What is the difference between Pistol and Handgun?

Handguns and pistols are both firearms that are easily carried and can be held with a single hand. Firearms are classified into two: handguns and long guns. A pistol is one of the many types of handguns. Aside from pistols, handguns have many subtypes such as Derringers, revolvers, single-shot pistols, and pepperboxes to name a few.

Handguns were developed in the 15th century in China though it is still not known who was the first person who created them. Pistols are handguns which contains only one chamber. Since pistols are small and easy to conceal underhand or underneath clothes, they are equipped with a safety mechanism to avoid accidental firing. Pistols have a range of 45 to 50 m, not bad for a small handgun.