[BigMac10]

Why is a Revolver not a pistol?

 

[BLS33]

Pistol = One chamber

Revolver = Multiple Chambers

That is how I've always thought about it. I think if you really get down to it a pistol is any firearm meant to be shot with one hand so that includes revolvers. So a revolver is a pistol.

 

[FALPhil]

That's pretty much it. I believe that is a paraphrase of the legal definitions as well.

 

[oznbolivia]

Revolver has a revolving drum that holds the cartridges. As the trigger is pulled or the hammer is cocked the drum or cylinder rotates to position a nerw round to be fired under the fireing pin (hammer), and align with the barrels forcing cone.

Pistol is any other hand held firearm normally not held to the shoulder.

Now there is a revolver that has a shoulder stock.

Oz

 

[Wheeldog]

I was told a pistol has an intregral chamber and barrel.