A starting pistol is a handgun (typically a revolver) that is fired to start track and field events. The loud noise of the gun going off is a signal to the athletes to begin the event. Blank shells are used to prevent injury. A handgun is a firearm small enough to be carried and used in one hand. ... The Colt Single Action Army, one of the most popular revolvers of all time A revolver is a multishot firearm, usually a handgun, in which the rounds are held in a revolving cylinder that rotates to fire them through a single barrel. ... Athletics, also known as track and field or track and field athletics, is a collection of sport events. ...