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'''Firearm''', commonly known as a "gun" was a term encompassing a variety of weapons, which utilise a projectile fired from the weapon relying on chemical explosives to propel the projectile at high velocities away from the firearm. They were typically used to penetrate surfaces to maim or kill and were usually Human in origin.
'''Firearm''', commonly known as a "gun" was a term encompassing a variety of weapons which used a projectile fired from the weapon relying on chemical explosives to propel the projectile at high velocities from the firearm. They were typically used to penetrate surfaces to maim or kill and were usually Human in origin.


==General Description==
==General Description==
Weapons that fell into the 'firearm' category included:
Weapons that fell into the 'firearm' category included:
*Handguns (Pistols or Revolvers) designed to be usable one-handed.
*Handguns (pistols or revolvers) designed to be usable one-handed.
*Rifles used a cartridge type distinct from pistols, name refers to rifling (spiralled groves inside the barrel) causing the projectile to rotate in flight, stabilising the trajectory.
*Rifles used a cartridge distinct from pistols The name refers to rifling (spiralled groves inside the barrel) which caused the projectile to rotate in flight, stabilising the trajectory.
*Shotguns used shells that usually contain a number of small projectiles from a typical smooth bore rather than rifled barrel.
*Shotguns used shells that usually contain a number of small projectiles from a typical smooth-bore rather than rifled barrel.
*Machine guns. Usually a mounted weapon that is designed to sustained long periods of fire. Some variations are designed so they can be carried around like rifles, e.g. Light machine guns.
*Machine guns were usually mounted weapons designed to sustained long periods of fire. Some variations were designed to be carried around like rifles, e.g. Light machine guns.
*Sub-machine guns. Automatic or selective fire weapons that fire pistol rounds.
*Sub-machine guns. Automatic or selective fire weapons that fired pistol rounds.
*Personal Defence Weapons are a difficult to define set, using a cartridge halfway between pistol and rifle, small calibre, pointed bullet on a small propellant charge for a muzzle velocity close to a slower rifle. Intended for better armoure penetration than regular SMGs. as of 2010, only three designs exist in production, all using a different cartridge.
*Personal Defence Weapons were a difficult to define set, using a cartridge halfway between pistol and rifle, small calibre, pointed bullet on a small propellant charge for a muzzle velocity close to a slower rifle. Intended for better armour penetration than regular SMGs. as of 2010, only three designs existed in production, each using a different cartridge.


:''This list has been simplified as the basic design allows for a wide range of variations.''
:''This list has been simplified as the basic design allows for a wide range of variations.''


Firearms were also sometimes classified by their loading mechanism. A single shot weapon such as a shotgun or musket must be reloaded after each firing, while a semi-automatic weapon reloads mechanically after each shot, but only discharges once with each trigger pull. An automatic weapon reloads and fires continuously as long as the trigger is held down and it has ready ammunition.
Firearms were also sometimes classified by their loading mechanism. A single shot weapon such as a shotgun or musket was reloaded after each firing, while a semi-automatic weapon was reloaded mechanically after each shot, but only discharged once with each trigger pull. An automatic weapon was reloaded and fired continuously as long as the trigger was held down and it had ready ammunition.


:''Often, these two systems of classification are used in tandem, e.g. semi-automatic pistol or automatic rifle. In this way, both the loading mechanism and the configuration of the firearm are described.''
:''Often, these two systems of classification are used in tandem, e.g. semi-automatic pistol or automatic rifle. In this way, both the loading mechanism and the configuration of the firearm are described.''


Two main kinds of ammunition exist for basic firearms: pistol and rifle. Pistol rounds mainly used a large calibre, round-fronted bullet from a small amount of propellant while rifles use a narrower, longer bullet with a high propellant load.
Two main kinds of ammunition exist for basic firearms: pistol and rifle. Pistol rounds mainly used a large calibre, round-fronted bullet with a small amount of propellant, while rifles used a narrower, longer bullet with a high propellant load.


A common military weapon, used by armed forces such as [[UNIT]], was the assault rifle. It was a magazine-fed selective fire firearm with a rifled barrel.
A common military weapon, used by armed forces such as [[UNIT]], was the assault rifle. It was a magazine-fed, selective fire firearm with a rifled barrel.


