CRFSC: handgun actions, trigger systems and handgun firing technique

Handgun types

A handgun is a firearm designed, altered or intended to be aimed and fired with one hand, even if later altered for two hands (Criminal Code s.84). The CRFSC covers three families:

Type	How it holds cartridges	Key parts
Revolver	A rotating cylinder with several chambers	Frame, barrel, cylinder, crane/yoke, ejector rod, hammer
Semi-automatic pistol	A detachable magazine in the grip	Frame, slide, barrel, recoil spring, magazine, slide stop
Single-shot pistol	One chamber	Often break-open or bolt

Revolver loading systems

• Swing-out cylinder - press the cylinder release; the cylinder swings out on a crane; the ejector rod pushes all cases out at once.
• Top-break - the frame hinges open and ejects cases.
• Loading gate (fixed cylinder) - typical single-action revolvers: open the gate and load/unload one chamber at a time while rotating the cylinder.

Trigger systems

System	What one pull of the trigger does
Single action (SA)	Only releases the hammer, which must already be cocked (by thumb or by the slide)
Double action only (DAO)	Cocks and releases the hammer every time (long, heavier pull)
Double action / single action (DA/SA)	First shot can be fired double action; the slide then cocks the hammer for single-action follow-up shots

Key fact: In a semi-automatic handgun, the energy of each shot automatically ejects the empty case and chambers the next cartridge - the reloading cycle is automatic, but each shot still needs a separate trigger pull.