A rifle is a long-barreled firearm designed for accurate shooting and higher stopping power, with a barrel that has a helical pattern of grooves (rifling) cut into the bore wall. In keeping with their focus on accuracy, rifles are typically designed to be held with both hands and braced firmly against the shooter's shoulder via a buttstock for stability during shooting. Rifles are used extensively in warfare, law enforcement, hunting and target shooting sports.
Common rifles from the mid-to-late 20th century of various types and configurations, displayed at the National Firearms Museum in Virginia, United States. From top to bottom: FAMAS, vz. 52 rifle, CAR-15, M40, SVD rifle, RK 62, Type 56
Names of parts of the M1 Garand rifle, World War II era, from US Army field manual
Rifling in a .35 Remington microgroove rifled barrel
Girdled bullet and twin rifle groove of the Brunswick rifle, mid-19th century
A long gun is a category of firearms with long barrels. In small arms, a long gun or longarm is generally designed to be held by both hands and braced against the shoulder, in contrast to a handgun, which can be fired being held with a single hand. In the context of cannons and mounted firearms, an artillery long gun would be contrasted with a field gun or howitzer.
Various long guns used by the United States military during World War II, including rifles, carbines, submachine guns, and shotguns. In contrast, partially visible to the left are various handguns.
U.S. Army Brigadier General Claudius Miller Easley practicing with an M1 Garand
Long guns on display in front of the Préfecture maritime in Toulon
