Which category of firearms includes submachine guns?

Submachine guns belong to the category of automatic firearms due to their ability to fire multiple rounds with a single pull of the trigger. Automatic firearms encompass those that can continuously fire as long as the trigger is held down. Submachine guns are specifically designed to fire pistol-caliber ammunition and operate with a mechanism that allows for fully automatic fire, distinguishing them from other firearm categories.

Handguns primarily refer to firearms designed to be held and fired with one hand, typically including revolvers and semi-automatic pistols, but they include both automatic and non-automatic types. Long guns, such as rifles and shotguns, are intended to be fired from the shoulder, and while they can also be automatic, the term does not specifically encompass submachine guns. Single-action firearms require the hammer to be manually cocked before each shot can be fired, and they generally do not include the automatic firing capability inherent in submachine guns.

Thus, the classification of submachine guns as automatic firearms is accurate, reflecting their functionality and design intended for rapid fire.