Average Gun Weight (21 Real Examples)
Guns come in a variety of sizes and materials, which affect their weights. And remember: ammunition adds to average gun weight, so bigger caliber size = heavier gun. If you’re wondering how heavy is a gun?, here are 21 of the most popular gun weight examples (loaded & unloaded).
So, what is the average gun weight? The average weight of most popular guns is 1.5 lbs. when loaded and 1.1 lbs. when unloaded. Note that all guns do not weigh the same and the weight of a firearm depends entirely on the type of gun being handled. Rifles are typically heavier than handguns.
There are three main types of guns worth considering when talking about a gun’s weight:
- Handguns (pistols)
- Shotguns
- Rifles
This article will focus on reviewing the weight of each type of gun. We’ll also provide useful information to help you choose the right gun weight, depending on purpose (sport, home defense, hunting) when you are in the market to buy.
Average Weight of a Handgun
The average weight of a handgun is 1.5 pounds while loaded and 1.1 pounds while unloaded.
The most common handguns under this category are revolvers and pistols. There are other less common types, but you’ll probably see these types everywhere.
General characteristics of a handgun
- It can be fired from one or both hands
- It has a short barrel and is usually smaller
- It requires no shoulder support
- The barrel length is short, usually below 16 inches
- It is easy to carry and conceal
- Typically used for shooting targets that are not moving
Table of popular handguns in the United States with their loaded and unloaded weights:
| Handgun | Magazine Capacity | Unloaded Weight (pounds) | Loaded Weight (pounds) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sig Sauer p938 | 7 rounds + 1 | 1.1 | 1.4 |
| M&P Shield | 7 rounds + 1 8 rounds + 1 | 1.2 | 1.6 |
| Glock 43 | 6 rounds + 1 | 1 | 1.3 |
| Springfield XD-S | 7 rounds + 1 9 rounds +1 | 1.4 | 1.8 |
| Ruger LCP | 6 rounds + 1 | .72 | .92 |
| Glock 19 | 15 rounds + 1 | 1.3 | 1.7 |
Average Weight of Shotguns
As expected, shotguns are slightly heavier than handguns. Therefore their average weight differs.
The average weight of a shotgun is between 6 and 8 pounds.
General characteristics of a shotgun
- Fired with two hands
- It is braced against the shoulder
- Fires once per pull of the trigger
- Long and large barrel
- Barrel length over 18 inches
- Typically used for shooting targets in the air
- Can be single shot, pump-action, or semi-automatic
Table of popular shotguns in the United States with their loaded and unloaded weights:
| Shotgun | Magazine Capacity | Unloaded Weight (pounds) | Loaded Weight (pounds) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mossberg 590 shockwave 12 gauge shotgun | 5 rounds + 1 | 5.25 | 6 |
| Savage 320 security 12 gauge shotgun | 5 rounds | 7.2 | 8.4 |
| Winchester S x P defender | 7 rounds + 1 | 7.5 | 8.5 |
| Mossberg 590 tactical 12 gauge | 5 rounds + 1 | 5.25 | 6 |
| Henry lever Action .410 side gate | 5 rounds | 9 | 10.2 |
| Citadel PAT 12 gauge shotgun | 3 rounds + 1 | 6.4 | 7 |
Average Weight of Rifles
The average weight of a loaded rifle is between 6 to 7 pounds. Depending on size and materials, some rifles weigh up to 16-17 pounds.
General characteristics of a rifle
- Fired with two hands
- Braced against the shoulder
- Long barrel with thick walls
- The barrel is large, and the length is over 16 inches
- Typically used for shooting at stationary targets
- Can be bolt action or semi-automatic
Table of popular rifles in the United States with their loaded and unloaded weights:
| Rifle | Magazine Capacity | Unloaded Weight (pounds) | Loaded Weight (pounds) |
|---|---|---|---|
| AR-15 | 30 rounds | 6.5 | 7 |
| Ak-47 | 30 rounds | 7.7 | 8.07 |
| S & W 500 | 5 rounds | 3.5 | 5 |
| M16 | 20 rounds | 7 | 8.79 |
| Ruger No. 1 | 1 round | 7 | 8.1 |
| Ruger precision rifle 6mm | 10 rounds | 10.8 | 12.0 |
| Ruger AR-556 | 10 rounds | 6.5 | 7.5 |
| Remington 7600 | 4 rounds | 8.5 | 9.5 |
| Marlin 1895 | 5 rounds | 8 | 9.0 |
Does Weight Matter When Choosing a Gun?
One look at gun forum discussions and you’ll be surprised at how many people are talking about gun weight. In fact, it is one of the most asked questions by gun buyers today and this section briefly answers it.
Indeed, weight matters when choosing a gun.
