Revolving pistols (revolvers) are best described as

• A. Revolving pistols (revolvers)
• B. Single shot pistols
• C. Derringers
• D. Semi-automatic pistols

Answer: (A)

Revolvers are defined by a rotating cylinder that holds multiple cartridges and moves into position to align a fresh chamber with the barrel for each shot. With each trigger pull or hammer cocking, the cylinder advances so the next round can be fired, allowing several shots before reloading. This can occur in single-action mode (the hammer must be manually cocked before each shot) or double-action mode (the trigger pull cocks the hammer and rotates the cylinder in one motion). This makes revolvers distinct from single-shot pistols, which require reloading after every shot; from Derringers, which are small pistols without a rotating cylinder; and from semi-automatic pistols, which feed rounds from a magazine and cycle the next round automatically through a slide action.