Each rifle or handgun is specifically designed to be used with what type of component?

The correct answer is that each rifle or handgun is specifically designed to be used with a cartridge. A cartridge comprises the bullet, casing, powder, and primer, which together allow the firearm to operate effectively when fired. Each firearm is constructed to handle a specific caliber or type of cartridge, which ensures proper functioning, accuracy, and safety.

When a cartridge is loaded into a firearm, it creates a precise alignment that allows for effective ignition and projectile firing. The design of the chamber, the barrel, and the overall mechanics of the firearm all align with the specifications of the cartridge it was meant to use. This relationship is crucial, as using an incompatible cartridge could lead to malfunctions or dangerous situations.

The other options—shotshell, gauge, and choke—refer to components used with shotguns and are not applicable to rifles or handguns. Shotshells are designed for shotguns and contain multiple pellets rather than a single bullet. The term gauge specifically refers to the bore size of a shotgun, and a choke is used to modify the spread of the shot fired from a shotgun barrel. Therefore, these terms do not pertain to the design and functioning of rifles and handguns, reinforcing that a cartridge is indeed the correct component specifically associated with those