In 2020, domestic gun makers produced about 11.3 million firearms in the US. If you’re new to firearms, you may find that there’s quite a bit of information to consider before getting one.
When choosing a gun, you’ll need to consider the type of handgun you want. Are you interested in learning more about the different types of firearms?
Keep reading to find out about various types of handguns and find one with the power and safety you need.
Semi-Automatic Pistols
A semi-automatic pistol is a type of self-loading handgun that usually has a magazine of cartridges. The first semi-automatic pistol was from 1892 by Karl Friedrich Behr. Some of the most popular handguns for self-defense, law enforcement, and shooting sports are:
Single-Action Pistols
Single-action pistols are the simplest type of handgun. They have a single trigger you must pull back to cock the hammer before you can fire the gun. It makes them more accurate than double action or striker-fired pistols, but they are also slower to shoot.
After each shot, the hammer must be manually cocked to prepare the gun to fire again. This type of gun is for target shooting or plinking, as it is not well suited for self-defense or hunting.
Single-action pistols are not the best choice for self-defense, as they can be slow to reload and challenging to use in a stressful situation. However, they can be an excellent option for target shooting or plinking. If you are looking for a handgun for self-defense, consider a different type of gun.
Double-Action Pistols
Double-action pistols have a trigger that you can pull in two different ways. The first way is to pull the trigger back, which will cock the hammer and release it. The second way is to pull the trigger halfway back, which will not cock the hammer.
Most double-action pistols have a safety feature that you must engage for the gun to fire. This safety can be a switch, a button, or a lever. Some double-action pistols also have a decocker, which allows the weapon to be fired in a single-action mode without pulling the trigger back.
Double-action pistols are more accurate than single-action pistols because the trigger pull is shorter and smoother. They are also easier to shoot because you can pull the trigger, in the same manner every time.
These pistols are available in various sizes and calibers and offer several advantages over other handguns. They also have a shorter trigger pull, making them less likely to misfire. Additionally, double-action pistols are less likely to jam than different types of handguns.
Single Shot Pistols
Single-shot pistols are the oldest type of handgun and are only used for hunting or target shooting. They have one chamber for a bullet, and you must reload after each shot.
Bolt-Action Pistols
Bolt action pistols are a type of handgun that uses a bolt-action for cycling the chamber. This type of pistol is more accurate than a semi-automatic pistol. It is often used for target shooting or hunting.
Bolt action pistols can be single-shot or have a magazine that holds rounds. Some popular bolt action pistols are the Remington 700, the Winchester Model 70, and the Ruger 77.
Multi-Barreled Pistols
Due to their increased firepower, multi-barreled pistols are more famous for self-defense and law enforcement applications. These weapons have two or three barrels you can fire one by one, allowing the user multiple rapid-fire rounds without reloading. However, multi-barreled pistols can be difficult to control and may require more training to use.
Machine Pistols
Machine pistols are effective in close quarters, and you can also fire at rapid speeds. They are small and lightweight, making them easy to carry and conceal. Most machine pistols are semi-automatic, meaning they fire one round per trigger pull.
Some, however, are fully automatic, meaning they will continue to fire rounds as long as you hold down the trigger. Machine pistols are controversial because of their size and firepower.
They have a large magazine capacity and a high rate of fire, making them deadly in the hands of a skilled shooter. However, they can be hard to control and are often regulated or banned in many states. While machine pistols are easily operated with one hand, they are not always the best choice for a handgun.
Revolvers
Revolvers are reliable and easy to use. They are also one of the most popular types of handguns for self-defense. So far, there are three classifications:
Single Action Only Revolvers
Single-action-only revolvers (SAO) are unique because they can only be fired one shot at a time. It may seem like a disadvantage, but in reality, it is one of the most accurate types of handguns today.
A single-action-only revolver is a revolver that can only be fired by cocking the hammer and then pulling the trigger. This type of revolver is typically less expensive and easier to maintain than a double-action revolver. They are also typically light, making them easier to carry.
Double Action Only Revolvers
This type of handgun is similar to a regular revolver, but it has a trigger you must pull back to fire. It can be a drawback for some shooters, but it can also be an advantage.
The main advantage of double action only revolver is that it is much harder to discharge accidentally. It can be an excellent benefit for people new to handguns or nervous about carrying a loaded gun.
Double Action Revolvers
These revolvers have two chambers, each of which holds six rounds. Double-action revolvers are usually chambered in .357 or .44 magnum, but they can also be chambered in other calibers. Double-action revolvers are more accurate than single-action revolvers and are easier to shoot.
Derringers
Derringers are small, concealable, and easy to use. They are also one of the most dangerous handguns because they are so easy to use. Derringers are usually only used by people who are inexperienced with guns, which makes them even more difficult.
You can conceal derringers because of their small size, commonly used for self-defense. Derringers are single or double-shot handguns with barrels that hinge open to load the bullets. These handguns are not as accurate as larger handguns, but they are easy to carry and can be hidden on your body.
Size Classes of Pistols
There are three size classes of pistols- micro, subcompact, and compact. Micro pistols are the smallest and most concealable, while compact pistols are the largest and most powerful. Subcompact pistols are somewhere in between.
Micro pistols are typically chambered in .380 ACP or smaller and have a barrel length of 3 inches or less. Additionally, subcompact pistols are usually chambered in 9mm or .40 S&W and have a barrel length of 3.5-4 inches. Furthermore, compact guns are typically chambered in 9mm or .45 ACP and have a barrel length of 4-5 inches.
Size is not the only factor that determines a pistol’s capabilities. For example, a 9mm subcompact pistol will have less power and range than a 9mm compact pistol, but the subcompact will be easier to carry and conceal. Ultimately, it is up to the individual to decide what size and type of handgun are best for them.
Safety Features for Various Pistol Types
Many different types of handguns are available on the market, each with unique safety features. It is important to choose the suitable handgun for your needs and be familiar with each type’s safety features.
The most common type of handgun is the revolver. Revolvers are typically small and easy to conceal, making them a popular choice for self-defense. They have a limited capacity, however, and require more frequent reloading than other types of handguns.
Semi-automatic pistols are another popular choice for self-defense. They have a higher capacity than revolvers and are typically faster to reload. However, they can be more difficult to conceal and may have a longer trigger pull.
Some semi-automatic pistols have thumb safety, while others do not. Thumb safeties are personal, but many shooters prefer them for added protection.
Most semi-automatic pistols have a hinge at the back so you can remove the slide for cleaning. Some models have removable magazine releases, while others do not.
Many handgun accessories, such as a good pistol slide, can improve your handling and precision. Check out the Glock 43 slide to learn more about how to make your pistols safer to use.
What to Remember When Handling a Gun
Practicing proper gun safety tips is essential regardless of what type of handgun you use. Always keep the gun unloaded and locked up when not in use.
Keep your fingers off the trigger until you are ready to shoot. And always be sure of your target before you pull the trigger.
Responsible Gun Ownership By Learning Different Types of Handguns
If you’re interested in purchasing a handgun, you must first educate yourself on the types of handguns available in your area. Handguns can be classified by action type and caliber.
Handguns also come in a variety of sizes, from subcompacts to large-framed. Finding the right size for you is crucial, as a too-large gun can be challenging to control. With so many options available, it’s imperative to do your research before purchasing a handgun.
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