Types of Guns- What are These and Why You Need One

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Oct 22, 2025 - 16:23
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Americans are very passionate about their arsenal and this isn’t just any random observation- but in fact a deeply rooted tradition. The relationship between Americans and their firearms is as old as the nation itself, woven into the fabric of its history, culture, and law. This statement is evident with the fact that the number of weapons owned by an average American is the highest in the world! The thrill, the adrenaline and the confidence and the sense of security and empowerment that a good quality firearm gives to a person is unmatched. There are so many activities that are related to firearms which make it so popular among the general public of America.

Firearms have a number of uses which makes it an ideal investment. You need a good gun not just for defending your home, loved ones and of course yourself but you can also do hunting, tactical training and competitive shooting! But choosing the right firearm with a plethora of choices and labyrinth of acronyms, calibers, and configurations is a daunting task. If you’ve ever searched for guns for sale , you’ve likely noticed just how many options exist. From sleek handguns designed for concealed carry to rugged rifles built for hunting or powerful shotguns for home defense, understanding the different types of firearms is essential before making any purchase. This is a comprehensive guide for different types of guns and why you need to have one!

Types of Guns

Handguns

Handguns are the most popular choice of American weapon as these serve multiple purposes and come with the ease of potability, easy concealment and carry. Designed to be fired with one hand, they are often the first choice for personal defense, law enforcement, and target shooting. There are further 2 types of handguns- Pistol and revolvers.

Pistol are semi-automatic handguns that get ammunition through a magazine. Pistol are reliable and fast as they have a much bigger capacity than any other handgun, which means there are no frequent reloadings and interruptions. Pistols are also easy to clear in case of a jam or blockage as compared to any other firearm. Modern pistols like Glock, SIG Sauer, and Smith & Wesson models are reliable, lightweight, and easy to maintain.

Revolvers on the other hand, are known for their classic design and mechanical simplicity. The rotating cylinder that carries its ammunition gives an oddly familiar sense of security. Revolvers have far less moving parts which makes it simple, efficient and easy to use. Although you can only fill 6-9 bullets per round they can be pulled without any interruption or delay. Revolvers are the most reliable and durable handguns out there. Favored by enthusiasts and collectors, revolvers remain a timeless American weapon, valued for their durability, craftsmanship, and historical significance.

Rifles

If handguns are the most popular American weapons then rifles are the most reliable and respected. These long range weapons offer stability, accuracy and power. Their defining feature is the rifled barrel — spiral grooves that spin the bullet for stability during flight. Whether you’re a hunter, target shooter, or tactical enthusiast, rifles are the ultimate precision tools. Rifles have further 3 kinds- Bolt, lever and semi-auto rifles.

Bolt Action rifles are favourites of hunters and snipers. The shooter manually operates the bolt to chamber each round, resulting in unmatched reliability and accuracy.

Lever-action rifles are collectors delight as these carry a rich American legacy, immortalized in old Westerns. They use a lever beneath the trigger to cycle rounds and are admired for their nostalgic charm and smooth operation.

Last but not the least, semi-automatic rifles, like the very popular AR15s, is what depicts the American weapon  royalty. Out of all guns for sale, this one gets the most shares. Semi-auto rifles are appreciated for its modular design, customization options, and adaptability for sport shooting, varmint hunting, and home defense. It’s lightweight, accurate, and easily personalized with optics, grips, and stocks to suit individual preferences.

Shotguns

Looking for guns for sale to defend your home, do small range hunting or sports shooting? Well look no further as the most powerful gun, shotguns are the best choice! Unlike rifles, which fire single projectiles, shotguns can shoot multiple pellets (called shot) or slugs, depending on the ammunition type. Shotguns are divided into 3 sub categories- Pump action, Break action and semi-auto.

Pump action is what we resonate the shotguns with. The shooter manually cycles the action by pumping the fore-end backward and forward to chamber each round. The break-action shotguns are double-barrel configurations, and are popular for clay shooting and bird hunting. Semi-auto shotguns chamber the next round after firing, offering quicker follow-up shots with less manual effort. They’re favored by sport shooters and hunters who want faster cycling and reduced recoil.

Why Do You Need One?

Now that you have a good idea about the main types of American weapons, the decision to purchase the right kind according to your need will be easier. For home defense, choose a rifle or shotgun. For conceal carry and personal protection, the correct option will be handguns and for hunting for bolt-action rifles and for sport shooting opt for shotgun.

Conclusion

Guns represent more than just tools — they embody skill, freedom, and heritage. Owning one is prestigious as you can protect yourself and endure the true spirit of the American weapon.