Without trying to reach a technical distinction on the weapon's nomenclature and the way that the English language works, consider these general rules:
- A pistol, revolver, semi automatic and a muzzle loading derringer are all handguns.
- Using the Queen's English all handguns are pistols.
- In American useage all handguns are not pistols, a revolver is not a pistol because it has a revolving chamber.
- All revolvers are not pistols because revolvers can be long guns or rifles as well. A revolving cylinder is a mechanism, and in both forms of the English language, a rifle using a revolving chamber is a long gun and therfore a rifle.
- A derringer whether it is a cartridge firing, break open model or a cap and ball model is a pistol and a handgun but never an automatic or a revolver.
- A derringer is not a Deringer, but a Deringer is always a Deringer.
- A Heckler & Koch or a Colt 1911A1 automatic is a pistol and a handgun and it is never a revolver. It is also not really an automatic since it is a semi-automatic.
- A Colt can be a rifle, a revolving rifle a semi-automatic or a revolver.
- All revolvers are not Colts.
- A pistol like the Thompson Contender is not a revolver or a semi-automatic and can become a rifle in a few seconds. A Contender can't become an automatic, but a Thompson can.
- Confused? Just don't call it a gun.