All About Handgun Actions: Double Action Revolver

This guide details the loading and firing techniques for a variety of handguns, from 1805 muzzleloaders to modern semi-automatics. It covers black powder loading, percussion cap ignition, cartridge loading for revolvers and semi-automatics, and the use of suppressors. Expert instruction emphasizes safe handling throughout the process.

This guide, presented by Gun Deity, an experienced shooter and content creator, breaks down the perceived recoil differences between a .44 Magnum and a .500 S&W Magnum. It highlights how firearm features like muzzle brakes and grip styles, alongside ammunition weight, significantly impact felt recoil, demonstrating that a .44 Magnum can feel like it kicks more than a .500 S&W Magnum under certain configurations.

This guide, drawing from an experienced instructor on GUNS and American Handgunner Magazines, details the critical aspects of a smooth trigger press. It emphasizes understanding the take-up, the "smooth wall" before sear release, and the "moment of truth" for accurate shooting. The technique applies to both double-action and single-action firearms, stressing the importance of a calm, deliberate final press and follow-through.

The Heritage Rough Rider is presented as an ideal firearm for beginners and children learning to shoot. Its single-action mechanism requires manual hammer cocking, limiting accidental discharges. The six-shot capacity and low recoil contribute to a confidence-building shooting experience, allowing new shooters to master fundamentals like sight alignment before progressing to firearms with more recoil.

This video explains the fundamental operation of a single-action revolver, emphasizing its user-friendly nature for new shooters and children. It highlights the Heritage Rough Rider as a budget-friendly option with low recoil, making it ideal for learning and recreational shooting.

This guide details the process of shooting vintage Smith & Wesson Hand Ejector revolvers in .32-20 caliber. It covers the historical context of the Hand Ejector as a precursor to the K-frame Model 10, discusses the .32-20 cartridge's ballistics, and demonstrates live-fire techniques. The expert instruction highlights target analysis and acknowledges the challenges of vintage double-action triggers.

This guide, informed by Roy Huntington, Editor of American Handgunner Magazine, details the critical differences between buckshot and birdshot for home defense. It covers their physical characteristics, penetration capabilities through walls, and effectiveness at close range. The advice emphasizes choosing a load based on concerns about over-penetration while stressing the universal importance of training, target identification, and using a light for any home defense scenario.

This guide details the field stripping process for a 1911 pistol, presented by Roy Huntington, Publisher of American Handgunner. It covers essential safety checks, step-by-step disassembly, and reassembly, emphasizing techniques to prevent damage. An alternative 'cheat' method for faster disassembly is also demonstrated, along with advice on using specialized tools for tight components.

This video showcases an exceptionally rare find: a first-generation 1873 Colt Single Action Peacemaker, discovered via metal detecting in Arizona. The expert speaker details its museum-quality condition, dating it to 1875, and analyzes the authentic patina and wear, including specific gutta-percha grip details and muzzle wear from holster friction. The firearm's discovery context among homestead ruins adds to its historical narrative.

This guide, presented by Roy Huntington, Editor of American Handgunner Magazine, outlines an efficient '5-minute clean' for modern semi-automatic pistols like the Glock 26/27. It emphasizes that over-cleaning is unnecessary and can cause premature wear. The process focuses on targeted cleaning of critical areas like the barrel and slide rails, with minimal lubrication applied only to high-friction points. Proper function checks after reassembly are also highlighted.