No, a starter pistol cannot fire real bullets. A starter pistol is specifically designed to generate noise and mimic the appearance of a regular firearm without being able to discharge live ammunition or projectiles. These devices are typically used for sports events or race starts where it is necessary to signal the beginning or end of an event audibly rather than engaging in actual shooting activity. Starter pistols usually employ blank rounds that produce loud bangs by utilizing gunpowder without launching a bullet forward, ensuring there is no risk of firing real bullets from these devices.