What does the term 'firearm' refer to?

The term 'firearm' specifically refers to any device designed to expel a projectile through a barrel, using the energy generated from an explosive charge. This definition encompasses a wide variety of weapons including handguns, shotguns, and rifles that operate on this principle. The key aspect of this definition is the presence of a barrel, through which the projectile travels upon firing.

By focusing on this technical definition, it excludes other types of devices not designed for this purpose. For instance, explosive devices do not fall under the classification of firearms because they function differently by creating an explosion without relying on a projectile being expelled through a barrel. Similarly, the term does not limit itself to conventional hunting rifles alone, as it includes all types of firearms regardless of their intended use. While a tool that can fire projectiles could sound broad enough to potentially include a firearm, it lacks the specificity regarding the design and function that classifies a device as a firearm. Thus, the precise understanding of 'firearm' as any device intended to expel a projectile through a barrel is crucial for accurate classification within laws and regulations.