A firearm is designed to do what?

A firearm is fundamentally designed to expel projectiles through a barrel. This is the primary function of any firearm, whether it is a handgun, rifle, or shotgun. When a trigger is pulled, the firing mechanism ignites the gunpowder within a cartridge, generating high pressure that forces a projectile (often a bullet) out of the barrel and towards a target. This capability to project a projectile at high speeds is what qualifies an object as a firearm, highlighting its practical use in hunting, sports shooting, self-defense, and military applications.

The other choices do not capture the essential purpose of a firearm. While firearms do produce noise as a byproduct of firing (a feature not intended for function), the actual design revolves around the propulsion of projectiles. The notion of operating silently is contrary to how firearms function since the combustion of gunpowder inherently produces sound. Similarly, the claim that firearms are designed to cause only minor harm underestimates the severity and intent behind their use, as firearms can inflict significant damage and even lethality.