Revolvers and What You Need To Know

John G. Johnson, a firearms instructor from Cape Coral, Florida, provides a foundational overview of revolvers. He explains the different types (hammerless, hammer, shrouded hammer) and firing mechanisms (single-action, double-action, double-action only). The video emphasizes proper grip techniques to avoid gas burns from the cylinder gap and demonstrates loading, unloading, and basic aiming principles, including sight alignment. It also touches on caliber choices and the advantages of revolvers for specific situations like shooting through clothing.

Quick Summary

Revolvers come in hammerless, hammer, and shrouded hammer styles, operating in single-action (manual cocking) or double-action (trigger pull cocks and fires). Proper grip avoids the cylinder gap to prevent gas burns. A .357 Magnum revolver can fire both .357 and .38 Special rounds, offering versatility. They are also reliable for shooting through clothing due to their lack of a reciprocating slide.

Chapters

  1. 00:05Introduction and Channel Update
  2. 00:47What is a Revolver?
  3. 01:13Revolver Styles: Hammerless, Hammer, Shrouded Hammer
  4. 02:45Revolver Popularity and Simplicity
  5. 03:54Revolver Grip vs. Semi-Automatic Grip
  6. 04:25Single Action vs. Double Action Explained
  7. 06:32Taurus 856 and Sighting Systems
  8. 07:47Smith & Wesson Airweight: Lightweight Considerations
  9. 09:01Shooting a Large Frame Revolver
  10. 09:49Proper Revolver Grip Techniques
  11. 11:32Revolver Calibers: .38 Special vs. .357 Magnum
  12. 13:18Loading and Unloading Revolvers
  13. 15:53Shooting Demonstration: Smith & Wesson
  14. 19:23Shooting Demonstration: Taurus 856 (Left-Handed)
  15. 21:18Shooting Demonstration: Smith & Wesson Airweight
  16. 22:49Single Action Revolver Operation
  17. 25:03Cylinder Rotation Direction
  18. 25:40Revolver Caliber Variety
  19. 27:05When Revolvers Excel: Defensive Scenarios
  20. 29:50Cost Factors of Revolvers
  21. 31:16Conclusion and Practice Advice

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main types of revolvers?

Revolvers generally come in three main styles: hammerless, which has an internal hammer; a standard hammer model; and a shrouded hammer model, where the hammer is partially enclosed to prevent snagging. Each type affects how the firearm is operated and carried.

How does a revolver's grip differ from a semi-automatic pistol?

Unlike semi-automatics where a forward thumb grip is common, revolvers require the thumb to be kept away from the cylinder gap. This prevents potential burns from hot gases escaping the cylinder when the firearm is discharged.

What is the advantage of a .357 Magnum revolver over a .38 Special?

A .357 Magnum revolver offers greater versatility because it can chamber and fire both .357 Magnum and .38 Special ammunition. Conversely, a .38 Special revolver can only fire .38 Special rounds.

Why are revolvers sometimes recommended for shooting through clothing or bags?

Revolvers are reliable when firing through obstructions like jackets or purses because they lack a reciprocating slide. A semi-automatic's slide could jam when obstructed, whereas a revolver's cylinder mechanism is less susceptible to such issues.

What is the benefit of loading a revolver cylinder every other chamber during training?

Loading every other chamber mixes live and dry fire rounds. This technique helps shooters manage recoil anticipation, as they don't know if the next shot will be live or a blank, leading to a more controlled trigger press.

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