Gun Sense For Physicians
Gun Terminology
What is a gun?
A gun (a.k.a. firearm) is a device designed to propel a solid object known as a bullet at speeds between 250 and 2,000 feet per second. The bullet normally weighs between 0.08 and 0.28 of a pound. The typical distance of such an object is between 300 and 800 yards from the front of the gun.
How is a gun made?
A gun is usually manufactured in an assembly process in which the various parts (see below) are fitted together either mechanically or by hand.
What raw materials are used to manufacture the various gun parts?
The frame of the gun and the internal parts are made out of steel or steel alloys. The outside grips (see below) can be made out of wood or plastic.
How much does a gun weigh?
Handguns usually weigh between 1 and 3 pounds. Rifles and shotguns (a.k.a. long guns) usually weigh between 4 and 8 pounds.
What is a handgun and what is a long gun?
Guns are legally defined by barrel length. A handgun is any gun with a barrel length of less than 16 inches. A long gun (rifle or shotgun) is any gun with a barrel of 16 inches or longer. This is a federal law, but states can have different applicable lengths.
What is a caliber?
Caliber is the diameter of the base of a bullet for which a particular gun is designed to shoot. Many gun models are made in multiple calibers, but a specific gun can only be made in one caliber so that it will fit properly into the barrel.