when i was a kid back in the 50's, you really didn't see many semiauto handguns being carried. For that matter, i don't remember other than law enforcement many people carrying handguns. They were around the house, but not often carried. More often a rifle of some kind.
The term pistol was often used to describe any handgun. A example would be a first generation colt SAA i hear the term pistol, but don't remember revolver so much. As semiauto's started to become more and more in usage, the distinction between a "wheel gun" or revolver and a semiauto, "a pistol" came into being.
Interesting enought a conversation with a F.B.I. guy that taught classes at quantico sticks in mind. In some of his lectures he used the term wheel gun. He had trainees coming up after the lecture asking him what he meant, they had never heard the term.
Sheesh.
