Pistols are one of the most versatile guns on the market, used for self-defense, hunting, and leisure shooting by law enforcement, the military, and civilians. In this detailed guide, we’ll look at the different types of handguns, what makes them unique, and what to think about when choosing a sidearm.
Varieties of Pistols
Pistols come in a variety of sizes and forms, each tailored for a particular use. The following are the most prevalent varieties of pistols.
Semi-Automatic Pistols
Semi-automatic handguns are the most common kind of pistol on the market. When the trigger is pulled, a mechanism throws out the used shell and puts in a new one right away. Single-action, double-action, and double-action-only versions are available for these handguns.
Revolvers
Revolvers have a timeless design that dates back to the 19th century. A spinning cylinder that holds numerous rounds aligns each cartridge with the barrel when it fires. Revolvers are renowned for their ease of use, dependability, and precision.
Pocket Pistols
Pocket pistols, often known as subcompact pistols, are tiny, lightweight, concealable firearms. They normally have a limited magazine capacity, and are easy to use while simple to carry.
Full-Size Pistols
Full-size handguns are intended for use in law enforcement, home protection, and recreational shooting. They feature larger frames and longer barrels than pocket pistols, which makes them more accurate and allows the magazines to contain more rounds.
Considerations When Selecting a Pistol
While selecting a handgun, you consider the following characteristics:
Caliber
The term “caliber” refers to the size of a firearm’s bullet. Several calibers of pistols each have their own benefits and downsides. The most common pistol calibers are 9 mm,.45 ACP, and.40 S&W.
Sights
Sights are necessary for precise shooting. Certain pistol types have night sights that illuminate in low-light circumstances. Pistols may be equipped with fixed or adjustable sights.
Grips
Grips influence the shooter’s comfort and gun control. Pistol grips may be made of polymer, wood, or rubber, and some models have interchangeable grips that can be adapted to the shooter’s hand size.
Magazine Capacity
The magazine capacity of a handgun is the number of bullets it can hold. Certain kinds of pocket handguns may contain up to 12 rounds. Typically, pocket pistols have a lesser capacity than full-size pistols.
Trigger Action
The trigger action is the mechanism that initiates the firing sequence of a handgun. Single-action triggers require the shooter to manually cock the hammer before shooting is activated, but double-action triggers are capable of firing in both single- and double-action modes. These triggers can only be activated in double-action mode.
Leading Pistol Brands
The following are some of the most popular handgun brands currently available:
If you are interested in purchasing a pistol but unsure which option is best for you, our knowledgeable staff at Advanced Arms is here to help.
Top Brands Carried