Pistols typically were used as more of a defensive weapon, to counter or discourage a personal attack, or as a back-up to a larger weapon. While primitive pistols were single-shot weapons, most carried by Humans after the [[19th century]] were semi-automatic weapons of either a revolver or magazine-fed design. Fully automatic pistols existed, but were not as common due to cost of production, failure rate, and ammunition consumption. The advantages of a pistol came from its small size; it is easily portable and concealable, making them suited for use by organizations such as [[Torchwood Institute|Torchwood]], whose agents often did not wish to advertise that they were armed, or may need to have a weapon with them at all times. Its disadvantages are its relatively low ammunition capacity, and lack of accuracy, power or range compared to larger weapons. It is also military tradition that officers used handarms as their primary weapon, as they are expected to me in the midst of the fighting.
Pistols typically were used as a more defensive weapon, to counter or discourage a personal attack, or as a back-up to a larger weapon. While primitive pistols were single-shot weapons, most carried by Humans after the [[19th century]] were semi-automatic weapons of either a revolver or magazine-fed design. Fully automatic pistols existed, but were not as common due to cost of production, failure rate, and ammunition consumption. The advantages of a pistol came from its small size; it was easily portable and concealable, making it suited for use by organizations such as [[Torchwood Institute|Torchwood]], whose agents often did not wish to advertise that they were armed, or may have needed to have a weapon with them at all times. Its disadvantages were its relatively low ammunition capacity and lack of accuracy, power or range compared to larger weapons. It was also military tradition that officers used handarms as their primary weapon, as they were expected to be in the midst of the fighting.


Shotguns and more primitive forms of rifle were often seen used by hunters ([[DW]]: ''[[Pyramids of Mars]]''), and could be pressed into service as combat weapons, but were generally less effective than weapons intended for military or self-defense weapons.
Shotguns and more primitive forms of rifle were often used by hunters ([[DW]]: ''[[Pyramids of Mars]]''), and could be pressed into service as combat weapons, but were generally less effective than weapons intended for military or self-defense.


Generally, most types of firearm have been ineffective against armored races such as [[Dalek]]s and [[Cybermen]], though specifically designed bullets have been produced to utilise alien race's weaknesses ([[Gold]] in the Cybermen's case). ([[DW]]: ''[[Battlefield]]'') Standard bullets are effective though against biological species that are similar to Humans, such as the [[Ood]], ([[DW]]: ''[[Planet of the Ood]]'') and [[Sontaran]]s. ([[DW]]: ''[[The Poison Sky]]'')
Most firearms wereineffective against armored races such as [[Dalek]]s and [[Cybermen]], though specifically designed bullets were produced to take advantage of alien races' weaknesses ([[Gold]] in the Cybermen's case). ([[DW]]: ''[[Battlefield]]'') Standard bullets were effective though against biological species similar to Humans, such as the [[Ood]], ([[DW]]: ''[[Planet of the Ood]]'') and [[Sontaran]]s. ([[DW]]: ''[[The Poison Sky]]'')


Firearms, as a relatively primitive technology, can be neutralized by more advanced technology. For example, [[Sontaran]] soldiers have employed a [[cordolaine]] field that affects certain metals such as [[copper]], causing weapons using copper casings on their projectiles not to fire. ([[DW]]: ''[[The Sontaran Stratagem]]''/''[[The Poison Sky]]'')
Firearms, as a relatively primitive technology, could be neutralized by more advanced technology. For example, [[Sontaran]] soldiers employed a [[cordolaine]] field that affects certain metals such as [[copper]], causing weapons using copper casings on their projectiles not to fire. ([[DW]]: ''[[The Sontaran Stratagem]]''/''[[The Poison Sky]]'')


Technological improvements such as the [[Bastic bullet]] could make firearms more effective, to the point of being a viable weapon even against a Dalek. ([[DW]]: ''[[Revelation of the Daleks]]'', ''[[The Parting of the Ways]]'')
Technological improvements such as the [[Bastic bullet]] could make firearms more effective, a viable weapon even against a Dalek. ([[DW]]: ''[[Revelation of the Daleks]]'', ''[[The Parting of the Ways]]'')


One practical limit on the use of firearms is that they were primarily lethal weapons and while it was possible to use a firearm to incapacitate rather than kill, this can only be achieved by inflicting serious injury and pain. While there are forms of ammunition known as "less than lethal" intended for incapacitation, such as rubber bullets, they still inflict extreme pain, and can still be lethal under certain circumstances. For this reason, individuals such as [[the Doctor]] and [[Sarah Jane Smith]] refused to use them on moral grounds. ([[DW]]: ''[[The Stolen Earth]]''/''[[Journey's End]]'')
One practical limit on the use of firearms is that they were usually lethal. While it was possible to use a firearm to incapacitate rather than kill, this could be done only by inflicting serious injury and pain. While there were forms of ammunition known as "less than lethal" intended for incapacitation, such as rubber bullets, they still inflicted great pain, and were lethal under certain circumstances. For this reason, individuals such as [[the Doctor]] and [[Sarah Jane Smith]] refused to use them on moral grounds. ([[DW]]: ''[[The Stolen Earth]]''/''[[Journey's End]]'')


Despite their limitations, Humans were known to use firearms well into the [[200,100|2001st century]] and [[Utopia (TV story)|beyond]].
Despite their limitations, Humans were known to use firearms well into the [[200,100|2001st century]] and [[Utopia (TV story)|beyond]].


