Mousegun

A mousegun intended for is most often considered a category of small revolver, or semi-automatic handgunself defense; typically such small pistols are of .380 ACP (9mm Short) caliber or less, with .32 ACP and .22 Long Rifle calibers also being common. The term is used to describe a class of small handguns.

Terminology

Among mousegun users, the term mousegun itself is not usually considered to be pejorative, but is instead affectionately used. Manufacturers of these guns however generally label them as "ultra-compact", avoiding the derogatory connotation given by users of larger-caliber, larger-size guns, and also differentiating them from "sub-compact" models such as the Glock 26 and 30, which have a similar role of deep concealment, but fire larger "defense caliber" cartridges between 9x19mm Parabellum and .45 ACP and are therefore slightly larger themselves.

It should be mentioned that those who favor larger, heavier handguns (not necessarily of larger caliber) do often use the term mousegun for any small caliber firearm in a disparaging way, generally for guns they see as intended for use in a military or self defense role where power should be considered more important.

Among those who prefer larger, heavier guns, the term mousegun is sometimes applied to junk guns, especially those in .22 Long Rifle or .25 ACP.

Among those who prefer larger, heavier guns, it is noteworthy to realize that .22 caliber pistols (and even rifles) that are intended for target shooting, plinking, or small game hunting are not considered mouseguns. In this usage, there is widespread agreement, even among those who favor the use of mouseguns for use in deeply-concealed carry; full-size handguns and rifles, despite firing small caliber bullets, are not mouseguns.