Well, not that I am that old...<opens gate for arguments>.
Handgun, was "generic" and when was being more "specific" the term revolver or semi-automatic was used.
Even though there was the .45 ACP (1911) or similar offerings, folks back then knew, the darn gun would not fire unless a finger was on the trigger and tripped it. Yes, even the <yikes> media knew the differences, and there were in fact firearms, that were "automatic" meaning they fired a burst with one trigger pull.
Then again back in my day Coke meant a Coca-Cola[tm].
Oh and these were 6.5 ozs and only cost a nickel...
Today...well I ain't ever had time for stupid people, especially those whom do harm to the USA that I was born and raised in...
I am just going to refer to everything as evil assault, Glocks, AK-47...etc. I don't care if is a Daisy BB Gun, Honda Civic, or Orek vacuum cleaner.
Can't think of a faster way to get stupid folks (anti's) to run away like little girls, hands in the air, screaming.
Getting old has its perks...*grin*