An appreciation of the usefulness of firearms was not limited to Humanity. Upon landing on the planet [[Exxilon]] a Dalek taskforce's weapons were rendered in-operable forcing them to replace their energy based weapons with semi-automatic ballistic weapons. ([[DW]]: ''[[Death to the Daleks]]'')
An appreciation of the usefulness of firearms was not limited to Humanity. Upon landing on the planet [[Exxilon]] a Dalek taskforce's weapons were rendered inoperable, forcing them to replace their energy weapons with semi-automatic ballistic weapons. ([[DW]]: ''[[Death to the Daleks]]'')


==Bolt-Action Rifle use==
==Bolt-Action Rifle use==
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*[[John Andrews]] used a [[wikipedia:Lee-Enfield|Lee-Enfield]] when he chased the [[Third Doctor]] and [[Jo Grant|Jo]] around the deck; it was a result of [[Vorg]] having changed the specimens' personality to violence. ([[DW]]: ''[[Carnival of Monsters]]'').
*[[John Andrews]] used a [[wikipedia:Lee-Enfield|Lee-Enfield]] when he chased the [[Third Doctor]] and [[Jo Grant|Jo]] around the deck; it was a result of [[Vorg]] having changed the specimens' personality to violence. ([[DW]]: ''[[Carnival of Monsters]]'').
==Shot Gun use==
==Shot Gun use==
*In the fourth and final segment of serial #94, The [[Fourth Doctor]] used a double barrel shot gun against a [[Fendahleen]] making it's first appearance on screen. As the [[Fendahleen]] is advancing down the hall, [[Leela]] and The Tylers are unable to move, the Doctor fires both rounds in protection of the group, effectively killing the [[Fendahleen]]. Only after he fires does he note to himself that the gun was loaded with rock salt. ([[DW]]:[http://tardis.wikia.com/wiki/Image_of_the_Fendahl Image Of The Fendahl])
*In the fourth and final segment of serial #94, The [[Fourth Doctor]] used a double barrel shot gun against a [[Fendahleen]] making its first appearance on screen. As the [[Fendahleen]] moved down the hall, [[Leela]] and The Tylers could not move. The Doctor fired both rounds, stopping the [[Fendahleen]]. Only after he fired did he note to himself that the gun was loaded with rock salt. ([[DW]]:[http://tardis.wikia.com/wiki/Image_of_the_Fendahl Image Of The Fendahl])


==Assault Rifle use==
==Assault Rifle use==
*Weapons resembling M4 Carbines with Beta C-mag drum magazines were used to shoot and subdue the Ood on the [[Ood Sphere]]. ([[DW]]: ''[[Planet of the Ood]]'')
*Weapons resembling M4 Carbines with Beta C-mag drum magazines were used to shoot and subdue the Ood on the [[Ood Sphere]]. ([[DW]]: ''[[Planet of the Ood]]'')
*The army and [[UNIT]] used H&K G36 assault rifles to repel the [[Sontaran]]s, [[Dalek]]s and the [[Cybermen]], however they were completely ineffective against the latter two . ([[DW]]: ''[[Dalek (TV story)|Dalek]], [[The Parting of the Ways]], [[Army of Ghosts]], [[Doomsday]], [[The Poison Sky]], [[The Stolen Earth]], [[Journey's End]]'')
*The army and [[UNIT]] used H&K G36 assault rifles against the [[Sontaran]]s, [[Dalek]]s and the [[Cybermen]]. They were completely ineffective against the last two . ([[DW]]: ''[[Dalek (TV story)|Dalek]], [[The Parting of the Ways]], [[Army of Ghosts]], [[Doomsday]], [[The Poison Sky]], [[The Stolen Earth]], [[Journey's End]]'')
*[[Gwen Cooper]] and [[Ianto Jones]] used assault rifles to combat a Dalek in the [[Torchwood 3|Torchwood Hub]]. ([[DW]]: ''[[The Stolen Earth]]'')
*[[Gwen Cooper]] and [[Ianto Jones]] used assault rifles to combat a Dalek in the [[Torchwood 3|Torchwood Hub]]. ([[DW]]: ''[[The Stolen Earth]]'')
*[[The Master]]'s private armed teams fired on the [[Tenth Doctor]], [[Martha Jones]] and [[Jack Harkness]] with assault rifles. ([[DW]]: ''[[The Sound of Drums]]'')
*[[The Master]]'s private armed teams fired on the [[Tenth Doctor]], [[Martha Jones]] and [[Jack Harkness]] with assault rifles. ([[DW]]: ''[[The Sound of Drums]]'')
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* UNIT successfully battled three of [[The Swarm (Planet of the Dead)|the Swarm]] with [[wikipedia:G36|Heckler & Koch G36]] assault rifles and [[wikipedia:M4 carbine|M4 carbines]], although anti-aircraft batteries served a key role in finishing the creatures off. ([[DW]]: [[Planet of the Dead (TV story)|Planet of the Dead]]'')''
* UNIT successfully battled three of [[The Swarm (Planet of the Dead)|the Swarm]] with [[wikipedia:G36|Heckler & Koch G36]] assault rifles and [[wikipedia:M4 carbine|M4 carbines]], although anti-aircraft batteries served a key role in finishing the creatures off. ([[DW]]: [[Planet of the Dead (TV story)|Planet of the Dead]]'')''
* [[Joshua Naismith]]'s private guards were armed with M4 Carbine Assault Rifles, which they employed to put suppressing fire on the Doctor. ([[DW]]: ''[[The End of Time (TV story)|The End of Time]]'')
* [[Joshua Naismith]]'s private guards were armed with M4 Carbine Assault Rifles, which they employed to put suppressing fire on the Doctor. ([[DW]]: ''[[The End of Time (TV story)|The End of Time]]'')
*British Army soldiers were seen armed with L85 assault rifles at the Albion Hospital and in Downing Street. ([[DW]]:''[[Aliens of London]]'', ''[[World War Three]]'') In all other appearances, British Soldiers are seen armed with G36s.
*British Army soldiers were seen armed with L85 assault rifles at the Albion Hospital and in Downing Street. ([[DW]]:''[[Aliens of London]]'', ''[[World War Three]]'') In all other appearances, British Soldiers were armed with G36s.
* US Air Force personnel guarding the [[Eleventh Doctor]] at Area 51 were armed with [[wikipedia:CAR-15#CAR-15_Commando_.28XM177.2FGAU-5_series.29|GAU-5A/A]] Assault Rifles. ([[DW]]:''[[Day of the Moon]]'')
* US Air Force personnel guarding the [[Eleventh Doctor]] at Area 51 were armed with [[wikipedia:CAR-15#CAR-15_Commando_.28XM177.2FGAU-5_series.29|GAU-5A/A]] Assault Rifles. ([[DW]]:''[[Day of the Moon]]'')


