How does ammunition feeding differ between semi-automatic pistols and revolvers?

• A. A semi-automatic uses a rotating cylinder; a revolver uses magazines.
• B. A semi-automatic uses magazines and positive feeding; a revolver uses a rotating cylinder with individual rounds.
• C. Both use magazines in the same way.
• D. Revolvers use detachable magazines.

Answer: (B)

The key idea is how each firearm gets a cartridge into the chamber. Semi-automatic pistols feed ammunition from detachable magazines, and when fired, the slide cycles to eject the spent case and push the next round from the magazine into the chamber—this is the positive feeding mechanic that keeps a fresh round lined up for the next shot. The magazine stores multiple rounds and is separate from the firearm’s chamber.

Revolvers, on the other hand, hold cartridges in a rotating cylinder with individual chambers. The cylinder advances so a fresh round aligns with the barrel for firing, and there’s no magazine feeding involved.

That’s why the correct understanding is that semi-automatics use magazines and a cycling feed mechanism, while revolvers use a rotating cylinder containing separate rounds.