Rifles, shotguns, and handguns differ mostly based on their:

• A. Barrels and ammunition
• B. Barrels and safeties
• C. Actions and stocks
• D. Actions and ammunition

Answer: (A)

Barrel design and the ammunition they fire determine how rifles, shotguns, and handguns differ. Rifles have long, rifled barrels that spin-stabilize a single bullet, and they fire rifle cartridges designed for accuracy and velocity over longer distances. Shotguns use smooth, usually shorter barrels and fire shells that either disperse many pellets or shoot a single slug, giving a wider shot pattern at shorter ranges. Handguns are compact with shorter barrels and chamber pistol ammunition, balancing portability with controllable recoil. While safeties, actions, and stocks vary, they don’t define the category as strongly as the combination of barrel type and the specific ammunition used.