==Handgun use==
==Handgun use==
[[file:Rattigan with a gun.jpg|250px|thumb|[[Luke Rattigan]] threatening members of the [[Rattigan Academy]] with a handgun. ([[DW]]: ''[[The Poison Sky]]'')]]
[[file:Rattigan with a gun.jpg|250px|thumb|[[Luke Rattigan]] threatening members of the [[Rattigan Academy]] with a handgun. ([[DW]]: ''[[The Poison Sky]]'')]]
*Two fake police were in possesion of handguns, they were equipped with silencers. ([[DW]]: ''[[Attack of the Cybermen]]'')
*Two fake police were in possesion of handguns equipped with silencers. ([[DW]]: ''[[Attack of the Cybermen]]'')
*[[Gustave Lytton]] gave a handgun to [[Payne]], the Doctor took it after his death and [[Russell (Attack of the Cybermen)|Russell]] took it when he arrested the Doctor. ([[DW]]: ''[[Attack of the Cybermen]]'')
*[[Gustave Lytton]] gave a handgun to [[Payne]]. The Doctor took it after his death and [[Russell (Attack of the Cybermen)|Russell]] took it when he arrested the Doctor. ([[DW]]: ''[[Attack of the Cybermen]]'')
*Brigadier [[Alistair Gordon Lethbridge-Stewart|Lethbridge-Stewart]] and memebers of [[UNIT]] threatened [[The Master]] with handguns. ([[DW]]: ''[[The Claws of Axos]]'')
*Brigadier [[Alistair Gordon Lethbridge-Stewart|Lethbridge-Stewart]] and memebers of [[UNIT]] threatened [[The Master]] with handguns. ([[DW]]: ''[[The Claws of Axos]]'')
*The [[Lorduke of Zazz]] threatened [[Frobisher]] with a handgun. ([[DWM]]: ''[[The Gift (comic strip)|The Gift]]'')
*The [[Lorduke of Zazz]] threatened [[Frobisher]] with a handgun. ([[DWM]]: ''[[The Gift (comic strip)|The Gift]]'')
*When the lone [[Dalek]] escaped [[The Vault]], the security guards used pistols against it, to no effect. ([[DW]]: ''[[Dalek (TV story)|Dalek]]'')
*When the lone [[Dalek]] escaped [[The Vault]], the security guards used pistols against it, to no effect. ([[DW]]: ''[[Dalek (TV story)|Dalek]]'')
*[[Jo Grant]] brandished a revolver when tracing [[The Master (UNIT years)|the Master]] to [[Devil's End]]. ([[DW]]: ''[[The Dæmons]]'')
*[[Jo Grant]] brandished a revolver when tracing [[The Master (UNIT years)|the Master]] to [[Devil's End]]. ([[DW]]: ''[[The Dæmons]]'')
*When [[Suki Macrae Cantrell]] got promoted to Floor 500, she pulled a modified Smith & Wesson Model 669 pistol on [[The Editor]]. She fired the pistol at the [[Jagrafess]], with no effect. ([[DW]]: ''[[The Long Game]]'')
*When [[Suki Macrae Cantrell]] was promoted to Floor 500, she pulled a modified Smith & Wesson Model 669 pistol on [[The Editor]]. She fired the pistol at the [[Jagrafess]], to no effect. ([[DW]]: ''[[The Long Game]]'')
*[[Jack Harkness]] used a [[21st century]] era pistol against the [[Dalek]]s invading the [[Game Station]], probably a Beretta 92FS. ([[DW]]: ''[[The Parting of the Ways]]'')
*[[Jack Harkness]] used a [[21st century]] era pistol against the [[Dalek]]s invading the [[Game Station]], probably a Beretta 92FS. ([[DW]]: ''[[The Parting of the Ways]]'')
*[[Queen Victoria]] carried a small Webley Bulldog revolver in her bag for her protection, she shot Father [[Angelo (Tooth and Claw)|Angelo]] with it. ([[DW]]: ''[[Tooth and Claw (TV story)|Tooth and Claw]]'')
*[[Queen Victoria]] carried a small Webley Bulldog revolver in her bag for her protection. She shot Father [[Angelo (Tooth and Claw)|Angelo]] with it. ([[DW]]: ''[[Tooth and Claw (TV story)|Tooth and Claw]]'')
[[file:At gunpoint.jpg|right|150px|thumb|[[Frobisher]] is threatened by the [[Lorduke of Zazz]]. ([[DWM]]: ''[[The Gift (comic strip)|The Gift]]'')]]
[[file:At gunpoint.jpg|right|150px|thumb|[[Frobisher]] is threatened by the [[Lorduke of Zazz]]. ([[DWM]]: ''[[The Gift (comic strip)|The Gift]]'')]]
*[[Maximillian Stael]] commited suicide with a handgun given to him by the [[Fourth Doctor]] at his behest. He did this to avert the [[Fendahl]] from using him as a power source. ([[DW]]: ''[[Image of the Fendahl]]'')
*[[Maximillian Stael]] commited suicide with a handgun given to him by the [[Fourth Doctor]] at his behest. He did this to avert the [[Fendahl]] from using him as a power source. ([[DW]]: ''[[Image of the Fendahl]]'')
*[[Jake Simmonds]] and [[Mrs. Moore]] pulled pistols (a SIG-Sauer P226 and a Beretta 92FS) to [[Mickey Smith]] when they found out he wasn't [[Ricky Smith]]. ([[DW]]: ''[[Rise of the Cybermen]]'')
*[[Jake Simmonds]] and [[Mrs. Moore]] pulled pistols (a SIG-Sauer P226 and a Beretta 92FS) on [[Mickey Smith]] when they found out he wasn't [[Ricky Smith]]. ([[DW]]: ''[[Rise of the Cybermen]]'')
*[[Tallulah]] had a prop Webley Mk VI to scare the [[Tenth Doctor]], [[Martha Jones]] and [[Solomon]]. ([[DW]]: ''[[Daleks in Manhattan]]'')
