How does the ATF classify a glock pistol?

A Glock pistol is classified as a double-action pistol due to its unique firing mechanism. In a double-action pistol, pulling the trigger performs two actions: it cocks the hammer (or striker, in the case of a Glock) and then releases it to fire the round. This is distinct from a single-action pistol, where the hammer must be cocked manually before pulling the trigger in order to fire.

Glocks utilize a striker-fired mechanism, meaning that they do not have an external hammer like traditional pistols. Instead, the striker is partially cocked when the slide is moved to the rear and fully cocked when the trigger is pulled. This design allows for consistent trigger pulls with each shot and eliminates the need for a manual cocking action, which is a hallmark of double-action firearms.

In contrast, a full-auto pistol refers to a firearm that continues to fire rounds as long as the trigger is held down, which is not applicable to standard Glock models. A revolver operates through a rotating cylinder that presents bullets to the firing chamber, distinctly different from the Glock's design. Understanding these classifications helps clarify the operational mechanics and legal definitions surrounding different firearm types.