Once I get enough info, I'll probably edit it into some big mega post. But for now, bits and pieces because I'm a lazy cow.

I'm gonna discuss the pistol basics.

Pistols-
Been around since the 18th century or so, everybody can use'em and abuse'em. Cops, Military..so on. We'll start with the two types of pistols.

Semi-Automatics-
You see these alot; they've replaced revolvers in alot of things. Semi-Automatics rely on the power of the cartridge to cycle the action. Here's two of the most common.

Blowback-Simply put, most if not all of the cartridge energy is used to cycle the chamber. It's simple, it works. But there was a problem. High powered cartridges produce a massive recoil with this, as there is litterally no buffer at all to stem the blast. Blowback is still used in pistols that are below 9x19mm.

Short Recoil- This is what many, many semi-automatic pistols use. To be simple, the bolt and the barrel move only a short distance before separating. This is used in pretty much anything nowadays; as it can handle the stronger recoils of 9mm.

Trigger Types-

Single Action-
You need to cock the hammer before you fire; but besides that. This trigger is smooth as can be. People with weaker fingers are probably at home with single action pistols. As it takes only a little bit of a press to fire a single action. But that means it's that much easier to discharge.

Double Action-
It does both actions of cocking and releasing the hammer. If I can recall correctly, this is a much safer alternative than a single action. But my experiences with Double Action triggers are a bit of a strain. As they have a big heavy trigger pull.


Common Semi-Automatic Calibers-
9x19mm, 9x18mm Makarov, .40 S&W, .45 ACP, 10mm Auto


Advantages against a Revolver-
This can go back and forth forever. I'm not gonna go into a personal bais on this one, just what I know.

1.Higher capacity

Only recently, revolvers have gotten an 8 round .357. Semi-Automatics have rounds numbering upwards of 20 or more.

2. Light weight
Alot of automatics these days are made to the brim with polymer, lightweight materials. Making them much easier to carry on extended periods. You probably won't ever see a polymer revolver (god help us all when somebody tries that)

3. Combat Reloading
Magazines are a bitch to fill, trust me. I have the sore thumb to prove it. But when your in the middle of anything that requires a fast reload. It's worth it.

4. Easier trigger

Alot of Semi-automatics are single action, or have the ability to do so. For me, I have weak fingers. Double action triggers are a pain in the ass for me; Single action triggers are smooth and easy.

Revolvers-
Been around since the wild west, and even now. Revolvers are still pretty popular for a few reasons. They have some of the most powerful handgun cartidges available to them, owing to their very durable design. Did you know that revolvers are more mechanically complex than semi-automatics? Go figure.

There is no real recoil action to speak of with a revolver, pull the trigger. Hammer drops down, cylinder moves. Quick, easy and damn near impossible to screw up.

Trigger actions-
Single action and double action for a revolver are much more different than a semi-auto.

Single Action is you have to cock the hammer manually every time after firing. LIke the ol' Colt Single Action Army that won the west.

Double Action just cocks the hammer every time you pull the trigger. Alot of DA revolvers can be cocked single action style.

Common Revolver Calibers-
.38 Special, .357 Magnum, .44 Magnum, .45 LC, .45 ACP

Advantages against a Semi-automatic-
Again, see above.

1.Bigger Boom

REvolvers are very commonly chambered in rounds that almost all semi-automatics can't handle. (The Desert Eagle doesn't count dammit. XD) and they do so well. Making smaller revolvers very painful and powerful self defensive weapons.

2. Reliability

It's impossible to jam a revolver, no. Seriously, it is. What happens when you misfire? Pull the trigger again. Problem solved. It is also very easy to clean as you don't have to take it apart and has a very simple rugged design that's hard to break.

3. Speedloaders

I didn't know this until literally a few minutes ago when I was reverifying my facts. I mean I never thought about it. But you can load speedloaders indefinately without any issue whatsoever. When you load magazines, you have a spring that's holding all the tension of cartridges that could cause a failure to feed in the middle of fighting. That would be bad.

4. Accuracy

Generally speaking, you should be able to obtain better accuracy from a revolver than a semi-automatic. Because the barrel is static. But this just a guess or two of mine. I'm a terrible shot regardless.

Pistol Use-
Generally speaking, when is the most suitable time to use a pistol? Probably when you run out of everything else. But seriously speaking, using a pistol in in cramped quarters; like a house or a place where dexterity is more important that raw firepower is the best solution or when your main weapon runs out and the zone is a bit to hot to reload. Also a good time.