The Difference Between Revolvers and Pistols

Existing as early as the 14th Century, handheld firearms or handguns have offered gun owners a means to easily tote their preferred weaponry in a somewhat inconspicuous manner. Though handguns don’t come in nearly as many styles as their longer brothers, the rifle, the category does see two major styles in the form of revolvers and semi-automatic handguns.

For those just diving into the gun world, deciphering between revolvers and semi-auto handguns can seem confusing and a tad intimidating; but Guns.com has you covered. Join us as we take a look at the difference between revolvers and semi-automatic handguns.

What is a Revolver?

The Taurus Judge features a hammered revolver design.

Patented by Samuel Colt in 1835, a revolver is a type of handgun that uses a rotating cylinder to hold its ammunition. Unlike semi-automatic pistols that use magazines, revolvers typically hold five or six rounds in the cylinder. When the trigger is pulled or the hammer is cocked, the cylinder rotates to align the next round with the barrel, ready to fire. Revolvers come in single-action, double-action, or double-action-only designs. They are loaded and unloaded through the cylinder and don’t offer extra capacity beyond what the cylinder can hold.

Available in both hammered models, like the Taurus Judge, and hammerless options, such as the Smith & Wesson 442, revolvers are trusted for their reliability and are often carried by law enforcement and concealed carriers as a backup firearm.

The Smith & Wesson 442 forgoes an external hammer for easier concealed carry.

What is a Semi-Automatic Pistol?

A semi-automatic handgun differs from a revolver because it uses the slide’s energy to load the next round. Instead of a rotating cylinder, ammo is stored in a magazine that fits into the grip. When fired, the slide moves back and forth, ejecting the spent casing and chambering a new round. This action also resets the trigger system by cocking the hammer or priming the striker, depending on the design..

The famed 1911 features an external hammer.

Like revolvers, semi-autos come in single-action, double-action, and double-action-only configurations. However, semi-automatics typically offer higher capacity and faster reloading, making them a top choice for concealed carry and home defense.

The Derringer

The Defender by Bond Arms is a two-shot derringer.

While revolvers and semi-automatics dominate the handgun world, there’s a third type worth noting: the derringer. Named after its inventor, Henry Derringer, this ultra-compact pistol is designed for close-range use. Unlike revolvers or semi-autos, derringers typically hold just one or two rounds, loaded directly into the breech via a pivoting barrel.

Derringers are available in single-action and double-action models and are almost always carried as backup guns. Their small size makes them easy to conceal, but their limited capacity means they’re a last-resort option rather than a primary firearm.