Someone explain the difference

[buzzkillbob]

I often read comments to the affect of "I like revolvers better than pistols". Most definitions of "pistol" essentially state that it is a small firearm designed to be held in one hand. So I ask, aren't revolvers and semi-autos both pistols? Or is this another one of those "magazine" vs "clip" things?

To me, it's kind of like saying I like driving Chevys better than I do pickups.

 

[Magload]

Magazine and clips are different. Don't look the same don't function the same. I guess when calling a handgun a name it depends on who is doing the calling. Many people seam to call are semi autos automatic weapons. Don

 

[Bkreutz]

This is one of those "common usage" things. Many people believe that pistols are semi auto and revolvers are.... well, revolvers. Yes they both are pistols, but it's one of those "All revolvers are pistols, but not all pistols are revolvers." things. Oh wait, forgot about revolver rifles. Let's make this simple and discuss the difference between engine and motor.

 

[buzzkillbob]

Many people believe that pistols are semi auto and revolvers are.... well, revolvers.

This is what I suspected, but want another's viewpoint. Next time I hear it, I'll just take a deep breath and press on.

Thanks!

 

[Sergntmac]

As I grew up in the Midwest taught by my father, and taught again in later life as a lifetime cop, it was always revolver and pistol, both being handguns.

"Revolver" explains itself. I was taught that "pistol" explained the auto-loading function as powered by the exchange of gasses and the employment of springs. indeed, a CO-2 powered pellet gun may fall into the firearms category if the velocity pushed it above a certain FPS limit which is different state to state.

BTW, handguns were handguns...Firearms. All "firearms" we're either handguns, or, long guns.

Firearms...Until pointed at another person with malice. Then both were weapons, but not until so applied. Even with the "accidental/unintentional" discharge investigation, the firearm remained a firearm until malice could be supported.

If you say "pistol" to me, my brain sees a semi-automatic handgun. Usually a 1911 design, because that is what my father trained me on. If you say pistol and show me a Colt Python, I'll think you need a lesson in nomenclature and when time permits, I'll open that exchange of thought.

I was an FTO cop for 8 years, and a Sergeant cop for 18. There is a lot, I mean A LOT of cops who learned to see it my way.

That's my story and I'm sticking to it.

Y'all be safe.

 

[gman51]

In the old days a revolver was also called a pistol and magazines were also called clips. If someone tells me they have a pistol I just ask what kind and what caliber.

 

[Rustyt1953]

Rooster and Josey called 'em "pistols". My dad called all magazines "clips".

I knew what they meant.

 

[tcon]

When in Rome.....

 

[snubbyfan]

I used to call them revolvers and autoloaders. Then the internet came along and everyone called autoloaders pistols and revolvers, revolvers.
Meh, whatever.

 

[shawn mccarver]

The technically correct usage is that all handguns are pistols. Some pistols are semi-automatic or self-loading, while others are revolvers. Each of the two categories of pistols have further categories, such as single action revolver or double action revolver, etc. Semi-autos can be striker-fired, single action, double action, etc.

Common usage, like most things broken down to the least common denominator, holds that semi-autos are pistols, and that revolvers are a different class of handgun. That is not historically correct.

Sam Colt, credited with inventing the revolver, called his invention a revolving pistol, and that was the common name when the change was made from the flintlock and caplock single shot pistols to the revolving type of pistol, so called because of the one revolving cylinder with six (usually) charge holes.

 

[WA101]

Technically, a "pistol" is a handgun that chambers the round in the barrel. A revolver has multiple chambers in a cylinder that is separate from the barrel. Thus, a revolver is not a true pistol.

I refer to my M&P handgun as a "pistol" because that's what it is.

 

[Sergntmac]

This is one of those "common usage" things...Let's make this simple and discuss the difference between engine and motor.

Ummm...Okay. Yes, it does seem a tad easier on the brain.

An engine turns a crankshaft by means of a controlled explosion of flammable gases inside a closed cylinder, which push down on a piston connected to the crankshaft. The speed of this conversion from fuel to power is controlled by the flow of the flammable gases via a throttle. There are also steam operated engines.

