page_title: Gun
section_title: Handguns
hierarchical_section_title: Gun / Types / Handguns
caption_attribution_description: English: Smith &amp; Wession M&amp;P Victory model revolver. (Photo by Oleg Volk)
context_page_description: A gun is a weapon designed to pneumatically discharge solid projectiles but can also be liquid or even charged particles and may be free-flying or tethered.
  The means of projectile propulsion vary according to designs, but are traditionally effected by a high gas pressure contained within a shooting tube, produced either through the rapid combustion of propellants, or by mechanical compression. The high-pressure gas is introduced behind the projectile, accelerating it down the length of the tube, imparting sufficient launch velocity to sustain its further travel towards the target once the propelling gas ceases acting upon it at the end of the tube. Alternatively, acceleration via electromagnetic field generation may be employed, in which case the shooting tube may be substituted by guide rails or wrapped with magnetic coils.
  The first devices identified as guns appeared in China from around CE 1000. By the 12th century, the technology was spreading through the rest of Asia, and into Europe by the 13th century.
context_section_description: Handgun
  Pistol
  Machine pistol
  Service pistol
  Revolver
  Service revolver
caption: Smith & Wesson "Military and Police" revolver
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