Which handgun uses the energy of the fired cartridge to cycle the action?

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

Answer: (A)

The mechanism being tested is how the action is cycled after a shot. In semi-automatic pistols, the energy released by the fired cartridge powers the cycling of the action. High-pressure gases or recoil move the slide backward, eject the spent cartridge, cock the firing mechanism, and then the slide moves forward to chamber a fresh round from the magazine. This automatic cycle happens with each trigger pull, allowing rapid follow-up shots without manual action.

Revolvers, on the other hand, use a rotating cylinder to bring a fresh chamber in line with the barrel, driven by the trigger/hammer system. The energy of the fired cartridge doesn’t drive a moving slide to cycle the mechanism, so you don’t get automatic cycling in the same sense as a semi-automatic. Derringers and single-shot pistols do not cycle automatically at all; they require manual reloading or chambering for each shot.