Pistol facts for kids
A pistol is a type of handgun. It is different from a revolver. Pistols hold their bullets in a special box called a magazine. This magazine is usually inside the pistol's handle.
When you fire a pistol, the empty bullet casing pops out. Then, a spring pushes the next bullet into place. This is why pistols are often called "semi-automatic." When the magazine is empty, you can reload it with a "clip" that holds new bullets. Sometimes, people get pistols and revolvers mixed up. For example, in the old American Old West, people used revolvers but often called them pistols.
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Understanding Pistols
Pistols have some good points compared to revolvers. They can be reloaded faster. Their magazines also hold more bullets than a revolver, which usually holds five or six. This is why most police and military groups use pistols.
Pistols are often thinner too. This makes them easier to carry hidden. Many people think pistols are safer than revolvers. A revolver might fire by accident if it's dropped. A pistol rarely does. Most pistols also have a safety lever. This safety stops the pistol from firing even if the trigger is pulled. To shoot, you must first turn the safety off.
Pistols do have a few downsides. They are more complex than revolvers. They have more moving parts. Some pistols also have strong springs. These can be hard for younger or older shooters to use.
Most modern pistols fire only one shot each time you pull the trigger. But some special ones, called machine pistols, can fire many shots very quickly. Some famous pistols include the Colt M1911 and the Beretta 92. Pistols were not common in the western United States in the 1800s. Revolvers were used more often back then. The first successful pistol used in that time was the Borchardt C-93. It was designed in 1893.
Staying Safe with Firearms
One very important rule for gun safety is to keep guns away from children. Guns should always be locked up. They should be kept far from anyone who does not understand how dangerous they can be.
Always handle pistols and all guns with great care. Make sure the gun is always pointing in a safe direction. Keep your finger away from the trigger. Only put your finger on it when you are ready to shoot. Always remember that guns are tools. They can cause harm if not used correctly. Always act like a gun is loaded until you are absolutely sure it is not.
The bullet is not the only thing that can cause injury. Hearing protection helps keep your eardrums safe. This is important for the shooter and anyone nearby. You can use simple foam earplugs. Or you can use more expensive hearing protectors. These have a Noise Reduction Rating (NRR). A higher NRR number means better protection.
You should always wear Eye protection when shooting. Also wear it when watching others shoot. These special glasses have strong lenses. They protect your eyes from small pieces of bullets. They also protect against bits of gunpowder and other small pieces.
Types of Pistols
Most pistols today fire one shot when you pull the trigger. These are called semi-automatic pistols. There are also special pistols called machine pistols. These can fire many shots very quickly, like a machine gun.
More to Explore
Images for kids
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A government-issue M1911 pistol made in 1914
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Soviet TT pistol made in 1937
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European hand cannon (Germany, about 1475)
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French Navy pistol model 1837
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Colt Model 1873 Single-Action "New Model Army Metallic Cartridge Revolving Pistol"
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Semi-automatic pistol Grand Power K100 Target, made in Slovakia
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Manner of Jean-François De le Motte (1625–1685). Still Life in Trompe-l'oeil Style With Pistols and a Henri Iv Medaillon [17th Century]
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Cornelis Norbertus Gijsbrechts, 1672, Trompe l'oeil med pistoler
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"Trompe l´oeil 1737" by Carl Hofverberg
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17th century pistols at Läckö Castle.
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"The Faithful Colt" 1890 by William Michael Harnett
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See also
In Spanish: Pistola para niños