*[[Tallulah]] had a prop Webley Mk VI to scare the [[Tenth Doctor]], [[Martha Jones]] and [[Solomon]]. ([[DW]]: ''[[Daleks in Manhattan]]'')
*[[The Master (Harold Saxon)|The Master]]'s henchmen pulled out pistols (Glock 17s) to everyone witnessing when the [[Toclafane]] killed [[President Winters]]. ([[DW]]: ''[[The Sound of Drums]]'')
*[[The Master (Harold Saxon)|The Master]]'s henchmen pulled out pistols (Glock 17s) to everyone witnessing when the [[Toclafane]] killed [[President Winters]]. ([[DW]]: ''[[The Sound of Drums]]'')
*[[Thomas Milligan]] used a Heckler & Koch USP to lure a [[Toclafane]] to the trap set up by [[Alison Docherty]], and later in an attempt to kill the Master. [[Lucy Saxon]] used a Glock 17 to kill [[the Master (Harold Saxon)|the Master]]. ([[DW]]: ''[[Last of the Time Lords]]'')
*[[Thomas Milligan]] used a Heckler & Koch USP to lure a [[Toclafane]] to the trap set up by [[Alison Docherty]]. [[Lucy Saxon]] used a Glock 17 to kill [[the Master (Harold Saxon)|the Master]]. ([[DW]]: ''[[Last of the Time Lords]]'')
*[[Jack Harkness]] carried a [[wikipedia:Webley & Scott|Webley Mark IV]] revolver while in service with [[Torchwood Institute|Torchwood]], despite the rest of his team carrying more modern semi-automatics. The Webley Mark IV in .38 calibre, rather than the more famous .455, was a British Army sidearm during [[World War II]] and afterwards. ([[TW]]: ''[[Everything Changes]]'')
*[[Jack Harkness]] carried a [[wikipedia:Webley & Scott|Webley Mark IV]] revolver while in service with [[Torchwood Institute|Torchwood]], despite the rest of his team carrying more modern semi-automatics. The Webley Mark IV in .38 calibre, rather than the more famous .455, was a British Army sidearm during [[World War II]] and afterwards. ([[TW]]: ''[[Everything Changes]]'')
*General [[Cobb]] intended to shoot the Doctor with a Webley Mk VI but [[Jenny]] got in the way. The Doctor later almost shot Cobb as revenge for killing his daughter. ([[DW]]: ''[[The Doctor's Daughter]]'')
*General [[Cobb]] intended to shoot the Doctor with a Webley Mk VI but [[Jenny]] got in the way. The Doctor later almost shot Cobb as revenge for killing his daughter. ([[DW]]: ''[[The Doctor's Daughter]]'')
*Colonel [[Mace]] shot Commander [[Skorr]] with a SIG P226. ([[DW]]: ''[[The Poison Sky]]'')
*Colonel [[Mace]] shot Commander [[Skorr]] with a SIG P226. ([[DW]]: ''[[The Poison Sky]]'')
*General [[Sanchez]] attempted to repel the invading Dalek with a stainless Ruger GP100. ([[DW]]: ''[[The Stolen Earth]]'')
*General [[Sanchez]] attempted to repel the invading Dalek with a stainless Ruger GP100. ([[DW]]: ''[[The Stolen Earth]]'')
*[[John Jefferson]] shot an [[Ood]] with a Glock 17. He only fired one shot, probably the magazine hadn't been loaded properly, or the gun jammed. ([[DW]]: ''[[The Satan Pit]]'')
*[[John Jefferson]] shot an [[Ood]] with a Glock 17. He only fired one shot. Probably the magazine hadn't been loaded properly, or the gun jammed. ([[DW]]: ''[[The Satan Pit]]'')
*The [[Fourth Doctor]] took [[Scorby]]'s handgun and used it to retreat in safety. He told Sarah he'd never use it but they didn't know that. ([[DW]]: ''[[The Seeds of Doom]]'')
*The [[Fourth Doctor]] took [[Scorby]]'s handgun and used it to retreat in safety. He told Sarah he'd never use it but they didn't know that. ([[DW]]: ''[[The Seeds of Doom]]'')
[[file:Armed and dangerous.jpg|thumb|right|150px|The [[Fourth Doctor|Fourth Doctor]] retreats, covering himself with a handgun. ([[DW]]: ''[[The Seeds of Doom]]'')]]
[[file:Armed and dangerous.jpg|thumb|right|150px|The [[Fourth Doctor|Fourth Doctor]] retreats, covering himself with a handgun. ([[DW]]: ''[[The Seeds of Doom]]'')]]
*Captain [[Erisa Magambo]] threatened Malcolm Taylor with a [[wikipedia:Walther P99|Walther P99]] pistol, and later used it to defend against three of the [[Stingray|Swarm]]. ([[DW]]: ''[[Planet of the Dead (TV story)|Planet of the Dead]])''
*Captain [[Erisa Magambo]] threatened Malcolm Taylor with a [[wikipedia:Walther P99|Walther P99]] pistol, and later used it to defend against three of the [[Stingray|Swarm]]. ([[DW]]: ''[[Planet of the Dead (TV story)|Planet of the Dead]])''
*[[Wilfred Mott]] took his old Webley Mk IV service revolver with him when he sought out the [[Tenth Doctor]]. He later gave it to the Doctor who brought it with him to use against the Master. Ultimatly the Doctor had to choose between shooting the Master or [[Rassilon]], but ultimatly chose to shoot the nuclear bolt, destroying it and breaking the link that anchored the Time Lords in the present time, sending them back into the Time War and saving the universe. ([[DW]]: ''[[The End of Time (TV story)|The End of Time]]'')
