Mass shootings have been on the rise over the last 50 years but have occurred worldwide throughout the history of guns. These weapons of war have made their way into regular society, and while many are usable for hunting, they are also used for violent crime.
A mass shooting is often described as the injuring or killing of 4 or more people, and it always sparks debate on whether guns should be allowed in the hands of the public, dividing people into both sides of the issue. One thing is certain: guns can potentially kill more people faster than a knife. Unfortunately, if someone wants to kill multiple people, they can achieve it with almost anything.
Are you wondering what types of weapons are used in mass shootings? Here is the breakdown.
Type #1: Hand Guns
When we think of mass shootings, it is thought that the “AR” style semi-automatic rifles dominate the choice of weapon. However, this is not the case because most killings are from handguns. A handgun is a short-barrelled weapon that can be held and fired with one hand.
Most handguns on the market today are semi-automatic, and they can hold anywhere from 5 to 12 rounds and beyond, depending on the model. There are, of course, wide varieties and features between the terms handgun, revolver and pistol.
Some handguns used in mass shootings include:
- .45 caliber
- Glock .357
- .38 caliber
- 9mm
- Ruger AR-556
Most handguns are bought legally or taken from a family member to use in mass shootings. Gun detection technology is an effective way to identify concealed weapons and neutralize mass shootings before they occur.
Type #2: Semi Automatic Rifles
Assault rifles are battlefield weapons designed to kill people fast with high-volume, rapid-fire shooting. As demand grew in the market, these guns have become among the most popular firearm for gun enthusiasts around the globe. With this type of access, they also get into the hands of people that commit mass shootings.
Some statistics suggest that twice the number of people can be injured or killed with an assault rifle rather than a handgun. While fewer people are killed with semi-automatic rifles, it is becoming the preferred weapon of those that wish to harm people.
These are some of the rifles of mass shooters:
- AK 47
- AR-15
- .223-caliber rifle
- SKS rifle
Many mass shootings report the gunman using “AR-15 style” rifles. The AR stands for Armalite rifle, and today there are several sizes and options, depending on the manufacturer. Armalite sold its patent to Colt, and after that expired in 1977, different manufacturers produced copies similar to the original design. There are over 11 million AR-style rifles in the hand of Americans alone, where violent crime and mass shooting is among the highest, but still, most killings are from handguns.
Type #3: Shotguns
Shotguns are traditional hunting rifles with long barrels that shoot a straight-wall cartridge called a shotshell. There are many styles of a shotgun, including:
- Pump action
- Break action
- Bolt action
- Lever action
- Revolver
- Semi-automatic
- Automatic
As these guns have evolved, so have their uses, and they are included in weaponry for the military, law enforcement, hunting and sporting alike.
Shotguns have also been used in mass shootings, although they are less common than rifles and handguns.
Type #4: Other guns
Mass shootings cause death through shots from a gun. Statistically, countries with low gun ownership and high regulations have fewer gun-related deaths. Still, some countries have compulsory military enlistment, meaning almost everyone has access to a firearm.
Common types of guns are defined as:
Single Shot
You have to manually load and unload every time you want to shoot a round.
Semi-Automatic
This will fire one round each time you pull the trigger.
Burst Fire
A burst fire can fire a set number of rounds each time you pull the trigger.
Automatic
An automatic weapon will keep firing as long as you have the trigger held back until it is depleted of ammunition.
These are the most common types of weapons used in mass shootings, and the list only gets bigger, dictated by the preference of the shooters. Acts of violence are only made worse by using high-calibre, semi-automatic weapons, and there are no easy answers to how to stop this extreme violence.
If there were no guns, the body count would be down, but individuals who wish to harm would find other weapons to use. And while around half of the guns used in mass shootings are legally obtained, many are bought illegally or through unlicensed dealers. It is impossible to stop gun violence because there will always be a way to obtain this type of weapon. The most effective way to combat it is with upgraded security at large venues, more resources for mental health and stricter gun laws.