9302.00.00.40 - Semiautomatic pistols

This HTS category, 9302.00.00.40, specifically designates semiautomatic pistols. These firearms are characterized by their ability to automatically eject a spent cartridge and chamber a fresh round from the magazine after each shot, requiring manual activation of the trigger for subsequent firing. This classification distinguishes them from revolvers, which utilize a rotating cylinder to advance ammunition for each shot.

Within heading 9302, which covers revolvers and pistols other than those of heading 9303 or 9304, this specific subheading isolates the semiautomatic pistol mechanism. It is crucial to differentiate this from the "Revolvers" subheading (9302.00.00.20), which encompasses firearms with a cylinder, and the "Other" subheading (9302.00.00.90), which would apply to any remaining pistols or revolvers not meeting the criteria for the other specified subcategories.

As this is a leaf node within the HTS database, there are no further subcategories. Therefore, classification within 9302.00.00.40 relies entirely on correctly identifying the item as a pistol that operates via a semiautomatic mechanism, as opposed to a revolver or any other type of firearm that might fall under broader headings like 9303 or 9304. The primary distinguishing feature for this classification is the firearm's internal operating system for cycling ammunition.