GUNS 101 : Overview 1

This category of articles will help you learn about types of firearms and ammunition.

The BulletPoints project is funded by the State of California and developed by the California Firearm Violence Research Center at UC Davis. Some information provided is specific to California; laws in other states may differ.

Lacking knowledge of firearms can be a barrier to knowing the risks and safe firearm practices. You don’t have to be a firearm owner or have experience with firearms in order to talk to learn about how to be safe with them, just as you don’t have to be smokers to talk to know the risks of smoking. However, if you don’t have experience with firearms, learning some basics can help have you informed conversations and make knowledgeable and appropriate safety recommendations.

The term “gun” refers to a broad category of devices that propel a projectile, including BB guns, airsoft guns, and paintball guns. A firearm is a type of gun that utilizes an explosive charge (gunpowder), also called a propellant, to fire a projectile. The term “gun” is colloquially used to refer to firearms.

Firearms come in many shapes and sizes, with different features that allow for different operation and use.

Click below to learn
about types of firearms
and ammunition.

1. Handguns
2. Long Guns
3. Semi-automatic and Automatic Firearms
4. Assault Weapons
5. Ammunition
6. Intrinsic Safety Mechanisms