A
starting pistol or
starter pistol is a
handgun (typically a specially designed
revolver) that is fired to start
track and field races, as well as
competitive swimming races at some meets, and the sound of the gun going off serves as the signal for the athletes to begin the event.
Blank shells or
caps are used to prevent injury, and thus usually a cloud of smoke can be seen when shot. Starting pistols may be modified versions of standard pistols incapable of firing
bullets, most commonly achieved by welding an obstruction into the barrel. When
electronic timing is used, a sensor is often affixed to the gun, which sends an electronic signal to the timing system upon firing. For
deaf competitors or for modern electronic systems, a light may be used instead.