*[[Wilfred Mott]] took his old Webley Mk IV service revolver with him when he sought out the [[Tenth Doctor]]. He later gave it to the Doctor, who took it to use against the Master. The Doctor had to choose between shooting the Master or [[Rassilon]], but finally chose to shoot the nuclear bolt, destroying it and breaking the link that anchored the Time Lords in the present time, sending them back into the Time War and saving the universe. ([[DW]]: ''[[The End of Time (TV story)|The End of Time]]'')
*[[Fifth Doctor|The Doctor]] used a Handgun against a Dalek mutant that had escaped from its damaged armour. He decided that he needed to kill [[Davros]] but when the moment came he couldn't bring himself to pull the trigger. ([[DW]]: ''[[Resurrection of the Daleks]]'')
*[[Fifth Doctor|The Doctor]] used a handgun against a Dalek mutant that had escaped from its damaged armour. He decided that he needed to kill [[Davros]] but when the moment came he couldn't bring himself to pull the trigger. ([[DW]]: ''[[Resurrection of the Daleks]]'')
*The [[Sixth Doctor]] used an automatic pistol against a [[Dalek]]'s eye stalk. ([[DW]]: ''[[Revelation of the Daleks]]'')
*The [[Sixth Doctor]] used an automatic pistol against a [[Dalek]]'s eye stalk. ([[DW]]: ''[[Revelation of the Daleks]]'')
*The [[Eleventh Doctor ]]fired a handgun (possibly a SIG-Sauer P225) to destroy a [[Gravity globe]]. ([[DW]]: ''[[Time of Angels]]/[[Flesh and Stone]]'')
*The [[Eleventh Doctor ]]fired a handgun (possibly a SIG-Sauer P225) to destroy a [[Gravity globe]]. ([[DW]]: ''[[Time of Angels]]/[[Flesh and Stone]]'')
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[[file:With machine guns.jpg|thumb|right|150px|[[Thawn]] and [[Fenner]] with machine guns. ([[DW]]: ''[[The Power of Kroll]]'')]]
[[file:With machine guns.jpg|thumb|right|150px|[[Thawn]] and [[Fenner]] with machine guns. ([[DW]]: ''[[The Power of Kroll]]'')]]
*Inside the [[Miniscope]], the crew of the [[SS Bernice]] used submachine guns against the [[Drashig]]s to no avail. ([[DW]]: ''[[Carnival of Monsters]]'')
*Inside the [[Miniscope]], the crew of the [[SS Bernice]] used submachine guns against the [[Drashig]]s to no avail. ([[DW]]: ''[[Carnival of Monsters]]'')
*Gustave Lytton was in possesion of a silenced submachine gun. ([[DW]]: ''[[Attack of the Cybermen]]'')
*Gustave Lytton had a silenced submachine gun. ([[DW]]: ''[[Attack of the Cybermen]]'')
*Mounted machine guns were used to shoot the [[Scarecrow]] Drones when they attacked the [[Farringham School for Boys]]. They trained with these in the school grounds. ([[DW]]: ''[[The Family of Blood]]'')
*Mounted machine guns were used to shoot the [[Scarecrow]] Drones when they attacked the [[Farringham School for Boys]]. They trained with these in the school grounds. ([[DW]]: ''[[The Family of Blood]]'')
*[[Harrison Chase]]'s guards all carried submachine guns. ([[DW]]: ''[[The Seeds of Doom]]'')
*[[Harrison Chase]]'s guards all carried submachine guns. ([[DW]]: ''[[The Seeds of Doom]]'')
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==Behind the scenes==
==Behind the scenes==
*Most firearms used in the since-2005 series, are of [[wikipedia:G36|Heckler & Koch]] manufacture, specificaly G36 assault rifles and USP sidearms. Glocks and Webleys have also been used.
*Most firearms used in the 2005 series, are of [[wikipedia:G36|Heckler & Koch]] manufacture, specificaly G36 assault rifles and USP sidearms. Glocks and Webleys have also been used.
*The guns carried by [[Sanctuary Base 6]] security in [[DW]]: ''[[The Impossible Planet]]'' / ''[[The Satan Pit]]'' are [[wikipedia:FN_P90|P90 Personal Defense Weapons]] fitted with supressors (the same model of weapon commonly associated with ''[[wikipedia:Stargate_SG-1|Stargate SG-1]]'' universe).
*The guns carried by [[Sanctuary Base 6]] security in [[DW]]: ''[[The Impossible Planet]]'' / ''[[The Satan Pit]]'' are [[wikipedia:FN_P90|P90 Personal Defense Weapons]] fitted with supressors (the same model of weapon commonly associated with ''[[wikipedia:Stargate_SG-1|Stargate SG-1]]'' universe).
*In the various UNIT episodes during the [[Jon Pertwee]] era, [[wikipedia:Sterling_submachine_gun|Sterling sub-machine guns]] or [[wikipedia:FN-FAL|SLRs]] were used.
*In the various UNIT episodes during the [[Jon Pertwee]] era, [[wikipedia:Sterling_submachine_gun|Sterling sub-machine guns]] or [[wikipedia:FN-FAL|SLRs]] were used.

