Читать книгу The Gun Digest Book of .22 Rimfire. Rifles·Pistols·Ammunition онлайн

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Before progressing to the subject of rimfire handguns, it is appropriate to make clear certain factors related to terminology. The inclusive term “handgun” applies to any firearm that can be fired with one hand. Long ago, the term “pistol” was used to describe such a piece, and the pistols of that period had a single chamber and a single barrel that was loaded from the muzzle. As firearm technology developed, it was soon observed that one shot was quite limiting in some situations so double barreled pistols were made. At that time, they were still loaded from the muzzle. Further developments led to “pistols with revolving chambers” which we would now call a “revolver”, but they are still appropriately called pistols. Still later, pistols were developed that had one barrel and one chamber that could have several cartridges held in a magazine. While in some circles these and the single shot types are referred to as “pistols” and those with revolving chambers are called “revolvers”, the historical use of the term “pistol” was in the same sense that the term “handgun” is now used. It was a global term used to describe a piece with any type of action. It may be supposed that the old song, “Pistol Packin’ Mama” did not necessarily distinguish whether she had a semiautomatic or revolver! If I remember correctly, she had a 44 caliber, which indicates that it was of the “pistol with a revolving chamber” type.