Understanding Pistol Anatomy: Learn About A Handgun's Parts

A pistol is a type of handgun that is typically held in one hand and is designed to fire one or more projectiles from a single chamber. The anatomy of a pistol is complex and contains several key components. In this post, we will discuss the components that represent a pistol’s anatomy including:

• Rear sight
• Slide stop
• Hammer
• Trigger
• Trigger guard
• Grip
• Magazine well
• Magazine release
• Forward sight
• Take down lever
• Ejection port
• Accessories rail
• Tang
• Decocking lever
• Front strap
• Back strap
• Recoil spring
• Spring guide
• Barrel
• Slide assembly
• Magazine
• Frame assembly

A pistol is a type of handgun that is typically held in one hand and fired with the other. It is a popular weapon for self-defense, law enforcement, and military use. Pistols are typically small and lightweight, making them easy to carry and conceal.

Pistols are usually chambered for smaller calibers than rifles, such as 9mm, .40 S&W, and .45 ACP. This makes them more suitable for close-range shooting. Pistols typically have shorter barrels than rifles, which makes them less accurate at longer distances. However, modern pistols are designed with features such as adjustable sights and recoil-reducing grips that make them more accurate and easier to shoot.

Pistols are available in a variety of styles, including semi-automatic, single-action, and double-action. Semi-automatic pistols are the most popular type and are capable of firing multiple rounds with a single pull of the trigger. Single-action pistols require the shooter to manually cock the hammer before each shot, while double-action pistols can be fired with a single pull of the trigger. There are also revolvers, which use a rotating cylinder to hold multiple rounds of ammunition.

Below are two diagrams showing the exterior and interior anatomy of two different Sig Sauer pistols. We explain each component in the section below. Keep in mind that pistol designs vary from gun to gun, so you should always read the handgun’s owner manual to understand your handgun’s design and unique characteristics. For example, the Sig Sauer P365 owners manual can be viewed here.

The pistol anatomy outlined in this post is applicable for most major handgun makes and models such as:

• Glock
• Smith & Wesson
• Ruger
• Sig Sauer
• Beretta
• Colt
• Heckler & Koch
• Walther
• Taurus
• Springfield Armory

Sig Sauer P226 Pistol Anatomy - Exterior

Sig Sauer P365 Pistol Anatomy - Interior

Safety Precaution

You should always verify that your pistol is unloaded before inspecting the anatomy.

#1 Rear Sight

A pistol rear sight is a type of sight typically found on handguns. It is usually a small, adjustable metal component that is mounted at the rear of the gun and is used to help the shooter accurately aim the firearm. The rear sight typically consists of a notch, or U shape, that is used to align the front sight with the target. The shooter then lines up the front and rear sights to achieve a precise aim.

#2 Slide Stop

A pistol slide stop is a small metal lever that is used to lock the slide of a semi-automatic pistol in an open position. It is typically located on the left side of the frame and is used to hold the slide open after the last round is fired. It can also be used to manually cycle the slide if necessary.

#3 Hammer

A pistol hammer is the part of a handgun that strikes the firing pin to ignite the primer of a cartridge, causing the gun to fire. It is typically located at the rear of the slide and is connected to the trigger mechanism. The hammer is usually cocked when the slide is pulled back and released when the trigger is pulled.

#4 Trigger

A pistol trigger is the part of a pistol that, when pulled, releases the hammer or striker to fire the gun. It is usually made of metal and is located at the front of the gun, where the user's finger rests when the gun is held in a firing position. The trigger is typically connected to a trigger bar or trigger spring that, when pulled, releases the hammer or striker to fire the gun.

#5 Trigger Guard

A pistol trigger guard is a safety feature found on handguns that encircles the trigger and prevents it from being accidentally pulled. It is typically made of metal or plastic and is designed to keep the trigger from being pulled accidentally, especially if the gun is dropped or handled roughly.

#6 Grip

A pistol grip is a type of handle that is found on firearms such as handguns, rifles, and shotguns. It is designed to provide a secure and comfortable grip for the shooter, allowing them to have better control of the firearm. Pistol grips usually have a thumb rest and a finger groove, which allows the shooter to better control the firearm when shooting.

#7 Magazine Well

A pistol magazine well is a part of a firearm that holds the magazine in place and facilitates the loading of ammunition into the chamber. It is usually located at the bottom of the grip of the firearm and is designed to guide the magazine into the gun and to keep it secure.