Revision as of 15:36, 26 August 2011

Firearm, commonly known as a "gun" was a term encompassing a variety of weapons which used a projectile fired from the weapon relying on chemical explosives to propel the projectile at high velocities from the firearm. They were typically used to penetrate surfaces to maim or kill and were usually Human in origin.

General Description

Weapons that fell into the 'firearm' category included:

  • Handguns (pistols or revolvers) designed to be usable one-handed.
  • Rifles used a cartridge distinct from pistols The name refers to rifling (spiralled groves inside the barrel) which caused the projectile to rotate in flight, stabilising the trajectory.
  • Shotguns used shells that usually contain a number of small projectiles from a typical smooth-bore rather than rifled barrel.
  • Machine guns were usually mounted weapons designed to sustained long periods of fire. Some variations were designed to be carried around like rifles, e.g. Light machine guns.
  • Sub-machine guns. Automatic or selective fire weapons that fired pistol rounds.
  • Personal Defence Weapons were a difficult to define set, using a cartridge halfway between pistol and rifle, small calibre, pointed bullet on a small propellant charge for a muzzle velocity close to a slower rifle. Intended for better armour penetration than regular SMGs. as of 2010, only three designs existed in production, each using a different cartridge.
This list has been simplified as the basic design allows for a wide range of variations.

