Many Different Models, Brands & Calibers of Pistols
Machine Gun Tours has a HUGE selection of semi-automatic pistols, including incredible Sig Sauer, amazing Ruger, and the ever-dependable Glock. Some of our most popular handguns are 1911s, but revolvers are some of my personal favorites because they’re point-and-shoot simple.
We have a large selection of pistols to choose from whether you’re looking for practical self defense, everyday carry(EDC), competition and more.
Come by our shop to browse our current inventory or give us a call at 303-993-8361 if you’re looking for something specific.
Different Types of Handguns
There are many different types of pistols available and many we carry. The different types of handguns are divided into three primary categories:
- Revolvers
- Semi-automatic Pistols or “Semi-autos”
- PIstol Caliber Carbine(PCC’s) & Other
Definition of a Handgun
A firearm, as defined by 26 U.S.C. 5845(a)(4), is made when a handgun or other weapon with an overall length of less than 26 inches, or a barrel or barrels of less than 16 inches in length, is assembled or produced from a weapon originally assembled or produced only as a rifle.
About Revolvers
Revolvers house their ammunition in a cylinder that turns in alignment with the barrel before firing. These are further distinguished as Single Action and Double Action, commonly abbreviated as SA and DA. Single Action revolvers, like those that cowboys of the Old West carried, require the hammer to be manually pulled back before the trigger is pulled each shot. A loading gate flips down at the rear to allow loading one cartridge at a time. Empties are ejected through the same opening. Double Actions can operate in Single Action mode, or by just pulling the trigger directly, cocking back and releasing the hammer in one motion. Double Action triggers demand more effort to fire because of this. Standard capacity for most revolvers is 6 or 5 rounds, though 7- and 8-shot models are made. The entire cylinder swings out, supported on the crane. Doing so allows all chambers to be emptied at once. With a device called a “Speedloader” they can be filled with cartridges quickly, or one at a time. The iconic Smith and Wesson Model 29 of the Dirty Harry movies is a Double Action. Double Action revolvers were popular with law enforcement for over 80 years, but have been almost entirely replaced by semi-autos.
About Semi-Automatics
Semi-automatic pistols hold the cartridges, stacked vertically, in a removable magazine. Loading is accomplished by inserting the magazine into the bottom of the grip then the slide is pulled back and released to load the first round. When fired, energy from the cartridge operates the action, retracting the slide, ejecting the case, and loading the next round. Referred to as Automatics initially, these guns still only fire one bullet per trigger pull. Some cartridge names harken back to this era such as the .380 ACP or .45 ACP (Automatic Colt Pistol). They are Hammer-fired or Striker-fired. Hammer-fired, like revolvers are single and double action, unlike revolvers the single action semi-auto needs cocked by the shooter or retracting the slide only once. The slide moving back to eject the previous round will cock it for consecutive shots. The most famous Single Action is the M1911, used by the US military until it was (mostly) replaced by the Double Action M9. Double Actions cock and release the hammer on the first shot like revolvers do, but then operate as a standard Single Action for each shot after that. The Beretta 92FS, modified for service to become the M9, works in Double Action.
To avoid confusion, some subtypes need to be addressed as well. Almost all Double Action revolvers are SA/DA, meaning they can be operated in either mode. This remains true for semi-automatics also. However, some do not allow precocking of the hammer. These are called Double Action Only, (DAO) and may include short barreled revolvers with a shroud over the hammer such as Ruger’s LCR, or semi-autos such as Sig Sauer 239.
Striker-fired pistols do not have a traditional hammer, rather a section of the firing pin is pulled back and kept under spring tension. When the gun fires, this is released and “strikes” the primer, firing the gun. Some designs fully cock the striker upon chambering a round, while others only do so partially, waiting for the trigger pull to compress the spring and release the striker fully. Both provide very consistent trigger pulls. Most polymer framed pistols are striker-fired, but that doesn’t mean all are. Glock series pistols are the most recognizable example of the breed.
About Pistol Caliber Carbines & Other Pistols
A more recent addition to the Pistol category are Pistol Caliber Carbines(PCCs). While several pistol caliber rifles have been around for some time, the pistol caliber carbines have become more popular for the ease of handling, tactical potential and still keeping lower costs of shooting at the range than a traditional rifle caliber. Additionally, many brands have taken a modular approach accepting popular pistol magazines interchangeably too.
The category of “Other” is reserved for all other designs not related to ones already discussed. While this list contains 2-shot break action derringers, target pistols in rifle calibers, and other action types. It also captures the innovative technologies for the new age of hybrid guns but still fall into the pistol category.
Still Can’t Decide?
That’s ok! We have an experienced and knowledgeable team at Machine Gun Tours that can help find the right pistol for you.
Give us a call or come on by the shop to meet with one of our store representatives to discuss your options.