What is a primary difference between a pistol and a rifle?

The primary difference highlighted in the correct response is that pistols typically have shorter barrels compared to rifles. This distinction is fundamental to the design and intended use of these firearms. Shorter barrels in pistols contribute to a more compact and lightweight firearm, making them easier to carry and handle in confined spaces.

In contrast, rifles usually have longer barrels, which enhances accuracy and allows for higher velocity of the bullet due to a longer path of acceleration in the barrel. The length of the barrel also plays a significant role in the effectiveness of the firearm over longer distances, which is why rifles are generally preferred for activities like hunting and target shooting at greater ranges.

While aiming difficulty, power, and firing mechanisms are important considerations in comparing pistols and rifles, they are secondary aspects relative to the significant structural difference of barrel length that fundamentally defines each type of firearm.