A "gat" is a slang term for a firearm, particularly a handgun. The term is often used in urban settings and is derived from the word "gatling," which refers to the Gatling gun, an early type of machine gun. Gats are commonly associated with self-defense, law enforcement, and criminal activity. Firearms like gats come in various types, including revolvers and semi-automatic pistols. They are designed to discharge bullets and can vary in caliber, size, and capacity. The use and regulation of gats are subject to laws that differ by region, impacting their availability and ownership.