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A firearm is a barreled ranged weapon that inflicts damage on targets by launching one or more projectiles driven by rapidly expanding high-pressure gas produced by exothermic combustion (deflagration) of a chemical propellant, historically black powder, now smokeless powder.

The term “firearm” is legally defined further in different countries. In the United States, the Gun Control Act of 1968 defines a firearm as “any weapon (including a starter gun) which will or is designed to or may readily be converted to expel a projectile by the action of an explosive.”

There are many different types of firearms, including handguns, rifles, shotguns, and submachine guns. Handguns are small, portable firearms that are typically held and fired with one hand. Rifles are long-barreled firearms that are typically fired from the shoulder. Shotguns are short-barreled firearms that are typically fired from the shoulder and are designed to shoot multiple projectiles at once. Submachine guns are automatic firearms that are typically fired from the shoulder and are designed to shoot a high rate of fire.

Firearms can be used for a variety of purposes, including hunting, self-defense, and target shooting. However, they can also be used for illegal purposes, such as violence and crime.

The use of firearms is regulated by law in most countries. In the United States, the Federal government regulates the sale, ownership, and use of firearms through a variety of laws, including the Gun Control Act of 1968, the Brady Handgun Violence Prevention Act, and the National Firearms Act.

The debate over gun control is a complex and controversial issue. There are strong arguments on both sides of the debate. Those who support gun control argue that it is necessary to reduce gun violence. Those who oppose gun control argue that it is an infringement on the Second Amendment right to bear arms.

The debate over gun control is likely to continue for many years to come.

• Handgun: A small, portable firearm that is typically held and fired with one hand.

Handgun firearm

• Rifle: A long-barreled firearm that is typically fired from the shoulder.

Rifle firearm

• Shotgun: A short-barreled firearm that is typically fired from the shoulder and is designed to shoot multiple projectiles at once.

Shotgun firearm

• Submachine gun: An automatic firearm that is typically fired from the shoulder and is designed to shoot a high rate of fire.

Submachine gun firearm

• Machine gun: An automatic firearm that is designed to shoot a continuous stream of bullets.

Machine gun firearm

• Cannon: A large, heavy firearm that is typically mounted on a carriage or other support.

Cannon firearm