How Revolvers Work - The Basics

Published on March 29, 2020
Duration: 13:59

This video provides a fundamental overview of how revolvers operate, aimed at new gun owners. Instructor Justin Opinion explains the basic parts of a revolver, demonstrates how to load and unload the cylinder, and differentiates between double-action and single-action firing modes. He emphasizes the importance of a smooth, full trigger pull and advises against habitually cocking the hammer on exposed-hammer revolvers due to the sensitive trigger pull in single-action mode.

Quick Summary

Revolvers have a grip, trigger, trigger guard, barrel, cylinder with chambers, and a hammer. To load, open the cylinder, insert rounds, and close it. Unloading involves opening the cylinder and using the ejector rod. Double-action means the trigger pull cocks the hammer and rotates the cylinder; single-action requires manual hammer cocking first.

Chapters

  1. 00:15Introduction and Welcome
  2. 00:33Revolver Basics Tutorial
  3. 01:21Smith & Wesson 38 Special Example
  4. 02:36Identifying Revolver Parts
  5. 03:20The Cylinder and Chambers
  6. 03:38The Hammer and Firing Pin
  7. 04:26Cylinder Release Mechanism
  8. 05:04Cylinder Chambers Explained
  9. 05:47Loading the Revolver
  10. 06:04Closing the Cylinder
  11. 06:45Exposed Hammer Operation
  12. 07:14Double Action vs. Single Action
  13. 08:11Advice for New Owners: Avoid Single Action Habit
  14. 08:54Proper Trigger Pull Technique
  15. 09:44Unloading the Revolver
  16. 10:49Internal Hammer Revolver (Ruger)
  17. 11:44Ruger Cylinder Release
  18. 12:44Double Action Only Operation
  19. 13:25Conclusion and Safety Reminder

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main parts of a revolver?

A revolver consists of several key parts: the grip where you hold it, the trigger and trigger guard, the barrel which is the 'business end', the cylinder that rotates and holds the ammunition, and the hammer (often with a spur for manual cocking).

How do you load and unload a revolver?

To load, open the cylinder by releasing the cylinder catch, insert rounds into the chambers, and close the cylinder until it clicks. To unload, open the cylinder, tip the barrel up, and push the ejector rod to push out spent casings.

What is the difference between double-action and single-action on a revolver?

In double-action, pulling the trigger both cocks the hammer and rotates the cylinder before firing. In single-action (on revolvers with an exposed hammer), the hammer is manually cocked first, so the trigger pull only drops the hammer.

What is the recommended trigger pull technique for revolvers?

For revolvers, it's recommended to use a smooth, full trigger pull all the way back without interruption. Releasing the trigger should also be a complete motion until your finger is off it to maintain mechanical timing.

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