Handguns:
There are four basic types of handguns: 1. Single-shot pistols 2. Derringers 3. Revolvers 4. Auto-loading pistols (automatics)
1. Single-shot pistols- A single-shot pistol has one firing chamber integral with the barrel, which must be loaded manually each time the weapon is to be fired.
2. Derringers- They are a variant of single-shot pistols. Derringers are small pocket firearms having multiple barrels, each of which is loaded and fired separately. The traditional derringer has two barrels.
3. Revolvers- The revolver is the most common type of handgun in the United States. Revolvers have a revolving cylinder that contains several chambers, each of which holds one cartridge. The cylinder is rotated mechanically so as to align each chamber successively with the barrel and firing pin. The first revolver was produced by Samuel Colt in 1835–1836.
4. Auto-loading pistols (automatics)- Auto-loading or automatic pistols make up the fourth category of handguns. The term “automatic pistol” is a misnomer, as this form of pistol is an auto-loader in which the trigger must be pulled for every shot fired. Regardless of the correct terminology, however, these weapons are invariably called “automatics” or just “pistols.”
