A revolver is a revolver, a pistol is a usually a semi-automatic (not quite sure where single shots, etc fall in this defiintion)
Single action (revolver) hammer must be maually cocked before firing.
Double action (revolver) pulling trigger will fire firearm.
Single action (pistol/semi-auto) Hammer is cocked by manual manipulation of slide for first shot. Cycling of action cocks each shot thereafter.
Double action (pistol/semi-auto) pulling trigger fires firearm for first shot, each shot thereafter can either be double action, or single action depending on design. (There's a lot of grey area in some definitions with the newer striker fired guns such as Glock, Springfield XD...)
FWIW I'm a big fan of Smith & Wesson (DA) revolvers, followed by 1911 type (SA) autos. Slim don't do plastic guns.
LOL
Since we're talking basics here...
What's good to use for a target?
Just joined a fish and game club up here in Lake George.
Went to the local sporting goods shop and all they had was a small cardboard stand with some stick-on sheets.
Looking forward to FReeper input on do it yourself targets.