Consider the recoil factor; the weight of the firearm contributes significantly to how much the recoil works. When you shoot a gun, it exerts a force on the bullet. It’s this force that discharges the bullet.
Depending on the type of gun you are using, the bullet would usually exert a pull back towards the shooter; this process is referred to as the recoil.
Heavier guns are easier to control and operate with far less recoil than smaller guns.
Heavier guns provide balance and take most of the impact during recoil. Contrary to what you assume, a smaller gun will still shoot powerful rounds, just as heavier guns.
The amount of power on your shots depends on several other factors apart from your gun’s weight. However, your gun’s weight makes the recoil feature more noticeable.
When you pull a trigger, it lets out great bursts of energy backward towards the shooter without the extra benefit of balance provided by heavier guns.
Factors that Increase or Decrease Gun Weight
Three main factors contribute to a gun’s weight. These are accuracy, safety, and lifespan.
Safety
Guns are made from high-quality materials, or else they can become dangerous to the user.
For example, a weapon made from cheap materials can explode on the owner’s face. As a result, steel is the ideal material for guns. It is vital, tough, ductile, malleable, durable, and not sensitive to heat and temperature.
The density of steel ranges between 7.75 to 8.05 g/cm3 (0.280 to 0.291lb/in3), which is very heavy. Guns made from top-quality materials are typically stronger and heavier.
Accuracy
Barrel length and vibrations affect the accuracy of a gun. Guns with longer barrels are more accurate than guns with smaller barrels and, as a result, tend to be heavier.
Lighter guns cannot withstand strong vibrations and may lead to your hands shaking, thereby affecting your aim.
Lifespan
Steel is more durable with higher melting points; thus, it is suitable for making guns. Steel is also heavier than most metal alloys.
Other factors
Other components of a gun, such as chambers, slides, bullets, firing pins, the case, etc., add to the general mass of the weapon.
What is the Right Gun Weight for You?
The right gun weight for you will depend on the following factors:
1. What is your purpose for buying the gun?
You want to factor in the reason why you are buying the gun before choosing a weight that will be right for you. If your job only requires that you pull the gun out once in a while, then a heavier gun will not be bad for you.
Some of the purposes of buying a gun include:
- Job-related
- Hunting
- Sport shooting
- Self-defense
- Hobby
2. What is the bullet weight?
Like guns, bullet weights differ. Your bullet weight can also impact your gun’s overall weight; therefore, it’s important to also be careful when choosing.
Different guns have different bullet weights that are well suited for them. The weight of a bullet affects the trajectory and the impact. For example, when hunting, animals come in varying sizes.
It is crucial to use a bullet weight that offers you a quick and clean kill, especially when dealing with aggressive animals. Consequently, the weight of a bullet still boils down to the purpose for which you are using the firearm.
3. Comfort
The level of comfort you desire to have when holding or operating your weapon is also essential and will pay off in several ways. You can carry it on long hikes; spend longer days practicing to improve your shooting skills and accuracy.
The more you practice, the more confident you will become, and this will help you at every moment you need to shoot. If you’ll be practicing regularly with your gun, we recommend opting for lighter guns that are easier to carry around.
4. The case to store your weapon
A good case is crucial to maintaining your weapon. And a good weapon case weighs a considerable amount and will add to the overall weight of your gun.
Average Gun Weight: Making A Choice
All guns weigh differently. The individual weight of guns is dependent on several factors such as the bullet weight, the materials used in making the guns, the size, the case in which it is packaged, etc.
Bear in mind that the gun’s physical features and functionalities will also affect the gun’s weight. Therefore, you can be ready to get more weight if you want a gun that packs more amazing features.
While handguns offer more comfort because they are lighter, easier to carry, and conceal, they are often less accurate and stable. On the other hand, Shotguns provide better accuracy and control but come at the expense of being heavy to carry and conceal.
Determining the firearm to get boils to what you intend to get from the firearm. Look at the options and their benefits before choosing the best for your needs.
FAQ
What Is the Normal Weight of a Gun?
The weight of a gun varies greatly depending on the type and model. Handguns typically weigh between 500 grams to 1.5 kilograms, while rifles and shotguns can range from 2.5 to 5 kilograms.
What Is the Average Weight of a Gun in KG?
Guns, on average, can weigh anywhere from under a kilogram for compact handguns to over 4 kilograms for heavier rifles. These weights are influenced by the gun’s material, size, and type.
How Heavy Is a 12 Gauge Shotgun?
A typical 12 gauge shotgun weighs around 3 to 4 kilograms. This can vary depending on the specific model, materials used, and additional accessories or modifications.
How Heavy Is a Real Rifle?
The weight of a real rifle varies, generally falling between 2.5 to 5 kilograms. Factors including the type of rifle, barrel length, and materials contribute to the overall weight of the firearm.
