Basic Parts of a Handgun
All modern handguns have three basic groups of parts.
- Action: The action, also known as the trigger group, contains the parts that fire the cartridges. Several types of actions are used in modern handguns.
- Frame: The frame is a metal housing that also serves as the handle (grip) of the handgun. All other parts are contained within it or connected to it.
- Barrel: The barrel is the metal tube that the bullet travels through. The handgun barrel is much shorter than a rifle or shotgun barrel because the gun is designed to be shot while being held with one or two hands, rather than being placed against the shooter's shoulder.
![Revolver parts](https://ke-courses-production.s3.amazonaws.com/asset_files/production/380/attachments/original/handgun-revolver-parts.jpg?1511861376)
Repeating handguns (revolvers and semi-automatic pistols) hold more than one round of ammunition. A revolver uses a cylinder to store the ammunition, and a semi-automatic pistol uses a removable magazine that fits in the grip.