What is the Difference Between Gun and Pistol and Handgun?

The terms "gun," "pistol," and "handgun" are often used to describe firearms, but they have specific differences:

1. Gun: A gun is a generic term for any device that fires a projectile, such as a rifle, shotgun, or handgun. It can refer to any type of firearm, including those designed for hunting, sport shooting, or personal defense.
2. Handgun: A handgun is a gun that fits in your hand and can be held and operated with one hand. It includes both pistols and revolvers, which are designed for easy concealment and personal defense.
3. Pistol: A pistol is a specific type of handgun with a stationary gun chamber that is an integral part of the firearm. Pistols are typically semi-automatic, meaning they fire one round each time the trigger is pulled, and automatically reload the chamber for the next shot.

In summary:

• A "gun" is any device that fires a projectile.
• A "handgun" is a gun designed to be held and operated with one hand, including pistols and revolvers.
• A "pistol" is a specific type of handgun with a stationary gun chamber, usually semi-automatic.

Comparative Table: Gun vs Pistol vs Handgun

The terms "gun," "pistol," and "handgun" are sometimes used interchangeably, but they have specific meanings:

• Gun: A gun is a device that discharges a projectile such as a bullet or a pellet. This term is often used as an umbrella term for various types of firearms, including rifles, shotguns, and handguns.

• Pistol: A pistol is a type of handgun with a chamber that is an integral part of the barrel, and the chamber is made of a non-removable part of the barrel itself. Pistols can be single-shot, repeating, semi-automatic, or automatic.

• Handgun: A handgun is a short or hand-held firearm designed to be held and fired with one hand. Revolvers and pistols are both handguns, but only revolvers are revolvers, and semi-automatics, single shots, bolt-action handguns, and derringers are pistols.

Here is a table summarizing the differences:

In summary, all pistols are handguns, but not all handguns are pistols. Both revolvers and pistols are considered handguns, but they operate differently and have distinct characteristics.