Firearms were also sometimes classified by their loading mechanism. A single shot weapon such as a shotgun or musket was reloaded after each firing, while a semi-automatic weapon was reloaded mechanically after each shot, but only discharged once with each trigger pull. An automatic weapon was reloaded and fired continuously as long as the trigger was held down and it had ready ammunition.

Often, these two systems of classification are used in tandem, e.g. semi-automatic pistol or automatic rifle. In this way, both the loading mechanism and the configuration of the firearm are described.

Two main kinds of ammunition exist for basic firearms: pistol and rifle. Pistol rounds mainly used a large calibre, round-fronted bullet with a small amount of propellant, while rifles used a narrower, longer bullet with a high propellant load.

A common military weapon, used by armed forces such as UNIT, was the assault rifle. It was a magazine-fed, selective fire firearm with a rifled barrel.

Pistols typically were used as a more defensive weapon, to counter or discourage a personal attack, or as a back-up to a larger weapon. While primitive pistols were single-shot weapons, most carried by Humans after the 19th century were semi-automatic weapons of either a revolver or magazine-fed design. Fully automatic pistols existed, but were not as common due to cost of production, failure rate, and ammunition consumption. The advantages of a pistol came from its small size; it was easily portable and concealable, making it suited for use by organizations such as Torchwood, whose agents often did not wish to advertise that they were armed, or may have needed to have a weapon with them at all times. Its disadvantages were its relatively low ammunition capacity and lack of accuracy, power or range compared to larger weapons. It was also military tradition that officers used handarms as their primary weapon, as they were expected to be in the midst of the fighting.

Shotguns and more primitive forms of rifle were often used by hunters (DW: Pyramids of Mars), and could be pressed into service as combat weapons, but were generally less effective than weapons intended for military or self-defense.

Most firearms wereineffective against armored races such as Daleks and Cybermen, though specifically designed bullets were produced to take advantage of alien races' weaknesses (Gold in the Cybermen's case). (DW: Battlefield) Standard bullets were effective though against biological species similar to Humans, such as the Ood, (DW: Planet of the Ood) and Sontarans. (DW: The Poison Sky)

Firearms, as a relatively primitive technology, could be neutralized by more advanced technology. For example, Sontaran soldiers employed a cordolaine field that affects certain metals such as copper, causing weapons using copper casings on their projectiles not to fire. (DW: The Sontaran Stratagem/The Poison Sky)

Technological improvements such as the Bastic bullet could make firearms more effective, a viable weapon even against a Dalek. (DW: Revelation of the Daleks, The Parting of the Ways)

One practical limit on the use of firearms is that they were usually lethal. While it was possible to use a firearm to incapacitate rather than kill, this could be done only by inflicting serious injury and pain. While there were forms of ammunition known as "less than lethal" intended for incapacitation, such as rubber bullets, they still inflicted great pain, and were lethal under certain circumstances. For this reason, individuals such as the Doctor and Sarah Jane Smith refused to use them on moral grounds. (DW: The Stolen Earth/Journey's End)

Despite their limitations, Humans were known to use firearms well into the 2001st century and beyond.

An appreciation of the usefulness of firearms was not limited to Humanity. Upon landing on the planet Exxilon a Dalek taskforce's weapons were rendered inoperable, forcing them to replace their energy weapons with semi-automatic ballistic weapons. (DW: Death to the Daleks)

Bolt-Action Rifle use

John Andrews with a rifle. (DW: Carnival of Monsters)

Shot Gun use

  • In the fourth and final segment of serial #94, The Fourth Doctor used a double barrel shot gun against a Fendahleen making its first appearance on screen. As the Fendahleen moved down the hall, Leela and The Tylers could not move. The Doctor fired both rounds, stopping the Fendahleen. Only after he fired did he note to himself that the gun was loaded with rock salt. (DW:Image Of The Fendahl)

Assault Rifle use

Handgun use

File:Rattigan with a gun.jpg
Luke Rattigan threatening members of the Rattigan Academy with a handgun. (DW: The Poison Sky)
File:At gunpoint.jpg
Frobisher is threatened by the Lorduke of Zazz. (DWM: The Gift)
The Fourth Doctor retreats, covering himself with a handgun. (DW: The Seeds of Doom)

Machine gun, Submachine gun and PDW use

Thawn and Fenner with machine guns. (DW: The Power of Kroll)

Behind the scenes

See also

Firearm
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