When it comes to guns, there are some major differences that are taken into consideration when grouping them into categories. Handguns are smaller, cancelable weapons, while Riffles are larger, non-cancelable weapons. When looking at a handgun (or pistol), it is small, can fit into your hand and some models are able to add a silencer to it. There are two main types of handguns. The first is a revolver, and then you have an automatic. A revolver can hold anywhere from 5 to 6 rounds, while a semi-automatic can hold 5 to13 rounds. A round is one bullet and its casing.
When looking at the differences of the riffle and handgun, the first thing that you see different is the size and the barrel lengths. A handgun has a barrel length anywhere form 2-6 in. while a riffle has anywhere from 18-30 in. length. Riffles have two different categories that they are put into, Boltaction and Semi-automatic. Both types of guns hold 4-8 rounds and are composed of the same material. There are only two differences between the two, bolt action has a lever that you have to pump in order to fire the bullet and in a semi-automatic, you just have to pull the trigger.
The other difference between the two is the caliber. Caliber is the size of the actual bullet. In Bolt action, the caliber can be anywhere from 22-45/70 while a semi-automatic can have 22-30/60. Different companies make different types of guns. There are some main makers that make a variety of different types. Colt is a larger companies that makes revolvers and semi-automatic handguns, bolt action and semi-automatic riffles. They also make different types of assault and military weapons. Another big company is Remmington.
They focus mostly on riffles, shotguns and assault weapons. Remmington had come out with the Sufarrie special and also the plainsman in the riffle category. One of the major differences between handguns and riffles are the concealability of the weapon. That dictate what weapon is used for what crime. If a person wanted to rob a bank and try to get away with it, then he would want to use a handgun. Handguns can be hidden in pockets and other small areas, where a riffle is very hard to conceal.
In order to conceal a riffle, the person would have to wear a very long coat and have it strapped to them underneath the coat. When looking at crimes, different weapons are used for different purposes. If a robber wanted to rob a convent store, they would more than likely carry and brandish a handgun, due to the fact that they can conceal it better than a riffle. Riffles are used mostly for long-distance shooting, because a scope (or mini telescope) can be attached to it for a more accurate shot. Most hunters use large caliber riffles when hunting deer and bear.
Hunting brings up another point. Hunters rarely use handguns to hunt. Riffles are used unless it is bow hunting season or black powder season. Black powder season means that muzzle-loading guns are used, which is a single shot with a caliber anywhere from 30-55. All types of guns are very deadly; each has their own advantages and drawbacks. When owning a gun, you have to be very careful with them around small children and you also have to take responsibility for them and what they are capable of.