Handgun

High school (ages 12+)
Safety & Emergency

Name:

Date:

Step 1 · Read the article

Open the article and read it at the level above. Then answer the questions below in your own words.

https://smallwhale.org/articles/handgun

Write what each word means, using the article.

Do not copy the article. Write two things you learned, the way you would explain them to a friend.

Answers below are taken from the article’s stored facts, so they match what the student read.

1. What is the pivotal design?Samuel Colt's revolver, patented in 1835, revolutionized handgun capacity and reliability
2. What is the modern ammunition?Cartridges combine bullet, propellant, primer, and casing for efficient and rapid firing
3. How does a handgun fire a bullet?Pulling the trigger causes a hammer or striker to hit the primer, starting a chemical reaction. The reaction burns the powder, creating gas that pushes the bullet out of the barrel. The barrel’s rifling makes the bullet spin, helping it stay on target.
4. What is the difference between a revolver and a semi‑automatic pistol?A revolver has a rotating cylinder that holds 5 to 8 rounds and is very simple to use. A semi‑automatic pistol uses a magazine and automatically loads a new round after each shot, so it can fire more quickly.

Muzzleloader: A firearm loaded from the open end (muzzle) of the barrel, common in early firearms.
Propellant: The chemical substance (like gunpowder) that burns rapidly to produce expanding gases for propulsion.
Recoil: The backward thrust or kick experienced by a firearm when fired.