Types of Guns Explained: A Guide to Rifles, Shotguns, & Handguns

Each type of gun has its strengths, uses, and features that make it better suited for certain scenarios. Let’s look at the three most common categories: handguns, rifles, and shotguns. And learn how each works, when to use them, and what to consider when choosing your setup.

Handguns: Compact Power and Everyday Carry

Handguns are guns that can be fired with one hand. They’re smaller than rifles or shotguns, which makes them easy to carry, store, and conceal.

Handguns are popular for:

Self-defense – They’re quick to draw and easy to keep nearby.
Home protection – Compact enough to store safely, but powerful enough to stop a threat.
Recreational use – Many shooters start learning with handguns at the range.

Handgun Categories

There are two main types of handguns: revolvers and semi-automatic pistols. The type of handgun that’s right for your setup depends on what feels good in your hand and how you plan to use it.

Revolvers

Easy to use and clean.
Fewer moving parts means fewer failures.
Most models hold 5 to 7 rounds.
Popular choice for beginners because of their simplicity.

Semi-Automatic Pistols

Use a magazine to feed rounds.
Faster reloads and higher capacity (often 10–17 rounds).
Slimmer profile makes them easier to carry concealed.
Requires more maintenance and training to run smoothly.

A revolver is great if you want something simple and ultra-reliable. A semi-auto is better if you want speed, capacity, and more carry options.

When to Choose a Handgun

Handguns shine in situations where space, speed, and concealment matter most.

Choose a handgun if:

You want a firearm for concealed carry.
You need a tool for home defense in tight spaces.
You’re just starting and want to learn shooting fundamentals.

Handguns are also easier to store safely in homes or carry on your person without drawing attention. That’s why many people start here when exploring the different types of guns.

Rifles: Precision at a Distance

A rifle is a type of gun built for accuracy over distance. It has a long barrel, a stock that rests against your shoulder, and a rifled bore (grooves inside the barrel spin the bullet for stability and precision).

You’ll see rifles used for:

Hunting – They’re great for targeting game from a distance.
Tactical use – These are dependable in law enforcement and military settings.
Long-range shooting – They are ideal for precision competitions or target practice.

Common Rifle Actions

Rifles come in several action types (which refers to how the gun loads and fires each round). Each has its place depending on what you’re doing.

Bolt-action – Manually operated, ultra-reliable, and highly accurate. Great for hunting and long-distance shooting.
Semi-automatic – Fires one round per trigger pull, with faster follow-up shots. Common for tactical and home defense rifles.
Lever-action – Classic cowboy style. Smooth cycling and fun to shoot, often used in brush hunting.
Pump-action – More common in shotguns, but also available in rifles for fast manual cycling.

You might hear the term “automatic weapon” here, too. These fire continuously as long as the trigger is held down. But they’re heavily restricted and regulated under U.S. law. Most civilians won’t encounter full-auto rifles unless they’re in law enforcement or the military.

A Word on Carbines

If you’re comparing rifles and shorter long guns, you’ll run into carbines (compact rifles with shorter barrels). They’re easier to maneuver in tight spaces but still offer the accuracy of a rifle within medium ranges.

Carbines are popular for:

Home defense setups where size and mobility matter.
Tactical environments that require a balance of speed and control.
Beginner shooters looking for manageable recoil with a rifle-style feel.

Check out Choosing Between a Rifle vs Carbine for a detailed comparison.

Shotguns: Versatility for Short-Range Power

Shotguns are a type of gun known for their short-range stopping power and wide shot spread. Unlike rifles, most shotguns have a smoothbore barrel (no rifling) and fire multiple pellets (shot) or a single slug (depending on the shell).

This design makes them incredibly versatile for:

Home defense – These can be devastating at close range, with a forgiving spread.
Bird hunting – They’re ideal for flying targets like ducks or pheasants.
Breaching – They are commonly used by law enforcement and the military to break through doors or locks.

Shotgun Types

Shotguns come in a few main styles. Each one operates differently and suits different uses.

Pump-action – The classic choice. You rack the fore-end back and forth to chamber a new round. Reliable and easy to maintain.
Semi-automatic – Uses gas or recoil to cycle the next shell. Faster follow-up shots and lower felt recoil, but needs more cleaning.
Break-action – Opens at the breech to load shells directly. Comes in single- or double-barrel versions. Simple and great for training or upland hunting.

You’ll also hear shotguns described by gauge. This refers to the barrel’s diameter and the shell’s size.

The gauge you choose affects how the shotgun handles, how much it kicks, and what it’s best used for.

12 gauge (12ga) – Most common. Strong recoil but versatile for defense or hunting.
20 gauge (20ga) – Lighter recoil. Great for smaller-framed shooters or game birds.
.410 bore – Small and low-recoil. Often used for youth shooters or pest control.

Choosing the Right Firearm for You

Narrowing it down becomes simpler when you focus on your needs, body type, and experience level. The right firearm should fit your purpose and fit you.

Start with Your Use Case

Ask yourself: What will I use this gun for?

Home defense – A compact handgun or shotgun works well in tight spaces. Look for ease of access and simple controls.
Concealed carry – Go with a lightweight handgun that’s comfortable to wear.
Hunting – Rifles offer the precision needed for large game. Shotguns are great for birds or close-range hunting.
Range or competition shooting – Choose a gun that balances accuracy and ergonomics for extended use. Weight, recoil, and trigger feel all matter here.

Consider Your Body Size and Experience

A firearm that’s perfect for one person might be uncomfortable or hard to control for someone else.

Smaller-framed shooters might prefer 9mm pistols or 20-gauge shotguns.
Taller or broader users may find larger grips and longer stocks more natural.
New shooters should use simple, reliable platforms like revolvers or bolt-action rifles while learning the basics.

Gun Accessories Matter More Than You Think

The firearm itself is only part of the setup. How you carry and control it affects comfort, speed, and readiness.

For rifle and shotgun owners, a quality sling is as important as the gun itself. At Flatline Fiber, we make American-made rifle slings built for real-world use:

Lightweight and a padded option to reduce fatigue during long hikes or training days.
Quick-adjust features that let you tighten or loosen your sling on the fly.
Compatible hardware for different rifle platforms, whether you’re running traditional setups or low-profile builds.

For more on slings, read:

If you’re carrying a handgun, your holster is just as critical. The right holster should keep your firearm secure, comfortable to wear, and easy to draw.

Know Your Firearm, Own Your Setup

Choosing the right firearm isn’t about chasing trends. It’s about knowing your needs and building a setup that works for you.

Whether carrying for self-defense, hunting, or training at the range, it all starts with the right tool and gear to support it.