Whether you’re a new gun owner or an expert, a semi-automatic pistol is always a good choice for self defense, civilian, military and law enforcement.
Semi Automatic handgun typically differ from revolvers in offering a higher ammunition capacity over cartridge stopping power.
If you are new to Semi Automatic Gun, before you buy give a look to our buying guide. Hope this will be helpful in choosing the most powerful semi auto handgun. Read More
A semi-automatic pistol is a gun in which the shooter pulls the trigger, fires one bullet, and new ammunition is loaded automatically. The trigger is pulled, a single round is fired, and the mechanism reloads the next round. Only one round is fired per pull of the trigger.
A semi-automatic pistol uses some energy generated when fired to eject a spent cartridge case and load a new one. The advantage of semi-automatic pistols is that magazines can hold more rounds. They also typically have a lighter trigger pull, can fire multiple rounds quickly, and are thinner and more compact.
With higher ammunition capacities, faster reloads, and better ergonomics, semi-automatics generally make it better self and home-defense handguns. There are also more calibers to choose from and a more excellent range of accessories and custom parts.
A semi-auto pistol uses the energy of a preceding round being fired to operate a mechanism that automatically loads a new round into the chamber but does not fire that round. It can accurately be called an “autoloader.” A massive advantage of semi-automatic pistols over revolvers is the magazine capacity. A typical gun holds six rounds in a cylinder.
The magazine of a semi-automatic pistol usually holds 7 to 15 rounds. Reloading a semi-automatic pistol is generally more accessible because you can empty an empty magazine and insert a loaded one.
Effectively you can fire as fast as you can pull the trigger; however, that is usually the absolute worst accurate way to shoot.
Let’s discuss the pros & cons of semi-automatic pistols.
Advantages
Disadvantages
Image Credit: https://www.britannica. comA semi-automatic pistol is a type of pistol that uses a single chamber and barrel. The pistol fires a round, ejects and ejects an empty cartridge case, and then loads a new round into the chamber each time the trigger is pulled.
There are eight actions that occur as a pistol fires a projectile:
There are several ways to distinguish semi-automatic pistols other than make, model, and caliber. One by type of Action, which includes:
Some people believe that a single-action pistol or handgun has better triggers than double-action pistols. This is because single-action triggers do not have to overcome the additional cocking resistance of double-action pistols.
There are generally three semi-automatic pistols: blowback, recoil, and Gas-operated.
In blowback semi-automatic pistols, the bolt is not mechanically locked, and the weight of the heavy bolt and a powerful recoil spring keep the bolt closed. When fired, the pressure in the chamber created by the cartridge ignition pushes the bolt backward, compressing the return spring. The inertia of the bolt, assisted by the resistance of the spring, keeps the bolt closed long enough for the chamber and bore pressure to drop to a safe level.
In semi-automatic recoil pistols, the barrel is blocked by the action when the action is closed. When fired, the barrel and bolt bounce back some distance before the barrel unlocks, allowing the bolt to move further back to complete the cycle. Most self-loading pistols chambered in 9mm and above use a recoil mechanism. There are many mechanical designs for locking and unlocking such pistols' breeches.
In gas locks, propellant gas under high pressure is removed from the bore through a small hole in the barrel. This, in turn, puts pressure on the piston or other component, pushing it back to unlock the bolt and actuate the bolt.
Semi-Automatic Pistol
Revolvers
Without a caliber, a gun will be useless. So having a good caliber is very essential. For different guns you need different calibers. Here are some popular calibers for Semi Automatic Pistols or Handguns.
| Cartridge | Muzzle Energy (ft-lbs.) | Recoil Energy (ft-lbs.) |
|---|---|---|
| 9mm | 335 | 7.5 |
| .40 S&W | 400 | 10.2 |
| 5.56mm NATO | 1311 | 3.74 |
| .357 Mag | 620 | 10.4 |
| .380 ACP | 185 | 3.5 |
| .38 Spl. | 230 | 3.14 |
| .45 Colt | 459 | 10 |
| .44 Mag | 806 | 16.9 |
| .45 ACP | 378 | 6.6 |
The all new AR-556® pistol is equipped with an SB Tactical® SBA3™ Pistol Stabilizing Brace®, which features integral QD sling sockets and a minimalist design. This pistol also boasts a carbine-length gas system for reliability. The 9" aluminum free-float handguard features Magpul® M-LOK® accessory attachment slots for easy customization.
The AR-556 pistol ships with one 30-round Magpul PMAG.
Specifications
Glock 19 is a well known name for good quality handguns. G19 Gen5 9mm Semiautomatic Pistol.
Is reliable, easy to fire & easy to maintain. Sized between the sub-compact 26 and the full-size 17, the 19 is a happy medium. Right size for a concealed carry. This Semi Automatic pistol is complete with fixed front sight and full and matte finish.
Specifications
These Glock 22s have been worn by some of the finest men and women in law enforcement. Each pistol comes with a factory magazine for 1-15 rounds. Sights and grips may also vary. Each pistol comes with a factory magazine for 1-15 rounds. It is really nice. Bore is perfect. Shoots like a dream, dead nuts on.
19/23 slightly small grip but easier to carry. 21/41 is a little large for the average hand. Extremely accurate and not too difficult to conceal. Excellent for home defense.
Specifications
Specifically optimized for competitive shooting. Designed as an affordable option for action pistol and 3-gun competitors looking for a reliable handgun with premium features. This particular model has the hugely popular Sniper Grey cerakote finish.
Improved single action trigger with 3.5-4 lbs. Lightweight slide slits to reduce muzzle lift. Adjustable length reversible magazine catch.
Specifications
Bulgarian Makarov pistol from Arsenal, 9x18mm Semi-automatic, a very small batch of highly coveted Bulgarian military Makarov pistols manufactured by Arsenal. Caliber 9x18, semi-automatic capacity of 8 rounds.
These pistols are in very good condition, but may have some minor differences from pistol to pistol, such as grip type. A manual selection option is also offered to ensure the best cosmetic and technical condition of any group.
Great shooter with a classic design. Beautiful gun in great shape.
Specifications
These compact versions of our popular M&P full-size pistols may be smaller, but they still pack full-size power. Durable and comfortable, they can take as many rounds as you can.
Designed with attention to detail and superior ergonomics; built on a high strength polymer frame reinforced with a rigid stainless steel chassis.
Specifications
This 9mm Sig Sauer semi-automatic pistol Comp was designed for attendees of Sig Freedom Days 2022. The OD Green slide offers a unique and awesome look, while still maintaining the flawless performance found in all Sig firearms.
With exclusive laser engraved grip modules, titanium nitride gold barrels and triggers, and specially designed slides, this exclusive firearm is as functional as it is beautiful. Each model also comes standard with two magazines, a Sig Custom Works coin and a certified customs certificate.
Specifications
Now, if you are ready to buy a powerful Semi Auto handgun . Find & compare the best deals for all popular Semi Automatic Pistol from industry top sellers.
Browse thousands of guns for sale by brand, and caliber. Wide selection of Ar 15 pistol for sale, 1911 pistol for sale , Ak 47, Glock 19 & many more popular guns.
Find the best deals from top sellers like PSA Armory, Grab A Gun, Bass Pro, and many other gun experts.
Our website information is the most up-to-date. Browse now!