Pistol F.A.Q.

Short answers to the questions we hear most. New to pistols? Read this, then head back to Where to Start.

What are the parts of a pistol?

• Slide: the top half. It holds the sights and moves back with each shot.
• Barrel: sits inside the slide. The bullet leaves through the muzzle.
• Frame: the bottom half, often polymer or steel. It holds the trigger and the grip.
• Magazine: the spring-loaded box in the grip that holds the rounds.
• Sights: a front and rear sight on the slide. Many pistols also take a red dot.

How does a semi-auto pistol work?

1. The magazine pushes a round up, and the slide strips it into the chamber.
2. Pulling the trigger fires the round.
3. Recoil drives the slide back, pulling out and ejecting the empty case.
4. The recoil spring pushes the slide forward, loading the next round.
5. Let the trigger reset and the pistol is ready for the next shot.

Pistol or revolver?

• Semi-auto pistols hold more rounds, reload faster with a fresh magazine and are flatter to carry.
• Revolvers are simple to load and check, and a misfire is cleared by pulling the trigger again. They usually hold five to eight rounds.
• Both are good choices. Most new buyers today pick a semi-auto.

Striker-fired or hammer-fired?

Striker-fired pistols have the same trigger pull every shot and no hammer to manage. Hammer-fired pistols come in DA/SA, with a long first pull and short pulls after, and single action, with a short pull and a manual safety. See Step 3 in Where to Start for a side-by-side look.

What size should I buy?

Buy the biggest pistol that fits how you will use it. A full size is easiest to shoot, a compact does almost everything well, and a subcompact is the easiest to carry. Compare them in Pistol Sizes.

What caliber is best?

For most shooters, 9mm. It has manageable recoil, affordable ammo and good defensive loads. A .22 LR is the best way to learn, and .45 ACP and 10mm suit shooters who want a bigger round. See Pistol Calibers.

Do I need a manual safety?

Not always. Many striker-fired and DA/SA pistols have no manual safety and rely on a long or heavy trigger pull and internal safeties. Your trigger finger and a good holster are the real safety. If you prefer one, many popular models come with a thumb safety option.

What are the rules of gun safety?

1. Treat every gun as if it is loaded.
2. Never point the muzzle at anything you are not willing to destroy.
3. Keep your finger off the trigger until your sights are on target and you have decided to shoot.
4. Be sure of your target and what is beyond it.

Quick answers

• Best first pistol? A compact 9mm, or a .22 LR pistol for learning.
• How many magazines? At least three: one in the gun and two spares.
• How often should I clean it? After every range trip, or every few hundred rounds. Wipe down a carry gun regularly.
• Can I shoot steel-case ammo? Most pistols run it, but some ranges ban it. Check first.
• Do I need +P ammo? No. Use it only if your pistol is rated for it.
• Where do I learn about ammo? Visit the Ammo F.A.Q. on Ammo Buyers Guide.com.
• Can I carry it? Carry laws vary a lot from state to state. Check yours before you carry.

Not legal advice. Always check your state and local laws before buying, carrying or traveling with a handgun.