Definition

Noun A semiautomatic pistol is a type of handgun that is a semiautomatic firearm. It is designed to fire one round each time the trigger is pulled and automatically performs the mechanical steps to eject the spent cartridge case and load a new cartridge from its magazine into the chamber, readying the weapon to fire again. This cycle requires a separate trigger pull for each shot, distinguishing it from fully automatic firearms.

Usage

The term semiautomatic pistol is used to describe a specific category of self-loading pistols. It is a technical term common in contexts discussing firearms, law enforcement, military equipment, and civilian gun ownership.

Examples

• The officer drew her semiautomatic pistol from its holster.
• Modern military forces often issue a semiautomatic pistol as a standard sidearm.
• He cleaned and maintained his semiautomatic pistol after a day at the range.

Advanced Usage

• Technical Operation: The term specifies the firing mechanism. After firing, the energy from the shot is used to cycle the action, but the weapon will not fire again until the trigger is released and pulled anew.
• Legal and Regulatory Context: In many jurisdictions, semiautomatic pistols are subject to specific regulations that differ from those for revolvers or other firearm types.

Variants and Related Words

• Semiautomatic (Adjective): Describing the firearm's mode of operation. (e.g., a semiautomatic weapon).
• Pistol (Noun): A general term for a handgun designed to be held and fired with one hand.
• Handgun (Noun): A broader category that includes both semiautomatic pistols and revolvers.
• Autoloading pistol: A less common synonym for a semiautomatic pistol.

Synonyms

• Autoloader
• Self-loading pistol

Antonyms

• Revolver (a pistol with a revolving cylinder holding multiple cartridges, which is not self-loading in the same way).
• Single-shot pistol (a pistol that must be manually reloaded after each shot).
• Fully automatic pistol / Machine pistol (a pistol capable of continuous fire with a single trigger pull).

Noun

1. a pistol that is a semiautomatic firearm capable of loading and firing continuously