What type of firearm is more likely to malfunction due to a dirty or damaged magazine?

The choice of a semi-automatic pistol as the type of firearm more likely to malfunction due to a dirty or damaged magazine is supported by the mechanics of how these firearms operate. Semi-automatic pistols rely on magazines to feed ammunition into the chamber. If the magazine is dirty or damaged, it can lead to issues such as feed failures, failure to eject, or double feeding, which are all common malfunctions associated with these types of firearms.

In contrast, revolvers operate using a rotating cylinder to hold and feed rounds into the firing chamber, making them largely independent of magazine conditions. Bolt-action rifles and single-shot pistols also do not utilize magazines in the same way as semi-automatics; they typically load one round at a time and are not as susceptible to malfunctions caused by magazine issues. Therefore, the semi-automatic pistol is distinctly more vulnerable to malfunctions caused by magazine condition, solidifying it as the correct answer.