page_title: Pistol
section_title: Gun safety
hierarchical_section_title: Pistol / Gun safety
caption_attribution_description: English: Hearing protectors. This pair not only blocks out loud noises from power saws or drills, but it has a microphone with a volume control and a rechargeable battery, so the wearer can hear "normal" sounds such as conversation while overall noise levels are moderate. This protects hearing. (Damage to ears can happen with either VERY loud sounds like a bomb blast or prolonged exposure to fairly loud sounds like power machinery). Source of picture: here (see public domain declaration at top). Questions: write me on my Wikipedia page or email me at thomaswrightsulcer@yahoo.com
context_page_description: A pistol is a handgun. The word may be used broadly to mean any handgun, or narrowly to mean only a magazine pistol, as distinct from a revolver.
  In a magazine pistol, the cartridges are in a magazine, which is a metal or plastic box. The magazine is usually inside the handle of the pistol. When the pistol is fired, the empty cartridge pops out, and the next one comes up into position. The magazine is spring-loaded so it pushes the next bullet into place as the empty cartridge is ejected. For that reason pistols are sometimes called "semi-automatic". When the magazine runs out of cartridges, it can be reloaded by inserting more cartridges.
  The term has long been variously used. For example, in the American Old West revolvers were used but were then called pistols. The word "pistol" entered English before 1600, from the French. At that time it usually meant a single-shot handgun.
context_section_description: One of the most important rules of gun safety is to keep guns out of the hands of children. Guns should be locked up and kept away from children and others who do not appreciate how deadly they are. Pistols like all guns should always be handled carefully. Always keep the gun pointed in a safe direction. A shooter should keep their fingers away from the trigger until the moment they intend to shoot. Always respect guns as a tool that can cause harm if used incorrectly. Always assume a gun is loaded until you are certain it is not.
  A bullet is not the only part of a gun that can cause injury. Hearing protection will protect the eardrums of the shooter and those nearby. These can be inexpensive foam earplugs or more costly hearing protectors that have a Noise Reduction Rating or NRR. The higher the NRR number the better. Eye protection should be worn at all times while shooting or observing other shooters. Their impact-resistant lenses protect against bullet fragments, stray bits of gunpowder, and other debris.
caption: Hearing protectors. This pair also has a microphone for hearing normal sounds
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