A singulating apparatus for a semiautomatic handgun is described comprising a spring member which extends from a sear in a cantilevered fashion for engagement by a sear actuating member when the sear actuating member is in a cocked position. When the sear actuating member is moved from its cocked position to a firing position by a pulling of a trigger member, the spring member is disengaged from the sear actuating member, significantly reducing the force necessary to discharge the firearm. The spring constant of the spring member is chosen to hold the sear in its cocked position after releasing a striker to discharge the firearm so as to prevent unintentional automatic operation. The sear is balanced and pivotally mounted in the firearm at its center of balance so as to prevent unintentional discharge of the firearm in the event that the firearm is dropped or struck by a sharp blow.