handguns

Handguns are firearms designed to be held and fired with one hand. They are typically divided into two main classes: revolvers and pistols. Revolvers use a rotating cylinder that contains multiple chambers, each holding a cartridge. With each trigger pull the wheel advances to align a fresh chamber with the barrel before firing.

Pistols, commonly referred to as semi-automatic handguns in modern usage, fire from a single chamber and use the energy of each shot to cycle the action, eject the spent cartridge, and chamber a new round from a detachable magazine. In contrast, revolvers rely on a rotating cylinder that presents one chamber at a time to the barrel.

Caliber and materials vary widely. Common centers-fire calibers include 9mm, .40 S&W, and .45 ACP, while smaller rimfire rounds such as .22 LR are also used. Handguns may use steel, aluminum, or polymer frames, with features like rifled barrels, iron sights or optics, and various safety mechanisms.

Handguns have origins in early firearm history, with pistol designs developing from wheellocks and muzzle-loaders. The modern revolver and the semi-automatic pistol emerged in the 19th and early 20th centuries and led to mass production and standardized cartridges. Today, handguns are used for sport shooting, personal defense, and law enforcement, among other applications.

Regulation varies by country and region. Common elements include background checks or licensing, rules on storage and transport, and limits on magazine capacity or concealed carry. Safe handling emphasizes treating every handgun as loaded, keeping the finger off the trigger until ready to shoot, pointing in a safe direction, and using appropriate storage and training.