"Is this all real? Or has this been happening inside my head?" The topic of this article is of a real-life subject that has been mentioned "in-universe" in a canon source. The Harry Potter Wiki is written from the perspective that all information presented in canon is true (e.g., Hogwarts really existed), and, as such, details contained in this article may differ from real world facts.

A gun, also known as a firearm, is a type of metallic weapon, commonly crafted and used by non-magic people, that operates by firing projectiles using explosive force. Guns are used by a variety of organisations including military and police agencies, and by individuals to hunt and for self-defence. They can come in a variety of configurations, including but not limited to: pistols, rifles, shotguns, and cannons.^[4]

Like most Muggle technology, wizards are generally oblivious to guns. Wizarding newspaper the Daily Prophet equated guns to a "kind of metal wand".^[5] Kingsley Shacklebolt once misread the term "firearm" as "fireleg".^[6]

History

In the 18th century, soon after Dorcus Twelvetrees revealed the secret addresses of Ilvermorny and the MACUSA Headquarters to a scourer descendant; Bartholomew Barebone and a band of gun-wielding friends plotted to kill all wizards and witches living in the area. Bartholomew planted himself outside of a building and opened fire when a group of people he assumed to be MACUSA employees exited. However, the people were in fact No-Majs unlucky enough to be in the wrong place at the wrong time. None of them were killed. Bartholomew was arrested by No-Maj authorities and imprisoned for his crime.^[7]

In 1876, Rancorous Carpe attempted to trap Peeves and have him removed from Hogwarts Castle via an elaborate trap, of which include a blunderbuss and a miniature cannon.^[8]

In 1926, No-Maj officers of the New York Police Department, were armed with pump-action shotguns, revolvers, and sub-machine guns.^[3]

At some point in or prior to 1991, Dudley Dursley swapped a pet parrot for a real, live air rifle at his school. However by summer 1991, the rifle was discarded in his second bedroom, as Dudley had bent the end of it by sitting on it.^[1]

In 1991, Vernon Dursley bought a rifle to protect his family during their stay at the Hut-on-the-Rock, but when the half-giant Rubeus Hagrid visited them on the island unexpectedly, he easily destroyed the rifle by bending it into a knot.^[2]

When Sirius Black pulled out his wand in an attempt to kill Peter Pettigrew for his treason, the Muggle witnesses thought he brought out a gun. Later, after his escape from Azkaban, Muggle news reports stated that he was carrying a gun.^[5] Arthur Weasley also had a report on firearms, assigned to him by the Auror Office during the hunt for Black, that was a month overdue; Kingsley Shacklebolt apparently misread the word as "fireleg".^[6]

Behind the scenes

• In the film adaptation of Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone, Vernon comes downstairs with a double-barreled shotgun, rather than a rifle. Hagrid bends the barrels of the shotgun upwards, causing Vernon to discharge it into the ceiling.
• Despite modern wizard-kind not being familiar with firearms, some wizards have displayed knowledge of them, with Rancorous even making use of a blunderbuss.^[8]
• Ironically, the term "metal wand" is not entirely inaccurate; Hand Cannons, the first true firearms, did indeed resemble metal wands as they were little more than barrels attached to a handle.^[9] It is possible the wizarding use of the term is a hold-over from the 14th century when hand cannons were prevalent.
• The British Firearms Act strongly regulates the ownership and use of firearms. Citizens with appropriate certification may own a rifle, provided that it meet specifications; notably that it only loads a single round at a time. Shotguns with less than a three round capacity (eg: double barrel) are also generally legal to own, with a certificate, and are subject to less rigorous regulation. However, gun ownership explicitly for personal protection has been banned since 1938, and use of a firearm in a self defence situation is generally illegal.^[10] This makes Vernon's possession of a rifle more disturbing from a British perspective, as he almost certainly did not obtain it legally.

Appearances

• Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone (First appearance)
• Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone (film)
• Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (Mentioned only)
• Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire (Mentioned only)
• Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire (film)
• Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix (Mentioned only)
• Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1 (Mentioned in song)
• Harry Potter and the Cursed Child (Appears in dream)
• Harry Potter and the Cursed Child (play) (Appears in dream)
• Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them: The Original Screenplay
• Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them (film)
• Pottermore (Mentioned only)
• HarryPotter.com (Mentioned only)

Notes and references