Pronunciation: [hˈandɡʌn] (IPA) 
The spelling of the word "handgun" is straightforward, with the majority of English speakers pronouncing it as [ˈhænd.ɡʌn]. The first syllable "hand" is spelled as it sounds, with a short "a" and "d" at the end. The second syllable "gun" is also spelled as it sounds, with a short "u" and "n" at the end. This word refers to a firearm held in one hand, designed for use in close combat or for personal defense.
A handgun is a small firearm designed to be held and operated with one hand. It is a type of portable gun that is commonly used for self-defense, law enforcement, and military purposes. Handguns are distinguished by their compact size and ease of handling, allowing for quick and efficient deployment in various situations.
Typically, a handgun consists of a barrel, a grip or handle, a trigger mechanism, and a magazine or chamber for holding ammunition. The most common types of handguns include revolvers and pistols. Revolvers have a rotating cylinder that holds multiple rounds of ammunition, while pistols have a fixed magazine that can be detachable or integral to the frame.
Handguns are commonly used at close ranges due to their shorter barrel length, making them highly effective in self-defense situations, as well as for law enforcement officers who require a reliable and easily maneuverable weapon. They are more concealable compared to long guns like rifles and shotguns, making them suitable for personal carry or concealed carry.
The use of handguns in warfare, law enforcement, and civilian applications has sparked debates surrounding gun control and Second Amendment rights. The compact nature and increasing firepower of modern handguns have led to various legal frameworks and regulations governing their possession, purchase, and usage.
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
The word "handgun" is formed by combining two words: "hand" and "gun".
The term "hand" comes from Old English "hand", which is derived from the Proto-Germanic word "handuz". This word has roots in the Proto-Indo-European "keh₂n-", meaning "something to seize with". The concept of the hand as a grasping organ has remained consistent across various languages.
The word "gun" has a more complex etymology. The term originally referred to a type of medieval cannon, and its origin can be traced back to the Middle English word "gunne". The roots of "gunne" are uncertain, but it may have come from the Norse word "gunnr", which means "battle".
