Editing Single-shot (section)

===Pistols===
The modern era of single-shot firearms is most visible in the realm of pistols. Remington introduced the single-shot bolt-action [[Remington XP-100|XP-100]] pistol in 1963, which heralded the era of high-performance, high-velocity pistols. The [[.221 Remington Fireball|.221 Fireball]] cartridge lived up to its name by reaching velocities of {{convert|2,700|ft/s|m/s|abbr=on}} from a {{convert|10.5|in|cm|abbr=on}} barrel. Essentially a shortened [[.222 Remington]], the compact .221 Fireball delivered accuracy exceeding many rifles, out to ranges unheard of for other handguns.

Even bigger than the XP-100, the 1967 introduction of the [[Thompson Center Arms]] [[Thompson/Center Contender|Contender]] pistol changed handgun sports forever. The Contender was a break-open design that allowed barrels to be changed by the shooter in minutes. Available in calibers from [[.22 Long Rifle]] up to [[.45-70]], and in barrel lengths of {{convert|8|to|14|in|cm|abbr=on}}, the Contender could, in the right hands, handle any type of game, and delivered rifle-like accuracy to match the XP-100.

Many other manufacturers make single-shot pistols, most based on the bolt-action rifle, with barrels generally ranging from {{convert|10|to|15|in|cm|abbr=on}}. Single-shots dominate handgun [[metallic silhouette]] shooting and are the most common type used for hunting.

Single-shot pistols have sometimes found popularity among [[Insurgency|insurgents]], resistance fighters, and [[street gangs]]. The mass-produced, low-cost [[Liberator pistol]] of [[World War II]], which was manufactured and distributed by U.S. forces to [[Allies of World War II|Allied]] resistance forces and [[guerrilla]] fighters as an [[assassination]] pistol, is the most common example of a mass-produced single-shot pistol. More than a million units were produced and distributed freely, and many remain in private hands.<ref>Hogg, Ian and Robb Adam: Jane's Guns Recognition Guide. 1996. {{ISBN|0-00-470979-9}}</ref> A few varieties of [[Improvised firearm|zip guns]] could also be considered single-shot pistols. In recent years, these [[improvised firearms]] have become more common in the hands of criminals and insurgents, especially when manufactured firearms are difficult to acquire.