The term small arms generally describes any number of smaller infantry weapons, such as firearms that an individual soldier can carry. It is usually limited to revolvers, pistols, submachine guns, shotguns, carbines, assault rifles, rifles, squad automatic weapons, light machine guns and hand grenades. However, it can also include medium and heavy machine guns, as well as smaller mortars, recoilless rifles and some rocket launchers, depending on the context. Large mortars, howitzers, cannons, vehicles, and larger pieces of equipment are not considered small arms.

Normally, if heavier items are included, the term light weapons, encompassing heavy machine guns, grenade launchers, man-portable anti-tank and anti-aircraft guns and missile launchers, recoilless rifles, and mortars with calibers of less than 100 mm (3.9 inches) is used. These weapons usually require a crew of two or more individuals to carry and operate, launch explosive projectiles, or both.

See small arms proliferation issues for the international movement to restrict the sale of military-grade small arms in conflict zones.

See also: list of firearms

Firearms

Kleinwaffen | 輕兵器 | נשק קל