Pronunciation: [lˈɒŋ ɡˈʌn] (IPA) 
The term "long gun" refers to a firearm with a longer barrel than a handgun. The spelling of this word follows the phonetic rules of the English language. The "long" part is pronounced /lɒŋ/, where the symbol "ɒ" represents the short "o" sound. The "gun" part is pronounced /ɡʌn/, where the symbol "ʌ" represents the "uh" sound like in "hug". Together, the word is pronounced /lɒŋ ɡʌn/ or "long guhn".
Long gun refers to a type of firearm characterized by its extended barrel length, typically designed to be held against the shoulder when firing. This category of firearms includes various types, such as rifles and shotguns. A long gun typically possesses a long barrel, often exceeding 16 inches in length. This extended barrel allows for increased accuracy and range compared to shorter firearms.
Rifles are common examples of long guns. They are known for their spiral grooves inside the barrel, called rifling, that impart spin to a bullet, improving its stability and accuracy. Rifles are typically designed for both single-shot and rapid-fire operations, and can be used for hunting, sport shooting, and military applications.
Shotguns, another type of long gun, are designed to fire a group of pellets, called shot, or a single slug. Shotguns usually have smooth bore barrels, lacking the rifling found in rifles. They are highly versatile firearms, used for hunting birds, small game, and even larger animals in some cases. Shotguns also find use in law enforcement and personal defense, as their wide dispersion patterns make them effective at close ranges.
Long guns often have stocks, or a rear grip, allowing the shooter to comfortably stabilize and aim the firearm against their shoulder. These firearm characteristics distinguish long guns from handguns, which are typically shorter in length and designed to be held with one hand.
The term "long gun" has a relatively straightforward etymology.
The word "long" originated from the Old English word "lang" which meant extended in length. Over time, it evolved and retained a similar meaning in various Germanic languages, including Old Frisian, Old Norse, and Middle Dutch. In the context of "long gun", "long" refers to the length of the weapon.
The term "gun" has a more complex etymology. It derives from the Old Norse word "gunnr", which initially referred to "battle" or "war". This word later transformed into "gonne" in Middle English, signifying a large siege engine or artillery piece used in warfare.
By the 14th century, "gun" also started to be used for smaller handheld firearms, eventually evolving to include firearms of various types and sizes.
