What is the top of the pistol called which holds the barrel, front sights, back sights and firing mechanism that racks backwards and forwards on a pistol?

• A. Frame
• B. Barrel
• C. Slide
• D. Grip

Answer: (C)

The top part that moves back and forth and houses the barrel, the front and rear sights, and the firing mechanism is called the slide. On a semi-automatic pistol, the slide is the component that racks during firing: recoil pushes it rearward to eject the spent casing, then it rockets forward under spring pressure to chamber a new round and lock back into place. The sights sit on top of the slide, helping you aim, and the firing mechanism (whether a striker or hammer system) is housed within or associated with the slide in many designs. The frame is the fixed base that supports the trigger group and grip, the barrel is the tube that directs the bullet, and the grip is the handle you hold. So the slide is the correct name for the described part.