Why Load Just Five?

Published on June 6, 2025
Duration: 19:53

This video explains the practice of loading only five rounds into a six-chamber single-action revolver, often called the 'John Wayne load'. The primary reason is to ensure the hammer rests on an empty chamber, preventing accidental discharge. While Colt's original safety notch exists, historical accounts and practical demonstrations suggest it's not always reliable, leading to the widespread adoption of the five-round method for enhanced safety, especially in historical reenactments and cowboy action shooting.

Quick Summary

Loading five rounds into a six-chamber single-action revolver, leaving one chamber empty under the hammer, is a common safety practice known as the 'John Wayne load' or 'five beans in the wheel.' This prevents accidental discharge by ensuring the hammer rests on an empty chamber, a more reliable safety measure than the often-questioned safety notch on older revolvers.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the 'John Wayne load' for single-action revolvers?

The 'John Wayne load,' also known as 'five beans in the wheel,' involves loading only five rounds into a six-chamber single-action revolver. This leaves one chamber empty directly under the hammer, preventing accidental discharge if the hammer is dropped on a live primer.

Why is loading five rounds safer than six in a single-action revolver?

Loading five rounds ensures the hammer rests on an empty chamber, eliminating the risk of the hammer striking a primer and causing an accidental discharge. While single-action revolvers have a safety notch, historical evidence suggests it's not always reliable, making the five-round method a more consistently safe practice.

Did people really shoot themselves by carrying six rounds in old revolvers?

Yes, historical accounts and firearms historians confirm that accidental discharges occurred when carrying six rounds in single-action revolvers. These incidents often happened when the hammer, resting on a live primer, was struck by external force, leading to the widespread adoption of the 'load five' safety practice.

What is the safety notch on a single-action revolver hammer?

The safety notch is a small indentation on the hammer of some single-action revolvers designed to catch the hammer between full cock and resting on a primer. It was intended as a safety feature, but its reliability has been questioned, leading many to prefer leaving a chamber empty.

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