#8 Magazine Release

A pistol magazine release is a button or lever on a pistol that allows the magazine to be quickly and easily removed from the gun. It is usually located on the side of the gun near the trigger guard. When the magazine release is pressed or pulled, the magazine is released from the gun and can be removed.

#9 Forward Sight

A pistol forward sight is a type of firearm sight located near the muzzle of a handgun. It is typically used to improve accuracy and help the shooter aim more precisely. The forward sight is usually a post or blade that is adjustable for windage and elevation. It is usually mounted on the slide of the handgun and is used in conjunction with the rear sight.

#10 Take Down Lever

A pistol take down lever is a lever or button found on some semi-automatic pistols that allows the user to disassemble the gun for cleaning and maintenance. The lever is usually located on the side of the gun, and when it is pushed or pulled, it releases the slide and barrel from the frame of the gun.

#11 Ejection Port

A pistol ejection port is an opening in the side of a semi-automatic pistol that allows spent cartridges to be ejected from the firearm after they have been fired. The spent cartridges are ejected from the pistol by the force of the recoil generated when the gun is fired. The ejection port is typically located on the right side of the pistol, near the rear of the slide.

#12 Accessories Rail

A pistol accessories rail is a piece of equipment found on some pistols that allows for the attachment of various accessories, such as flashlights, lasers, and grips. It is typically found underneath the barrel of the pistol and consists of a series of grooves that are used to attach the accessories.

#13 Tang

A pistol tang is a metal extension of the frame of a pistol that extends back over the top of the grip. It is designed to provide extra support to the frame and also serves as a mounting point for the hammer and other components. It is usually found on semi-automatic pistols and revolvers.

#14 Decocking Lever

A pistol decocking lever is a mechanical device found on some semi-automatic pistols that allows the user to safely lower the hammer of the pistol without having to pull the trigger. This lever is typically located on the slide of the pistol and is used to lower the hammer to the uncocked position. This allows the user to safely store the pistol with the hammer down, making it safer to handle and reducing the risk of accidental discharge.

#15 Front Strap

A pistol front strap is the part of a handgun that is located on the front of the grip. It is the part of the gun that the shooter's hand wraps around when gripping the gun. The front strap is usually textured or grooved to provide a better grip and is usually made of metal or polymer.

#16 Back Strap

A pistol back strap is a part of a handgun that wraps around the back of the grip and is used to provide a secure and comfortable grip for the shooter. It is usually made of rubber or plastic and is designed to fit the contours of the shooter's hand. The back strap also helps to absorb recoil and can be used to customize the grip size of the handgun.

#17 Recoil Spring

A pistol recoil spring is a metal spring that absorbs the energy of the gun's recoil when it is fired. It is located inside the slide of a semi-automatic pistol and is responsible for returning the slide to its forward position after each shot. The recoil spring also helps to reduce the felt recoil of the gun by absorbing some of the energy from the expanding gases that are created when the gun is fired.

#18 Spring Guide

A pistol spring guide is a cylindrical rod that is inserted into the barrel of a pistol to guide the recoil spring. The recoil spring is responsible for returning the slide to its forward position after a round is fired. The spring guide helps to ensure that the spring is properly aligned and can reduce wear and tear on the gun.

#19 Barrel

A pistol barrel is a cylindrical metal tube that runs from the chamber of a pistol to the muzzle. It is the part of the gun that the bullet travels through when fired. The barrel is usually rifled, meaning it has spiral grooves cut into the inside of the barrel that spin the bullet and give it stability and accuracy.

#20 Slide Assembly

A pistol slide assembly is the part of a semi-automatic pistol that houses the barrel, recoil spring, and other components. It is the part of the gun that moves back and forth when the gun is fired, allowing the spent cartridge to be ejected and a new round to be loaded into the chamber.

#21 Magazine

A pistol magazine is a device that holds a set number of rounds of ammunition for a pistol. It is inserted into the grip of the pistol and is typically removable, allowing the user to quickly reload the pistol with a new magazine.

#22 Frame Assembly

A pistol frame assembly is the main part of a pistol, typically made of metal, that houses the trigger, hammer, and other components. It is the part of the gun that is held in the hand and contains the magazine well, slide rails, and other parts. The frame is the foundation of the gun and is the serialized part that is legally considered the firearm.

Manual Safety

Some pistols feature a manual safety too. The manual safety is typically located at the rear of the gun near the hammer.

Sig Sauer P365 Manual Safety