Forensic Ballistics - Unveiling the Mechanics of Firearms: Part-2

Examples of Firearm Types

To illustrate these classifications, consider the following examples:

1. Loading Mechanism: Muzzle Loading - Historical muskets; Breech Loading - Modern rifles like the Bolt-Action Remington 700; Magazine Loading - Semi-Automatic handguns like the Glock 19.

2. Number of Barrels: Single Barrel - Remington 870 Shotgun; Double Barrel - Stoeger Coach Gun; Multi Barrel - Nock Volley Gun.

3. Type of Barrel: Smooth Bore - Winchester Model 1300 Shotgun; Rifled - Ruger American Rifle.

4. Operation: Single Shot - Thompson/Center Encore Pro Hunter; Repeater - Henry Repeating Arms Lever-Action Rifle; Semi-Automatic - Smith & Wesson M&P15; Automatic - M16 Rifle.

5. Action Characteristics: Lever-Action - Marlin 336; Bolt-Action - Mauser 98; Self-Loaders - Browning BAR; Automatics - AK-47.

6. Handling: Handguns - Sig Sauer P226; Shoulder Arms - Ruger Mini-14.

7. Usage: Service - M4 Carbine; Sporting - Benelli Super Black Eagle II Shotgun; Hunting - Remington Model 700; Civilian - Glock 17.

8. Make: Company Made - Beretta 92FS; Country Made - "Katta" in India; Improvised - Crude homemade firearms.

9. Appearance: Normal - Colt 1911; Freak - Punt Gun; Toy - Airsoft replicas.

Table: Types of Firearms

Classification	Examples
Loading Mechanism	Muzzle Loading - Historical muskets
	Breech Loading - Modern rifles like Remington 700
	Magazine Loading - Semi-Automatic handguns like Glock 19
Number of Barrels	Single Barrel - Remington 870 Shotgun
	Double Barrel - Stoeger Coach Gun
	Multi Barrel - Nock Volley Gun
Type of Barrel	Smooth Bore - Winchester Model 1300 Shotgun
	Rifled - Ruger American Rifle
Operation	Single Shot - Thompson/Center Encore Pro Hunter
	Repeater - Henry Repeating Arms Lever-Action Rifle
	Semi-Automatic - Smith & Wesson M&P15
	Automatic - M16 Rifle
Action Characteristics	Lever-Action - Marlin 336
	Bolt-Action - Mauser 98
	Self-Loaders - Browning BAR
	Automatics - AK-47
Handling	Handguns - Sig Sauer P226
	Shoulder Arms - Ruger Mini-14
Usage	Service - M4 Carbine
	Sporting - Benelli Super Black Eagle II Shotgun
	Hunting - Remington Model 700

Conclusion

The world of firearms is diverse, spanning centuries of innovation and engineering excellence. Categorizing firearms based on their attributes provides a comprehensive understanding of their capabilities and applications. From loading mechanisms to usage purposes, each classification sheds light on the intricate art of firearm design and usage. Understanding these classifications enriches our appreciation for the role firearms play in history, sport, and personal protection.