Pistols are a type of handgun designed to be fired with one hand. They are popular for personal defense, law enforcement, and sport shooting. Pistols come in various calibers and designs, with the most common types being revolvers and semiautomatic pistols. The choice of a pistol often depends on the intended use, such as target shooting or self-defense. The mechanics of pistols can vary significantly. Semiautomatic pistols, for instance, use the energy from firing a round to cycle the action and load the next round, allowing for quicker follow-up shots. This efficiency makes them a favored choice among many shooters, including professionals and enthusiasts alike.