Pistol

For the coin, see pistole

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For the part of a flower, see pistil.

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A pistol or handgun is a usually small firearm that can be used with one hand. There are three commons types of pistols: single-shot pistols, revolvers, and automatic pistols. In the 15th century the term "pistol" was used for small knives and daggers which could be concealed in a person's clothing. By the 18th century the term came to be used exclusively to refer to small firearms, or additionally, and more recently, similar devices designed for the aimed discharge of projectiles by the force of gas pressure stored by means other than chemical ("air pistol"). Although all handguns are generally referred to as pistols, some restrict the term "pistol" to single-chamber handguns, such as semiautomatic or single-shot pistols, as opposed to multichambered revolvers or multibarreled derringers, and use handgun for the broader category.

Related Topics:
Firearm - 15th century - 18th century - Air pistol - Derringer

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The term may be derived from the French pistole (or pistolet), which, in turn, comes from the Czech pí??ala (flute or pipe, referring to the shape of a Hussite firearm). Other suggestions have been made—that it comes from city of Pistoia, Italy, where perhaps a manufacturer was one Camillio Vettelli in the 1540s; or that early pistols were carried by cavalry in holsters hung from the pommel (or pistallo in medieval French) of a horse's saddle.

Related Topics:
French - Czech - Hussite - Firearm - Pistoia - Italy - 1540 - Pommel - Medieval

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Pistols are used mainly by police officers, military personnel, civilians who want a compact self-defense weapon, or for shooting sports. Some specialized pistols are also used for hunting. Where available, semiautomatic pistols have become the weapon of choice for civilians, making them widely used outside of the police and military realms where they first became popular over the revolver.

Related Topics:
Shooting sport - Hunting

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For some military usage, the widespread introduction of body armor has rendered the pistol ineffective. Personal defense weapons are beginning to replace them in some situations.

Related Topics:
Body armor - Personal defense weapon

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Hunting pistols often have longer barrels than a typical police or military pistol, and are often equipped with telescopic sights. Consequently, they are generally less concealable and some cannot be carried in a holster.

Related Topics:
Telescopic sights - Holster

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