Final answer:
Yes, the action of a pistol is the central part to which all other components are attached and is key to the operation of the firearm.
Step-by-step explanation:
The assertion that the action of a pistol is the backbone to which all other parts are attached is true. In firearms terminology, the action is the mechanism of the gun that handles the loading, firing, and ejection of cartridges. This includes the trigger mechanism, firing pin, hammer, and in semi-automatic pistols, it can also include the slide and recoil spring. The action is integral to the functioning of a firearm; without it, the gun would not be operable. In terms of Newton's Third Law of Motion, which states that for every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction, this can be observed when a gun is fired: the action of the gun pushing forward on the bullet results in the reaction of the bullet pushing backward on the gun, commonly felt as recoil.