About Revolver Guns
Revolver guns have been an important part of firearm history for nearly 200 years.
The first successful design was created by Samuel Colt in 1836, when he patented the Colt Paterson revolver.
This new kind of firearm had a rotating cylinder that could hold multiple rounds, allowing the user to fire several shots without reloading after each one. This was a major improvement over the single-shot firearms of the time.
Over the years, revolvers have gone through many changes.
Early models were black powder, which meant the shooter had to load gunpowder, a bullet, and a primer separately.
Later, cartridge-firing revolvers were developed, making them faster and easier to reload. Other advancements included double-action triggers, stronger materials, and more accurate barrels.
Revolvers were widely used by soldiers, law enforcement, and civilians throughout the 19th and early 20th centuries.
Even as semi-automatic pistols became more popular, revolvers stayed in use because of their simple design and reliable function.
Today, revolvers are still a popular choice for many gun owners. They are known for being easy to operate, durable, and dependable.
Many people choose revolvers for self-defense, target shooting, and collecting.
While newer handgun styles continue to evolve, the revolver remains a trusted firearm with a long history and proven performance.
How do Revolvers Work
Loading
The first step in the operation of a revolver is loading the ammunition. To do this, you need to unlock the cylinder by pushing the cylinder release and swinging out the cylinder.
It contains several chambers, and each chamber is loaded with a round. A standard revolver has six chambers (that’s why it is often called a 6-shooter), meaning it can fire a maximum of six rounds before needing to reload.
Cocking the Hammer
After loading, the cylinder is locked back into place. To prepare the revolver for firing, you must manually cock the hammer located above the grip area in a single-action (SA) revolver or simply pull the trigger in a double-action (DA) revolver.
Interestingly, in SA revolvers, it’s cocking the hammer that rotates the cylinder. In contrast, in DA revolvers, the cylinder rotates during the backward motion of the hammer when the trigger is being pulled.
Indexing the Cylinder
When you cock the hammer or pull the trigger, the cylinder rotates to align the next chamber with the barrel and the firing pin. This process is called indexing.
Firing
Pulling the trigger releases the hammer. The hammer strikes the firing pin, which then hits the primer compound on the rear of the round. This causes a small explosion, igniting the gunpowder within the round.
Ejection
After firing, the spent cartridge remains in the chamber. If you handle a DA revolver, you can eject all the spent cartridges by opening the cylinder and manipulating the ejector rod. The ejector rod, positioned in the center of the cylinder, has the extractor attached to its end.
The rim of each round rests against the extractor, and by pushing on the ejector rod, the extractor engages with the cartridge rims, pulling them from their chambers. If you own an SA revolver, you half-cock the hammer, which releases the cylinder to revolve freely, and then you open the gate and push the ejector rod that expels one cartridge at a time.
Revolver Types: Single-Action vs. Double-Action
When choosing a revolver, one of the key factors to consider is the action type—how the firearm operates when you pull the trigger.
The two most common types are single-action (SA) and double-action (DA) revolvers, each offering distinct advantages depending on your needs, whether for self-defense, sport shooting, or collecting.
Here's a breakdown of how each type works and what sets them apart.
Single-Action Revolvers (SA)
Single-action revolvers are the classic choice, with roots dating back to the days of the Old West. Famous models like the Colt Single Action Army fall into this category.
- How They Work: In a single-action revolver, the trigger only performs one task—releasing the hammer. Before each shot, you must manually cock the hammer by pulling it back. Once cocked, pulling the trigger fires the round.
- Shooting Experience: The trigger pull is light and crisp, allowing for improved accuracy. However, you must re-cock the hammer after every shot, making this style slower for follow-up shots.
- Reloading: Single-action revolvers typically load and unload one round at a time. You need to half-cock the hammer and rotate the cylinder by hand to align each chamber with the ejector rod, which can be time-consuming.
Single-action revolvers are ideal for target shooting, collecting, and cowboy action competitions, but are less suited for rapid-fire or self-defense situations.
Double-Action Revolvers (DA)
Double-action revolvers simplify the firing process by combining two functions—cocking the hammer and releasing it—into a single trigger pull.
There are two main types: DA/SA (double-action/single-action) and DAO (double-action only).
Double-Action/Single-Action (DA/SA)
- How They Work: You can fire the revolver by either pulling the trigger, which both cocks and releases the hammer (double-action), or by manually cocking the hammer first, allowing for a lighter, more precise single-action trigger pull.
- Best For: DA/SA revolvers are widely used for home defense, law enforcement, and recreational shooting. The exposed hammer offers versatility depending on your shooting needs.
Double-Action Only (DAO)
- How They Work: DAO revolvers do not allow for manual cocking. Every shot is fired by pulling the trigger, which performs both actions. These revolvers typically have a concealed or internal hammer.
- Why Choose DAO: Ideal for concealed carry, DAO designs help prevent snags on clothing during a draw and offer a consistent trigger pull for every shot.
Popular Revolver Calibers
Choosing the right revolver caliber is essential—it directly affects recoil, accuracy, and what the firearm is best used for.
