Is a handgun classified as an offensive or defensive weapon?

A handgun is classified as a defensive weapon primarily because its intended use is to protect oneself and others from potential threats. The classification emphasizes the role of handguns in self-defense situations, where individuals may need to defend themselves against aggressors.

Handguns are designed to provide a means of protection and to deter crime, highlighting their function in safeguarding personal safety rather than initiating aggressive actions. This perspective aligns with the principles of use of force in self-defense, where the goal is to neutralize a threat rather than to engage in aggression.

While terms like offensive weapon and combat weapon may suggest a more aggressive usage, these typically refer to weapons used to attack or take down an adversary rather than to defend against them. The notion of a utility weapon is also less applicable in this context, as utility often refers to tools used for a variety of practical applications, which does not capture the primary defensive nature of handguns.