Which of the following best describes the type of firearms classified as handguns?

Handguns are specifically designed to be operated with one hand, which makes option A the best description of this category of firearms. This characteristic distinguishes handguns from other types of firearms, such as rifles and shotguns, which typically require both hands to maintain control and stability during firing.

The single-handed operation of handguns allows for more maneuverability and ease of use in various situations, such as self-defense or law enforcement. Handguns come in different types, including revolvers and semi-automatics, but the critical defining feature remains their ability to be comfortably handled and fired with one hand.

The other choices do not accurately define handguns. For instance, large firearms usually refer to rifles or shotguns, which are not designed for one-handed use. While revolvers are a type of handgun, they do not encompass all handguns, as there are also semi-automatics and other types that are classified as handguns. Lastly, the barrel length criteria does not apply specifically to handguns, as they can vary in length and still be categorized as such, typically being shorter than 10 inches.