If there's no differentiation with the term "pistol", then it has no meaning. If all it does is draw a line between single shots, semi-autos and revolvers, then what is the point? If it's not either specific, or universally generic, it has no useful meaning.
Bird = handgun
But "pistol" can be a flintlock, cartridge single shot, bolt action or semi-auto but not a revolver??? Can parrots be ducks and eagles but not sparrows???
Seems a little hypocritical and illogical.
And again, not all revolvers are handguns. Interestingly enough, Sam Colt needed a term to differentiate the revolving handgun from the revolving rifle or revolving shotgun. He chose "pistol".
So Hiram Maxim can call his invention whatever he wants (silencer vs suppressor) but Sam Colt cannot?
Is all of this really just because semi-auto shooters want exclusive rights to the term "pistol"?
