Should You Load Five, Or Should You Load Six? (Single Action Basics)
This video explains the historical safety reason for loading only five rounds in a six-shooter single-action revolver: the hammer resting on a live round can fire it. Modern revolvers from Ruger and Smith & Wesson incorporate transfer bars or hammer blocks to safely allow loading six rounds. Even with modern safety, maintaining the five-round habit is discussed as a good safety culture practice.









