Small arms
For the XBox Live game, see Small Arms (video game) The term
small arms generally describes any number of smaller infantry weapons, such as
firearms that an individual
soldier can carry. It is usually limited to
revolvers,
pistols,
submachine guns,
shotguns,
carbines,
assault rifles,
rifles,
squad automatic weapons,
light machine guns and
hand grenades. However, it can also include medium and heavy machine guns, as well as smaller mortars, recoilless rifles and some rocket launchers, depending on the context. Large mortars, howitzers, cannons, vehicles, and larger pieces of equipment are not considered small arms.
Normally, if heavier items are included, the term
light weapons, encompassing
heavy machine guns,
grenade launchers, man-portable
anti-tank and
anti-aircraft guns and missile launchers,
recoilless rifles, and
mortars with
calibers of less than 100 mm (3.9 inches) is used. These weapons usually require a crew of two or more individuals to carry and operate, launch explosive
projectiles, or both.
See
small arms proliferation issues for the international movement to restrict the sale of military-grade small arms in conflict zones.
See also: list of firearms
