A
shootout is a gun battle between armed groups. A shootout often, but not necessarily, pits
law enforcement against
criminal elements; it could also involve two groups outside of law enforcement, such as rival gangs. A shootout in a
war-like context (i.e. regularly constituted
armed forces or even
guerrilla or
insurgent forces) would usually be considered a
battle (depending on size), rather than a
shootout. Shootouts are often portrayed in action films and western films.