When you’re looking to purchase a new firearm, it can be tough to choose between a pistol, rifle, and shotgun. It’s worth noting that each weapon has its own unique set of benefits and drawbacks that you need to consider before making your decision. For instance, you can’t shoot long range with a shotgun or a pistol, but a good rifle with one of the top 8X magnification scopes can perfectly hit the target you barely see with a naked eye.
In this blog post, we will discuss the key differences between these three firearms so that you can make an informed choice about which one is right for you.
Pistol
A pistol is a small, hand-held firearm. They are typically considered more accurate than rifles but less powerful. Pistols are perfect for self-defense or when you need to be discreet.
There are divided into distinct categories as outlined below:
Single Shot Pistols
This category is self-explanatory. From the name, it means that the pistol can only fire one shot before needing to be reloaded. They’re generally not very popular today.
Single Action Revolver
This is a traditional-style pistol. The hammer must be cocked back manually before each shot is fired. They’re popular with cowboy shooters and collectors.
Revolver Pistols
A revolver pistol has a rotating cylinder that holds rounds. This type of pistol is known for its reliability and power. Revolvers are perfect for self-defense or hunting.
Semi-automatic Pistols
As the name suggests, these pistols fire one round per trigger pull but automatically reload the chamber so that you’re ready to fire again quickly. They offer more firepower than revolvers while still being easy to use.
Automatic Pistols
These pistols will continue firing until you release the trigger or run out of ammunition. They offer the most firepower but can be difficult to control. Automatic pistols are perfect for home defense or law enforcement purposes.
Double Action/Single Action (DA/SA)
This type of pistol can be fired in either double or single-action mode. However, the hammer must be cocked back manually before firing in single-action mode.
Double Action Only Revolvers (DAO)
As the name suggests, these revolvers can only be fired in double-action mode. There is no way to cock the hammer back manually.
Pistols are commonly used for self-defense, concealed carry, target shooting, and home defense.
Rifles
Rifles are long-barreled firearms that are perfect for hunting or long-range shooting. They offer more accuracy and power than pistols, making them a favorite among hunters and marksmen.
These guns have been used for hundreds of years, and have evolved over time. Some of the rifles available in the market include:
Bolt Action Rifle
This type of rifle is the most common. The bolt action refers to how the gun reloads. To chamber a new round, you need to manually lift up the bolt and pull it back before pushing it forward again. This type of rifle is very accurate and can be used for long-range shots.
Lever Action Rifle
Lever action rifles are similar to bolt action rifles but use a lever instead of a bolt to eject and load rounds. They’re popular among cowboy shooters and are known for their fast firing rate. Additionally, lever-action rifles can be reloaded while the gun is still firing, which makes them perfect for hunting.
Pump Action Rifle
This rifle is operated by pumping the forearm back and forth. This action moves the slide and chambers a new round. Pump-action rifles are very reliable and can be used in all types of weather conditions.
Semi-automatic rifle
This type of rifle fires one round per trigger pull but automatically reloads the chamber so that you’re ready to fire again quickly. They offer more firepower than bolt or lever action rifles while still being easy to use.
Break-Action Rifle
This is the most basic type of rifle. The barrel and stock are hinged, and the gun is opened up to reload it. This type of rifle is very simple to use and reliable. It’s perfect for hunting or target shooting.
Automatic Rifle
These rifles will continue firing until you release the trigger or run out of ammunition. They offer the most firepower but can be difficult to control. Automatic rifles are perfect for home defense, law enforcement, or military purposes.
Rifles are commonly used for hunting, long-range shooting, self-defense, and target shooting.
Shotgun
A Shotgun is a firearm that is designed to be fired from the shoulder. It has a long barrel and firing chamber, which allows it to fire multiple rounds of ammunition without having to reload.
Shotguns are popular for home defense because they offer more firepower than pistols or rifles. They’re also perfect for hunting games and are often used by law enforcement officers.
Shotguns are available in different types:
Pump Action Shotgun
This shotgun is operated by pumping the forearm back and forth. This action moves the slide and chambers a new round. Pump-action shotguns are very reliable and can be used in all types of weather conditions.
Semi-automatic Shotgun
This shotgun fires one round per trigger pull but automatically reloads the chamber so that you’re ready to fire again quickly. They offer more firepower than pump-action shotguns while still being easy to use.
Double Barrel Shotgun
This shotgun has two barrels, which allows you to fire two rounds without having to reload. It’s perfect for home defense or hunting.
Single Barrel Shot Gun
This shotgun has only one barrel, which means you can only fire one round at a time. It’s not as powerful as other shotguns but is very affordable.
Shotguns are popular for home defense, hunting, law enforcement, and military purposes.
Key Takeaways
From the explanation above, below are some of the key differences between these three guns:
- Rifles are used to shoot stationary targets. Shotguns are used to shoot moving targets, especially in the air, while pistols are used for close range.
- Rifles are accurate over long distances, shotguns are not as accurate but have a wider spread. Pistols are the most inaccurate
- Both Rifles and shotguns are relatively large, while pistols are small and easy to conceal
Which is the Best Weapon for You?
Well, that all depends on what you’re using it for. If you’re looking for a weapon to use for hunting, then a rifle or shotgun would be a better choice than a pistol. However, if you’re looking for something small and easy to conceal, then a pistol is the way to go. Ultimately, it’s up to you to decide which weapon is the best fit for your needs.