From small-caliber plinking rounds to hard-hitting hunting loads, here’s a breakdown of the most popular revolver calibers and how they’re commonly used:
22 Long Rifle (22LR)
One of the oldest and most widely used cartridges, the .22LR is a favorite for beginners and recreational shooters. It’s affordable, produces very low recoil, and can be used in revolvers, pistols, rifles, and even shotguns. While it's not ideal for self-defense due to its limited stopping power, it's perfect for target practice and small game hunting.
38 Special
Known for its manageable recoil and reliable performance, the .38 Special is often used for concealed carry and range training. It’s compatible with most .357 Magnum revolvers, giving shooters flexible ammo options. The standard load is mild, but +P versions offer improved power for self-defense use.
357 Magnum
A versatile and powerful caliber, the .357 Magnum is suitable for both personal defense and hunting medium-sized game. It offers greater velocity and stopping power than the .38 Special but comes with noticeably more recoil. Many revolver owners appreciate its performance for both home defense and field use.
44 Magnum
Famous for its powerful punch, the .44 Magnum is often used for hunting or backcountry defense. While it’s capable of stopping large game, its heavy recoil can be difficult to manage, making it a less common choice for self-defense. Still, it’s a favorite among revolver enthusiasts who want serious stopping power.
45 Colt (Long Colt)
The .45 Colt is a classic round with deep roots in American firearms history. It offers excellent accuracy, smooth recoil, and solid terminal performance—especially in modern revolvers built to handle higher-pressure loads. It’s commonly used for cowboy action shooting and by hunters who appreciate its power and heritage.
Other Notable Revolver Calibers
454 Casull and .460 S&W Magnum – Powerful rounds designed for big game hunting.
.22 WMR (Magnum), .32 H&R Magnum, and .327 Federal Magnum – Great choices for self-defense and concealed carry, especially for those seeking lower recoil options with good terminal performance.
Revolver Guns FAQs
Question: What is a revolver gun?
Answer: A revolver is a type of handgun that uses a rotating cylinder to hold ammunition. Each chamber in the cylinder holds a single round, and the cylinder rotates to align a new round with the barrel after each shot. Revolvers are known for their simple, mechanical design and are available in both single-action and double-action models.
Question: Is a revolver better than a pistol?
Answer: Whether a revolver is better than a pistol depends on your needs. Revolvers are often praised for their reliability and ease of use, especially in high-stress situations. However, semi-automatic pistols usually offer higher capacity and quicker reloads. For concealed carry, home defense, or backup use, revolvers can be a great option. For those needing higher round counts or faster shooting, pistols may be preferred.
Question: Why do police no longer use revolvers?
Answer: Police departments began moving away from revolvers in the late 20th century in favor of semi-automatic pistols. The main reasons were capacity and reload speed - modern pistols typically hold more rounds and can be reloaded much faster. Semi-automatics also offer features like accessory rails and quicker follow-up shots, which are valuable in law enforcement situations.
Question: Is a revolver a good self-defense weapon?
Answer: Yes, a revolver can be a very effective self-defense weapon. It’s easy to operate, highly reliable, and doesn't jam as easily as some semi-automatics. Revolvers are particularly good for those who want a simple, no-fuss firearm they can count on. However, with a typical capacity of 5-6 rounds, users need to consider whether that's sufficient for their self-defense needs.
Question: What is the best revolver?
Answer: The best revolver depends on your intended use. For self-defense, the Smith & Wesson J-Frame or Ruger LCR are popular choices. For target shooting or hunting, larger-frame revolvers like the Ruger GP100 or Smith & Wesson Model 686 are highly regarded. Your best pick will balance size, caliber, comfort, and purpose.
Question: Are revolvers good carry guns?
Answer: Yes, many revolvers make excellent concealed carry guns. Compact revolvers like the .38 Special snub-nose models are lightweight, easy to conceal, and quick to draw. They also have fewer mechanical failures, making them a solid option for everyday carry, especially for those who prioritize reliability and simplicity.
Question: What are the popular revolver calibers?
Answer: Popular revolver calibers include:
- 22 LR – Great for beginners and target practice,
- 38 Special – Common for concealed carry and self-defense,
- 357 Magnum – Offers more power and versatility,
- 44 Magnum – Favored for hunting and backwoods defense,
- 45 Colt – Known for its stopping power and historical appeal,
- Specialized Calibers: 22 Magnum, 327 Federal Mag, and 454 Casull for hunting or niche uses.
Question: What is a revolver cylinder?
Answer: The cylinder is a key part of a revolver that holds the ammunition. It contains multiple chambers, usually five or six, that rotate around a central axis. Each time you cock the hammer or pull the trigger (depending on the action type), the cylinder rotates to align a fresh round with the barrel, ready to be fired.
Question: Are revolvers more reliable than semi-auto pistols?
Answer: Generally, yes. Revolvers are often considered more mechanically reliable than semi-automatic pistols because they have fewer moving parts and don’t rely on magazines or slide cycling. They are less prone to malfunctions like jams or feeding issues, making them especially trusted for self-defense or backup use.