A motor turns an armature by electrical impulses sent through a coil of wire surrounding the armature. The flow of electricity through the coils is also controlled by a throttle.

Engines and motors share many terms, but both are quite different in their function and application. Jets and turbines are engines, but I don't know what to call something nuclear powered.

Y'all be safe

 

[Warren Sear]

Check any handgun manufacturer's web site. There is a difference between pistols and revolvers, and the manufacturers ALL appear to know the difference.

 

[Vorvon46]

Check any handgun manufacturer's web site. There is a difference between pistols and revolvers, and the manufacturers ALL appear to know the difference.

I guess the ammunition manufactures don't know that there is a difference then. Where do you ever see ammunition listed as "Revolver Ammunition" it is always listed as "Pistol Ammunition".

 

[357-RevolverGuy]

It just sounds strange to say, "I've got a 44 magnum pistol." Unless of course it's a Desert Eagle, which most people don't refer to as a pistol either.

 

[model70hunter]

Ummm...Okay. Yes, it does seem a tad easier on the brain.

An engine turns a crankshaft by means of a controlled explosion of flammable gases inside a closed cylinder, which push down on a piston connected to the crankshaft. The speed of this conversion from fuel to power is controlled by the flow of the flammable gases via a throttle. There are also steam operated engines.

A motor turns an armature by electrical impulses sent through a coil of wire surrounding the armature. The flow of electricity through the coils is also controlled by a throttle.

Engines and motors share many terms, but both are quite different in their function and application. Jets and turbines are engines, but I don't know what to call something nuclear powered.

Y'all be safe

Nuclear power is Steam engines with a different heat source. Steam powers turbines to make electricity or turn ship engines.

Fossil fuels is causing the earth to green up at the poles they say, nuclear just leaves a green glow...

 

[flywrench]

The American College Encyclopedic Dictionary defines pistol as "a short firearm intended to be held and fired with one hand." Colt developed a "revolving pistol", Browning and others developed "semi-automatic" pistols or "self loading pistols". This pistol vs revolver debate is just modern gobbledeygook!

 

[Bkreutz]

Ummm...Okay. Yes, it does seem a tad easier on the brain.

An engine turns a crankshaft by means of a controlled explosion of flammable gases inside a closed cylinder, which push down on a piston connected to the crankshaft. The speed of this conversion from fuel to power is controlled by the flow of the flammable gases via a throttle. There are also steam operated engines.

A motor turns an armature by electrical impulses sent through a coil of wire surrounding the armature. The flow of electricity through the coils is also controlled by a throttle.

Engines and motors share many terms, but both are quite different in their function and application. Jets and turbines are engines, but I don't know what to call something nuclear powered.

Y'all be safe

So how come Detroit isn't known as "Engine City"? And why call boat engines "outboard motors". (just kidding, I've heard all sides of this one for the last 50+ years)

 

[CCantu357]

This reminds me of the old automatic vs. semi-automatic argument. With rifles I am always sure differentiate autos and semi-autos. However with handguns I am more liberal. I never call the 1911 a semi-auto pistol. I just call it the Colt .45 Automatic. After all that was what the roll mark said for years.

 

[robert1804]

Ummm...Okay. Yes, it does seem a tad easier on the brain.

An engine turns a crankshaft by means of a controlled explosion of flammable gases inside a closed cylinder, which push down on a piston connected to the crankshaft. The speed of this conversion from fuel to power is controlled by the flow of the flammable gases via a throttle. There are also steam operated engines.

A motor turns an armature by electrical impulses sent through a coil of wire surrounding the armature. The flow of electricity through the coils is also controlled by a throttle.

Engines and motors share many terms, but both are quite different in their function and application. Jets and turbines are engines, but I don't know what to call something nuclear powered.

Y'all be safe

Think of engines as using direct expansion of hot gasses like steam or combustibles to force turbines,rotors or pistons to do work. Think of motors as using remotely generated power to do work, as in an electric motor or hydraulic motor.