Semi-Automatic Pistols Rant

I listen to NPR, I also shoot guns at stuff (note, not pretty little deer or people). I know that sounds like a contradiction in terms, but nonetheless, there it is. Anyway, on NPR the other day they kept talking about how easy it is in Arizona to buy a semi-automatic pistol!!! Now, I'm not really a gun nut, but based on my limited experience it seems that just about all pistols are semi-automatic unless you want to shoot some sort of old west replica gun. So...talking about how easy it is to buy a semi-automatic pistol in Arizona is just a little bit redundant. Feel free to correct me if I'm wrong.