Importation & Verification of Firearms, Ammunition and Implements of War
Gun Control Act Definitions
Pistol
18 U.S.C., § 921(A)(29) and 27 CFR § 478.11
The term “Pistol” means a weapon originally designed, made, and intended to fire a projectile (bullet) from one or more barrels when held in one hand, and having:
- a chamber(s) as an integral part(s) of, or permanently aligned with, the bore(s);
- and a short stock designed to be gripped by one hand at an angle to and extending below the line of the bore(s).
Note: This illustration shows the primary characteristics exhibited in the pistol category. Since pistol configurations differ significantly, various models in this classification may exhibit any of the illustrated components in a revised configuration, but not necessarily all components shown will be incorporated in any given design.
![Various pistol types: single shot, multi-barrel, and semiautomatic.](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20120928161943im_/http://www.atf.gov/graphics/firearms/importation-guidebook/gca-pistol.jpg)