There are several main types of guns, including handguns, rifles, and shotguns. Handguns are designed to be held and fired with one hand, making them compact and easy to carry. Rifles have longer barrels and are typically used for precision shooting at greater distances. Shotguns are designed to fire multiple pellets or a single slug, making them effective for close-range targets. Each type of gun serves different purposes. For example, handguns are often used for personal defense, while rifles are popular for hunting and sport shooting. Shotguns are commonly used in hunting birds and for home defense due to their wide shot spread.