since handguns are such popular self-defense items, many places offer a financing option for buyers who can’t afford the cash price of the gun, cleaning kit, and ammo. You can find more info here.
Shotguns
Shotguns don’t fire bullets, but rather rounds filled with lots of little pellets (shot). They’re typically used in sports and bird hunting, but because they have a lot of firepower, they’re also good for defense. There are single shot, semi-automatic, lever-action, and pump-action shotguns.
Bolt Action Rifles
The bolt action on these large rifles requires the user to reset the firing pin by pulling the bolt back and pushing it forward again. They have very slow firing rates but are immensely accurate rifles, and come in the most powerful calibers. They’re best for hunting, but police and military sharpshooters use them for special ops because of their accuracy.
Learn About More Than Buying Different Types of Guns
Gun ownership is every law-abiding person’s right, but gun ownership also comes with several gun responsibilities. If you’re new to the gun buying scene, first decide on what you want to own a gun for: are you hunting, going to the range, or do you just want to protect your home? Remember to store your gun safely and properly as well to avoid critical accidents.
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