A pistol was a common firearm used by soldiers or civilians as protection or threat on Earth.
Brigadier Lethbridge-Stewart carried a pistol as a means of defence.
Collinson used a pistol as attack and pointed one at the Brigadier, however was told not to shoot by unknown leaders. (The Ambassadors of Death)
Tommy Ramsey supplied his men with pistols, which Callum's group found unfair. (Amorality Tale)