Proton Firearm

Proton firearms (sometimes known as concussion rifles) are a type of Directed Energy Weaponry that fires supercharged proton canisters that, upon reaching a target, detonate with intense heat and force. While they are not as popular as plasma firearms, they usually find use as anti-infantry and anti-vehicle weapons. Deaths caused by proton explosions are not often a result of direct impact, but rather cranial shock.

Types
There are two general kinds of proton firearm, as shown below:

Manual Loading
Similar to a manually-loaded shotgun, manual loading shotguns require the user to individually slide each proton canister into it's chamber. After the desired amount of protons are inside the firearm, it must be "cocked", by pulling the hammer back and letting it slide back into place. These weapons are often considered ineffective on the field of battle, despite being inexpensive compared to magazine-fed proton launchers

Magazine-Fed
Proton firearms that are fed with a box magazine filled with proton canisters are typically regarded as more "modern" than others, and are much easier to use, mainly due to their automatic hammer.

Other Directed Energy Weapons

 * Plasma Firearm
 * Ion Firearm
 * Arc Firearm
 * Photon Firearm