long gun

[lawng guhn, long]

noun

1. a handheld firearm with a long barrel, as a rifle, designed to be fired when braced against the shoulder.

   Grab your long guns, and let’s get in some target practice.

2. Ordnance.,  a mounted firearm, as a cannon, with a long barrel, especially as compared to a shorter-barreled howitzer.

   Near the foot of the watchtower was planted a long gun charged with the finest British powder.

Word History and Origins

Origin of long gun¹

First recorded in 1530–40

Example Sentences

Juan Ruvalcaba, 81, who lives across the street from where the shooting began Saturday night, said he initially thought he was hearing firecrackers, but then saw his neighbor shooting what appeared to be long gun.

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He told The Times on Sunday that he initially thought he was hearing firecrackers but then saw his neighbor shooting what appeared to be a long gun.

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Leading up to that scene, Ellie strives to establish her own hero identity by training in hand-to-hand combat with men twice her size and sharpening her sniping skills with a long gun.

Read more on Salon

A long gun was recovered from the scene, CBS reported.

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Crooks pointed his assault rifle at the officer, who slipped, fell to the ground and then started yelling into his radio: “He’s got a gun. He’s got a long gun.”

Read more on BBC