While different manufacturers can provide various styles of handguns, the basic components of these weapons remain the same. The action is the part of the firearm that loads, fires, and ejects the cartridge. A pistol also contains a stock, or handle, and a barrel. Use this guide to learn more about the other primary components of a firearm to increase your knowledge and safety.

3 Main Parts of a Handgun

1. Bore & Muzzle

The interior part of the gun barrel is known as the bore, and at the very end of the barrel is the muzzle. When firing a handgun, the projectile will travel down the bore and exit at the muzzle. 

When purchasing ammunition, chose bullets that match the diameter of the bore. This is known as the caliber. You can usually find this engraved somewhere on the firearm, as well as on the headstamp of the cartridge. 

2. Hammer & Slide

The hammer is the part of the firearm that strikes the firing pin and pushes it forward into the bullet casing that contains the primer and powder. This interaction creates a small explosion that propels the bullet out of the barrel. 

Depending on the handgun style, some require the handler to cock the hammer manually. For others, pulling the trigger will automatically cock and release the hammer, and pistols use a slide to manually or automatically do this.

3. Cylinder or Magazine

Depending on if you’re using a revolver or pistol, the handgun’s ammunition will be loaded into a cylinder or magazine, respectively. In a cylinder, cartridges are placed in separate chambers, and when the revolver is cocked, the cylinder rotates to align a chamber with the barrel. When the trigger is pulled, the revolver automatically turns to the next chamber.

Magazines are spring-operated containers that hold multiple cartridges. When a pistol slide is pulled back to cock the hammer, the magazine’s recoil spring allows it to pick up the top cartridge. As the magazine slides back into its starting position, the cartridge is pushed into the barrel chamber. After pulling the trigger, the slide automatically releases the casing, and the process starts over.

If you are in the market for a new handgun, Shooter’s Firearms & Indoor Range in Columbia, IL, has a large selection of new and used pistols and revolvers to choose from. They are one of the largest stocking gun dealers in the area, and they handle Federal Firearms License transfers to and from Illinois residents. They also offer firearm repair, deep cleanings, and concealed carry and training classes. Call (618) 281-6393 to speak with a friendly team member, and visit them online to learn about their shooting competitions.