They are all listed under the category "other".The Gatling gun was first developed in Chicago in the mid-19 th century and, although it was not truly automatic at that time, became a weapon that would change the nature of warfare forever. There are, however, others that do not fall clearly under any of them, either because of their technical characteristics, or because of the manufacturing process (craft or artisanal production, assembly of kits, modifications, 3D printing, etc). The above enumerated types cover the large universe of all legal arms. Source: Firearms Reference Table (RCMP-GRC / Interpol) Most machine guns have the ammunition fed by belts, although some use magazines.įigure 7: Machine Gun models. It is generally crew-operated ('heavy machine gun'), but some forms may be fired by single individuals ('light machine gun').
TYPES OF GUNS MANUAL
It is a firearm that is capable of full automatic firing (more than one shot without manual reloading, by a single function of the trigger) and that fires rifle ammunition. Source: Firearms Reference Table (RCMP-GRC / Interpol) Machine gun Where the firing system is automatic, the firearm would be classified as an automatic pistol or automatic sub-machine gun.įigure 6: Sub-machine Gun models. It is a hand-held, lightweight short barrelled machine gun consisting of relatively low-energy handgun-type cartridges and fired from the hand, hip or shoulder.Īction: Semi-automatic or fully automatic. Source: Firearms Reference Table (RCMP-GRC / Interpol) Sub-machine gun Source: Firearms Reference Table (RCMP-GRC / Interpol) Assault rifleĬan be considered a subcategory of rifles and represent 'Īny of various intermediate-range, magazine-fed military rifles (such as the AK-47 or M16) that can be set for automatic or semiautomatic fire…' (Merriam-Webster).Īction: Semi-automatic or fully automatic.įigure 5: Assault Rifle models.
A carbine resembles a rifle but has a shorter barrel.Īction: Single-shot, repeating, semi-automatic or fully automatic.įigure 4: Rifle models. Some rifles have a detachable magazine like the pistols described above, and others have integral magazines.
TYPES OF GUNS SERIES
Is a shoulder-fired long gun, with a series of spiral grooves cut inside the barrel ("rifling") imparting spin to the projectile. Source: Firearms Reference Table (RCMP-GRC / Interpol) Rifle or Carbine May also be repeating, or semi-automaticįigure 3: Shotgun models. The calibre of a shotgun is referred to as the gauge and is usually larger in diameter than other small arms.Īction: Usually single-shot.
Is a shoulder-fired long gun with one or two unrifled barrels (side-by-side or over configuration), usually designed to shoot many small projectiles ("shots") rather than a bullet. Source: Firearms Reference Table (RCMP-GRC / Interpol) Shotgun The action of the firearm feeds the next cartridge and expels the spent round.Īction: single shot, repeating, semi-automatic and automatic pistol.įigure 2: Pistol models. Cartridges are generally loaded into a magazine, which is inserted into the grip. Is a short or hand-held firearm designed for semi-automatic operation. Source: Firearms Reference Table (RCMP-GRC / Interpol) Pistol According to the system of operation of the trigger tail, revolvers can be of double (when the trigger also cocks the hammer) or single action (when the hammer is cocked manually)įigure 1: Revolver models. Expended cartridge cases remain in the cylinder until manually unloaded.Īction: Revolvers are usually repeating firearms. As the cylinder rotates into position, the trigger can be pulled, releasing the hammer firing the cartridge. Is a short or hand-held firearm with a revolving cylinder typically of five to nine chambers, manually loaded with cartridges. UNODC adopted a simplified classification in itsĢ015 Study and also in its global illicit arms flow questionnaire, which is based on the following types: Revolver Authorized users include members of the police community, specific Public Agents and approved firearm verifiers. Use of the FRT Web is limited to individuals who have been authorized by the RCMP. INTERPOL as a reference classification tool.
It was proposed and developed by Canadian Royal Mounted Police and it was further adopted by The FRT is a computerized database available online and offline. The most common classification of firearms is done by types, and the most commonly used tool for firearms identification is theįirearms Reference Table (FRT).