What type of weapon is the M9 pistol?

The M9 pistol is classified as a 9-mm, semiautomatic handgun. It is designed to fire 9×19mm Parabellum cartridges and operates on a recoil-based mechanism that makes it semiautomatic. This means that it automatically chambers a new round from the magazine into the firing chamber after each shot is fired, allowing for quicker follow-up shots compared to manual-action weapons.

The M9 serves as the standard sidearm for the U.S. military and is primarily used by soldiers for personal defense, close combat, and as a sidearm during missions where a rifle might be impractical. Its design emphasizes reliability, ease of use, and effectiveness in various situations, which are key attributes of modern sidearms.

In contrast, a revolver is a type of firearm that uses a rotating cylinder to hold multiple cartridges, and it needs to be manually cocked or can be double-action. A submachine gun typically refers to a fully automatic weapon that fires pistol cartridges and is typically not semiautomatic. A rifle is a longer-barreled firearm designed for more accurate, longer-distance shooting, typically using a shoulder stock for support. The distinct features of the M9 as a semiautomatic pistol make it