What type of weapon is the M9-pistol?

The M9 pistol is classified as a semi-automatic, recoil-operated, magazine-fed hand weapon. This means that it uses the energy of the recoil generated by firing a round to automatically cycle the action and chamber the next round from the magazine. This system allows the shooter to fire one round for each pull of the trigger without manually cycling the action after each shot, which is a defining characteristic of semi-automatic firearms.

The M9's design and operating mechanism enable a higher rate of fire compared to single-shot pistols, which require the shooter to manually reload after each shot. Additionally, the use of a detachable magazine allows for quick reloading, further enhancing its operational effectiveness in varied combat situations. This combination of features is why the M9 is utilized widely by military forces, as it balances firepower and ease of use.